Maryam Rahman, MD, grew up in Panama City, Florida, and earned her BA in Chemistry from Johns Hopkins University, followed by her medical degree from the University of Florida. She completed her neurosurgical training at both institutions and is currently a Professor of Neurosurgery
at the University of Florida, specializing in the treatment of brain tumors.

A founding board member of Pen of Mercy since its inception in 2008, Maryam is a dedicated advocate for organizations that expand access to care and resources for marginalized and underserved communities.

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

Originally from Peshawar, Pakistan, Shireen has lived most of her life in Florida. Currently, Shireen lives in Tampa, Florida. Shireen 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 lessons to children and adults in Tampa, Florida while dedicating most of her time to Pen of Mercy.

Amal Sidani-Tabbaa 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.

Iman Elkadi was born in Egypt and raised across Afghanistan, Pakistan, Morocco, Libya, and the UK, later living in Austria, Saudi Arabia, and the United State; experiences that have shaped her deep global perspective and cultural understanding.

Iman earned a Master of Clinical Social Work from Florida State University and is trained to counsel individuals and families from diverse ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. She believes that meeting basic human needs is the foundation of a dignified, productive, and fulfilling life.

She considers it both an honor and a
blessing to serve on the board of Pen of Mercy, where she contributes her insight and compassion to improving the wellbeing of those most in need.

Abid Naeem is a tax and accounting professional with extensive experience in tax compliance, financial reporting, and nonprofit financial systems. As a board member of Pen of Mercy, he brings this expertise to strengthening the organization’s financial structure and governance.

Abid plays a vital role in improving
financial clarity, supporting responsible stewardship of resources, and establishing sound practices that allow the organization’s mission-driven work
to grow and create lasting impact. Abid is a resident of Tampa, Florida, where
he has a tax and financial consulting practice.

Fatima Majid Khan is a practicing dentist in the Tampa Bay area with over fifteen years of experience serving on a wide range of boards, including professional, educational, and nonprofit organizations. Her leadership experience spans local Islamic school boards, homeowner
associations, and nonprofit organizations, particularly those serving Pakistani communities in both the United States and Pakistan.

Through her extensive board service, Fatima has developed strong expertise
in governance, strategic planning, and community development. She is honored to bring this experience to Pen of Mercy, where she contributes her insight and
dedication to advancing the organization’s mission and impact.

Heba Elzawahry, MD, is a family physician with advanced training in global health, geriatrics, and palliative care. Deeply committed to serving underserved and vulnerable populations, she has dedicated her career to caring for the chronically ill, homeless, uninsured, and immigrant communities in Washington, DC, Chicago, and beyond, utilizing her fluency in Arabic and Spanish to bridge gaps in care.

Heba's work spans disaster relief in Haiti and South India, global medical outreach across multiple countries, and the establishment of a medical scholarship in Chennai to support women entering medical school. A passionate advocate for human rights, civil liberties, and compassionate end-of-life care, Heba currently serves as the Geriatric clerkship Director at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.