EXECUTIVES

MAZIN AWAD

  • Mazin Awad earned his Master of Arts in Higher Education & Organizational Change from UCLA in 2024, where he researched high school transcripts to examine the coursetaking patterns of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) students compared to other racial/ethnic groups.

    He aims to address potential inequities impacting MENA students' access to higher education, challenging their miscategorization as white. Mazin also holds a BA in International Studies - Sociology from UCSD, where he mentored undergraduates and K-12 students through the Partners at Learning (PAL) program. At MAPS, he focuses on creating, providing, and advocating for necessary resources to shape students’ success.

    Mazin is excited to work with his MAPS team to enhance the project’s site services, community relationships, and overall resources.

    Outside of work, Mazin enjoys spending time with his loved ones and trying different restaurants.

    You can reach Mazin at mawad@cpo.ucla.edu.

AZZEE LIM

  • Azzee is a third-year undergraduate student at UCLA, majoring in Human Biology and Society.

    Building on her initial role as a MAPS volunteer during her first year, she pursued a MAPS internship in 2023 to deepen her understanding of the social and economic conditions impacting her students at site.

    Committed to advocating for educational equality in under-resourced communities, Azzee seeks to leverage her experiences and privileges as a UCLA student to become a vital resource for her fellow students. She is dedicated to supporting her peers both academically and spiritually, and is enthusiastic about continuing her growth and contributions with MAPS.

    You can reach Azzee at azzeelim@g.ucla.edu

AYRA SULTAN

  • Ayra is a third-year Psychobiology major who began volunteering with MAPS during her sophomore year.

    Her initial experiences as a volunteer sparked a deeper interest in MAPS’ mission of educational justice, leading her to become a MAPS Intern. Through this internship, she gained a better understanding of educational inequality in Los Angeles and the vital services MAPS provides to underserved students.

    She values MAPS’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and looks forward to building relationships with students while collaborating with others who are also passionate about serving diverse L.A. communities.

    You can reach Ayra at asult994@gmail.com.

SYAAL SHARIFZAD

  • Syaal is a fourth-year student majoring in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

    He joined MAPS last year first as a volunteer and then as an intern for the winter & spring quarters. He resonates with the MAPS mission statement and purpose and loves the opportunities MAPS provides in not only allowing community building to occur, but also as a way to connect with like-minded volunteers & with the amazing students at MAPS sites.

    You can contact Syaal at syaals324@gmail.com.

TASNIM JAHAN

  • Tasnim is a third-year Psychobiology major.

    Her journey with MAPS began in her freshman year when she was captivated by the project's mission to support underserved students. Over the years, Tasnim has been deeply involved with MAPS, initially as a dedicated volunteer and later as an intern. Her time with MAPS has deepened her appreciation for the project’s mission of achieving educational equality.

    She values the opportunity it offers to make a meaningful difference in the academic and personal journeys of countless students. She looks forward to using her position to contribute to the growth and success of MAPS and its service recipients.

    You can reach Tasnim at tasnimjahan17@g.ucla.edu.

SITE COORDINATORS

MARYAM SANDHU

  • Maryam is a third-year Neuroscience major who first volunteered for MAPS at the end of her freshman year.

    She became an intern during her sophomore year, during which she found a passion for combating systemic inequities through the academic enrichment of the students they serve. Both the MAPS students and staff are an incredible community of people that she’s honored to be able to work with again this year, and she looks forward to advancing MAPS’s mission of increasing access to higher education for students of underserved communities.

    Her favorite memory from MAPS has to be playing soccer and hide-and-seek at Spring Forward with Islah LA students.

    You can reach Maryam at maryamsandhu22@g.ucla.edu.

MONDAYS

ISLAH 1 FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM

The ISLAH site serves students in grades 6 through 8, with ISLAH I focusing specifically on English and History enrichment. Designed to prepare students for the transition to high school, the program emphasizes skill-building, goal setting, and early career exploration. Through dynamic discussions and engaging activities, MAPS volunteers help students reflect on their academic interests and future aspirations.

In collaboration with ISLAH Academy faculty, volunteers also provide subject-specific tutoring to reinforce classroom learning and support academic growth. We seek volunteers who are passionate about youth development and education, particularly in the humanities. Ideal candidates possess strong communication skills, a patient and encouraging demeanor, and a commitment to culturally responsive mentorship. Prior experience working with middle school students is a plus, though not required. Volunteers play a vital role in creating an inspiring, supportive environment where students can thrive.

BARAA ABU GHALYOUN

  • Baraa Abu Ghalyoun is a third-year General Biology Major.

    He was born and lived most of his life on the East Coast, including WV, VA, NJ, and NY. He is currently on the pre-med pathway and is incredibly interested in clinical research. His fun fact is that he loves playing and watching soccer even when he should be studying.

    He joined MAPS to understand the application of mentorship in underserved communities and connect with the younger generation of Muslims.

    You can contact Baraa at baraaghalyoun15@gmail.com.

TUESDAYS

MAPS ACADEMY FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM

MAPS Academy is designed for middle school students in Hawthorne of the Greater Los Angeles area. Our program aims to empower students and build their confidence through a curriculum centered on goal setting and pathways to higher education. Additionally, MAPS Academy encourages students to become advocates for themselves and their communities by engaging in meaningful discussions and applying their learning to real-world contexts.

We seek volunteers who are passionate about education equity and youth empowerment. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong communication and mentorship skills, cultural humility, and a commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments. Experience working with youth, particularly in educational or community-based settings, is highly valued. Volunteers are expected to be reliable, collaborative, and enthusiastic about guiding the next generation of scholars and leaders.

HAMZA KHAN

  • Hamza Khan is a third-year majoring in Data Theory.

    He began with MAPS his freshman year, quickly growing fond of the team and the students. Volunteering at Islah Academy and ICH enabled him to relive childhood memories, discussing Pokemon while tutoring students on mixed fractions.

    He looks forward to expanding the CC site and connecting with new students and volunteers.

    You can reach Hamza at hamzakhan0415@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAYS

HYBRID FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM

Our El Camino and Hawthorne sites serve both aspiring transfer students from El Camino College and high school seniors from Hawthorne Math and Science Academy. This initiative is dedicated to advancing college access by offering comprehensive support in college admissions, one-on-one application advisement, financial aid workshops, and career development networking.

We work closely with students from historically underserved communities, helping them navigate the complexities of the higher education system and equipping them with the tools to succeed in their academic and professional journeys.

Volunteers play a critical role in this program by providing mentorship, leading workshops, and offering individualized support throughout the college application process. We seek volunteers who are knowledgeable about college admissions and financial aid, have strong interpersonal skills, and are committed to educational equity. Ideal volunteers are empathetic, dependable, and passionate about guiding students through transformative life transitions.

YAZAN ABU GHALYOUN

  • Yazan is a third-year UCLA student majoring in Biology with a deep passion for mentorship, education equity, and community service.

    As a High School Site Coordinator for MAPS, he leads academic support and college prep programming at local underserved high schools. His work focuses on building meaningful relationships with students, helping them navigate challenging coursework, and empowering them to pursue higher education confidently. Yazan is particularly passionate about creating accessible pathways for first-generation and low-income students.

    Outside of MAPS, he is involved in clinical research and community-based outreach aimed at addressing health disparities!

    You can reach Yazan at yazannj05@gmail.com

WEDNESDAYS

HAWTHORNE MATH AND SCIENCES ACADEMY FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM

The High School Site is the newest addition to the MAPS initiative, developed in partnership with Hawthorne Math and Science Academy. This site is dedicated to supporting high school seniors as they prepare for the transition to college and beyond. Our programming includes targeted resources for Advanced Placement (AP) exam preparation, personalized college admissions guidance, application advisement, financial aid workshops, and networking opportunities for career development.

Volunteers at this site serve as mentors, academic coaches, and workshop facilitators. We seek individuals who are passionate about educational equity and experienced in college preparation processes. Ideal volunteers possess strong communication skills, a supportive and approachable demeanor, and a commitment to empowering students from underrepresented backgrounds. Prior experience with AP subjects, college advising, or youth mentorship is highly encouraged. Volunteers are instrumental in helping students build confidence and take actionable steps toward their future goals.

KARIM GALAL

  • Karim is a third-year student at UCLA. He joined MAPS last year to help support members of the community and to spread his passion for learning to the younger generation.

    His favorite site memory is playing an intense game of 3-2-1 (basketball) with a few of the students after they finished their work.

    You can reach Karim at galalkarim5@gmail.com.

THURSDAYS

ISLAH ACADEMY 2 FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM

The ISLAH Site 2 serves 6th through 8th grade students, with ISLAH II focusing specifically on math and science enrichment. Designed to prepare students for the academic rigor of high school, the program emphasizes foundational skill-building, goal setting, and early exposure to STEM-related career pathways.

MAPS volunteers lead interactive discussions and engaging activities that encourage students to explore their academic interests and future ambitions. In addition, volunteers collaborate closely with ISLAH Academy teachers to provide subject-specific tutoring, reinforcing classroom instruction and offering individualized support.

We welcome volunteers who are passionate about STEM education and youth empowerment. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong communication and problem-solving skills, patience, and a genuine commitment to mentoring middle school students. Prior experience in tutoring, especially in math and science, is highly valued. Volunteers at ISLAH II play a vital role in cultivating curiosity, confidence, and academic readiness among the next generation of learners.