Our Board

Najah Bazzy, RN, PhD (honoris causa)

Najah Bazzy, RN, is an internationally recognized healer, humanitarian, interfaith leader, healthcare consultant, and founder of Zaman International. The nonprofit organization near Detroit empowers marginalized women and children to break the cycle of poverty and has helped more than 3.5 million people in 26 countries since 2010. 

In recognition of her invaluable work and her significant contributions to society, Najah Bazzy received an honorary PhD from Oakland University. She has also been recognized worldwide, including as one of USA Today’s Women of the Year in 2023, one of the top six Muslim female thought leaders by Global Woman Magazine in 2022, in People Magazine’s Women Changing the World issue 2020, and as a 2019 CNN Hero. She and her family appeared in the PBS film “Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet,” which was viewed by over 15 million people when it premiered in the U.S. and has been seen by hundreds of millions worldwide.

Gehad Alawan

As a licensed Financial Advisor with Equitable’s Progressive Wealth Group for over 22 years, Gehad provides his expertise in corporate finances to ensure Zaman continues to grow while achieving its vision of a world where women and their children can break the cycle of poverty and self-direct their futures. Having served on the board since 2008, Gehad takes pride in being hands-on and can often be found in the middle of the activities at Zaman events.

Throughout his career, Gehad has earned many corporate achievements, most notably induction into the Equitable Hall of Fame and the Southwest Solutions 2012 Businessman of the Year. After serving on Opportunity Resource Funds Board of Directors for 20 years, he continues to serve on their Advisory Board. Gehad earned his Bachelor of Science in Business and Managerial Economics from Central Michigan University. He has four children and is involved in their school PTAs and soccer teams.

Colleen Ezzeddine, Ph.D.

Colleen is a respected communications professional who lends her expertise to promote Zaman’s mission while helping guide the organization’s governance as vice chair of the board of directors. As Zaman has grown from a grassroots organization to a well-respected nonprofit, she has played an integral role in building a professionalized communications structure that continues to evolve to meet the needs of Zaman and its clients. Her early work with the organization was critical to effectively launching Zaman’s first social media presence as nonprofits began to adopt emerging platforms such as Facebook.

With a doctorate in organizational communication from Wayne State University, Colleen is an Assistant Professor of Teaching in WSU’s Department of Communication. Her previous professional experience also includes serving as director of undergraduate admissions at the University of Detroit Mercy and consulting, speech writing, coaching and training through The McMillan Group.  Clients have included Wayne State University, Arab American and Chaldean Council, Global Commercial Credit, and the Michigan Association of Physicians of Indian Origin. 

Colleen serves on the board of the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) and she is a past board member of Health Alliance Plan. She and her husband, Ahmad, have three children: Taima, Hassan, and Nadim. 

Nader Bazzi, D.D.S.

Owning and operating Contemporary Dentistry and its four Michigan locations, Nader is a successful business owner and dentist. As Zaman’s treasurer, he has been instrumental in keeping the organization on a sustainable and fiscally responsible path as it has grown from a grassroots group of volunteers to a world-class nonprofit organization. A board member since 2010, he has also helped Zaman create additional revenue streams to support its mission while ensuring at least 90 cents per every dollar donated goes directly to support programming. 

Nader and his wife, Dr. Rima Bazzi, founded Contemporary Dentistry, which operates four offices serving patients in Berkley, Canton, Dearborn, and East Lansing. Nader attended the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 1993 and graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 1997. An avid sportsman, he is an accomplished skier and racquetball player. He enjoys traveling and outdoor activities with his wife and two children.

Moheeb Murray, Esq.

A seasoned attorney with knowledge of business and contractual issues gained through a successful career in commercial litigation, Moheeb is a partner at a Troy-based law firm and brings his legal insights and leadership to Zaman. A member of the board since 2008, Moheeb continues to serve as secretary and played an instrumental role in helping Zaman formally launch as an incorporated nonprofit organization. 

Moheeb became aware of Zaman through the Young Muslim Association from the Islamic Center of America more than two decades ago. He was drawn to Zaman by its concept of servant leadership and inclusive service to people in poverty no matter their background, culture or race. Moheeb graduated from the University of Michigan Business School in Ann Arbor with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1997, and from the University of Michigan Law School in 2001.  

Joffer Hakim, M.D.

Joffer is an anesthesiologist on staff at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Oakland, in Pontiac Michigan.  He was born and raised in Michigan City, Indiana and attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate studies as well as for medical school.  He stayed in Ann Arbor and completed his residency in anesthesiology at the University of Michigan hospitals.  Since 1996, he has been on staff at St. Joe’s in Pontiac.  Currently, Joffer is Clinical Director for the Department of Anesthesia.  Dr. Hakim is married to Dr. Nishath Hakim and has 4 children, 1 boy and 3 girls.   His interests include Islam, reading, and sports, especially U of M football. 

Sumreen Ahmad

With more than 20 years experience in strategic planning and organizational development for Fortune 100 companies, Sumreen is committed to translating her professional skills by serving as Zaman International's strategic planning lead since 2011, prior to joining the board in 2019.  Her experience working at the intersection of the corporate, public and nonprofit sectors – coupled with her passion for unlocking the potential for Zaman's clients – is at the core of what drives Sumreen to support Zaman in its mission of Hope for Humanity. 

Extensively experienced in mobilizing and leading global initiatives, Sumreen spearheaded  efforts to develop the professional standard for all change management practitioners worldwide and has extensive experience leading global transformational efforts for Accenture’s 720,000+ employees. She is a recognized expert in building inclusive, equal, and innovative cultures, having spoken across industry conferences including Working Mother Media, Diversity Best Practices, and the Forum for Workplace Inclusion. Sumreen has also been recognized as the recipient of the Great Place to Work Leadership Award in 2019 and by Crain’s Detroit Business as a 2021 Notable Executive in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Mr. Rumzei Abdallah

A longtime Zaman supporter, Rumzei joined the board in 2022 and lends his financial and professional expertise to help the organization achieve sustainability so it can continue to improve the lives of marginalized women and children. A licensed CPA in Michigan, Rumzei has over 14 years experience in accounting at Plante Moran, primarily with local government agencies and automotive dealers. He also serves on various industry and professional associations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, and Michigan Government Finance Officers Association. Active in the community, Rumzei is a member of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce and is chair of the American Arab Professionals Network. He has a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Jamele J. Hage

Jamele is a healthcare law arbiter for the American Arbitration Association and an accomplished attorney bringing more than 30 years of public and private sector experience to Zaman, including her expertise in health care, governmental, real estate, and business and corporate law. She is currently assisting the Michigan Attorney General’s office in revising the handling of fraud, waste, and abuse cases and health care licensing matters.

In 2020, she prepared a statewide proposal for revising the healthcare delivery model in the State of Michigan that won the Detroit Legal Scholar Award. Active in local government, she is a Oakland County Building Authority Commissioner and board member on the Michigan Pharmacist Association’s Government Affairs Committee. She also previously served as director of Wayne County’s foreclosure prevention program, designing and implementing the award-winning initiative. Jamele has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University.