From the Executive Committee: Afifa Khaliq, Secretary
AFIFA KHALIQ
SECRETARY, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SOUTH FLORIDA MUSLIM FEDERATION
‘To lead, you must serve.’an
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
By qualification I am a journalist with a Masters Degree in Mass Communications from Pakistan. I worked as a desk editor for a Pakistan based international media conglomerate for about two years and then taught journalism for another year. After that I developed an interest for International Development and have never looked back ever since.
Moving to United States in 2008 was a big change but my work and local community has been a huge support. I am currently working as Director of Programs with SEIU Florida Public Services Union, West Palm Beach, and also perform my duties as the Secretary of SFL Muslim Federation.
What sort of community service work have you participated in/ undertaken? What inspired you the most and why do you think there is a need to give back to the community?
I have volunteered with a lot of organizations including EMGAGE, CAIR, Florida Immigrant Coalition, and the Federation in various capacities. My inspiration comes from our elders who have worked hard to establish institutions like Masajid and organizations. Their selfless service to our community is the reason for our success as Muslim Americans. It is our responsibility to continue their mission forward and pass it on to our younger generations.
Which aspect(s) of the local Muslim community do you feel has the maximum potential to grow and develop? How can SFMF help achieve it?
Muslim community has a lot of potential especially amongst our young adults. We have not developed programs that can effectively utilize their talent, skills and passion to benefit our community. We do not have a leadership pipeline in many organizations that gives them decision making powers on how to shape new and innovative programs.
Women is another segment of our community, I feel, whose talent is under utilized. InshaAllah Federation’s training programs on organizational development can help address these disparities.
How can a person who is not a federation member or part of any other organization, contribute to betterment of community?
We are all representing our faith in any area of work we are doing. InshaAllah if we our perform duties with faith as a guiding principle, we are adding value to this society. I would though encourage everyone to spare sometime to volunteer for Muslim organizations or at least buy from local Muslim businesses.
