Maryam Rahman was born and raised in Florida. She obtained her BA in Chemistry from Johns Hopkins University and her medical doctorate from the University of Florida. She stayed at the University of Florida for her neurosurgical residency training and is now working as faculty at the Department of Neurosurgery there. She specializes in the neurosurgical treatment of brain tumors.

Maryam has been actively involved in Pen of Mercy since its inception in 2008. She is passionate about eradicating hunger and supporting education for Muslim women. She feels that Pen of Mercy is a great mechanism by which to support indigent Muslim women worldwide.

Shireen founded Pen of Mercy in 2008 in order to help indigent women and children in the Muslim world through Islamic calligraphy and artwork.

Shireen believes that the key to solving many problems associated with poverty lies in educating women in society.

Originally from Peshawar, Pakistan, Shireen has lived in the United States since she was seventeen years old. She has lived most of her life in Florida. Currently, Shireen lives in Tampa, Florida. Shireen has received an undergraduate degree in accounting and an MBA from Florida State University.

Shireen is a self taught artist, who works with oil paints, acrylics, watercolors, ink and mixed media. Shireen teaches art on a volunteer basis at Bayaan Academy, a private Islamic school in Tampa. She also teaches art lessons to children and adults.

Amal Sidani-Tabbaa is a proud mother of five. She has a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and master’s and doctorate degrees from Florida State University.  As an educator, Amal has taught at the high school, community college, and university levels.

Currently Amal is an administrator and Clinical Researcher at Bay Neurological Institute in Panama City, Florida.

Amal has been a board member and supporter of Pen of Mercy since its inception in 2008. She is a strong believer in education and in community service. Community work is a small part of Amal's commitment to education and to making a difference in the lives of others.