The Honor is Ours

As a team we are sincerely ecstatic about this project. Not only does this project allow us to further our own aspirations for a better world, it also allows us to solidify a meaningful and well thought out approach to furthering the legacies of Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu-Salha, and Razan Abu-Salha:

"Growing up in America has been such a blessing. And although in some ways I do stand out, such as the hijab I wear on my head, the head covering, there are still so many ways that I feel so embedded in the fabric that is... our culture."
Yusor Abu-Salha

their legacy lives on…

Ibraheem Khalifa, Board Chairman

Ibraheem is father to four young children and joined the Light House as Board Chair when it was established in 2016. He’s called North Carolina home for 22 years and served at several local non-profit organizations, including the Raleigh Mosque, Muslim American Society and Habitat for Humanity. Ibraheem believes in creating opportunities for youth to feel welcomed and encouraged to grow through service to others and self-improvement.

Yezen Hamad, Vice Chairman

Yezen grew up in Rocky Mount, NC. His father is originally from Palestine and mother is from Nash County, NC. Yezen earned a degree in Economics from Sydney College in VA and went on to work as a mutual fund accountant. Yezen’s true passion was to pursue Commercial Real Estate, which has been doing for over 20 years. Yezen is happily married with three children.

Farris Barakat, Founding Board Member

Farris Barakat was born and raised in Raleigh, NC to Syrian immigrants. He graduated from North Carolina State University with concentration in Entrepreneurship. Since then, he has continued to work internationally in bringing relief to Syrian refugees. Farris founded the Light House Project in hopes of reclaiming the Muslim American narrative in honor of his brother Deah Barakat. He has committed his career to bridging the gap of ignorance to further understanding.

Rida Fatima, Advisory Board Member

Rida has a Masters in Accounting and is currently at Deloitte in Cyber Risk. She leads policy, audit readiness, and risk management for information systems in Federal clients. Rida has been with LHP since the beginning and formerly served as the Treasurer. Currently Rida serves on the board as a advisor. Rida believes LHP is unique in the services and opportunities it provides for this community and serves as a vessel for the younger generation to feel connected to each other and their community. Rida now resides in Maryland but is still connected to the Raleigh community and the mission of LHP. 

Maha Ali, Board Member

Maha Ali was born and raised in the Triangle. She is mother to three children and loves her community. Maha has been a Registered Nurse for 12 years and enjoys volunteering  in healthcare and other local Muslim organizations. Maha strongly believes that the biggest assett to any community is its youth. This is what led her to the Light House Project. She hopes to uplift the youth by  providing the support and programs necessary for success through the LHP.

Nadia Khan, Executive Director

Nadia has been working in the nonprofit sector for over a decade and is passionate about serving the Muslim community.  She earned a graduate degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Georgia. Nadia has been involved in various Muslim organizations since moving to the Triangle in 2008 and had perviously served on the Light House Project board since 2018. She took on the role of Executive Director in October 2021.