2013
Ammad Rafiqi
Law Clerk – Fall ’13
Ammad is a Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He currently attends University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. While working here, Ammad wants to look at the types of discrimination facing Muslims and help with immigration and citizenship issues. His interests include hiking and camping, photography, acting, sports, and he is a coffee shop connoisseur. Ammad describes himself as, "disturbingly efficient at antagonistic roles in plays."
Ahmed Karrar
Law Clerk – Fall ’13
Ahmed is a Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He currently attends Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He has aspirations to work in the sports and entertainment field. While working here, Ahmed wants to help aid individuals suffering from religious discrimination.
Alaa Saleh
Outreach Intern – Fall ’13
Alaa is an Outreach Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She attends DePaul University in Chicago majoring in Urban Planning. She hopes to assist CAIR-Chicago in raising funds and wants to promote a better image of Muslims everywhere. Alaa enjoys readings, working with non-profit organizations, and spending time with her friends and family.
Walid Sankari
Government Affairs Intern – Fall ’13
Walid is a Government Affairs Intern at CAIR-Chicago. He is studying Philosophy and Business Management at Loyola University of Chicago. He hopes to use his experience at CAIR-Chicago to further awareness about the crisis in Syria and aid the Chicago Muslim community. Walid enjoys studying philosophy & Islamic theology and enjoys watching films in his spare time.
Milos Markicevic
Communications Intern – Fall ’13
Milos is a Communications intern at CAIR-Chicago. He recently completed his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Journalism at DePaul University. A dual citizen (Serbian-Australian), Milos moved to Chicago in 2009 as an international student. He previously lived in the Middle East for over a decade with his family. Outside of CAIR he is a contributing writer and photographer for the music blog Brooklyn Vegan Chicago. A shameless geek, in his free time he collects vinyl records, reads comic books, and tries to put a dent in his large Steam backlog of video games.
Talha Ahmad
Communications Intern – Fall ’13
Talha is a Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. He is currently taking a gap year from his graduate studies at the University of Virginia where he is studying Architectural History & Theory. He hopes to gain journalistic experience through the CAIR-Chicago publication Chicago Monitor and take the experience with social justice he will gain in this internship back with him to Virginia. In his spare time, Talha enjoys reading, writing, and woodworking.
Claudia Bertacchi
Law Clerk – Summer ’13
Claudia is a Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She graduated from DePaul University in 2011with a double major in Italian and Political Science, and a minor in Spanish. Claudia is entering her final year at Chicago-Kent College of Law, where she is focusing on criminal law. She is also interested in immigration law and family law, both of which she has experience in. In addition to working at CAIR-Chicago, Claudia has been working for the Public Defender’s office as a law clerk for the past two years now. She describes herself as a fierce person, who fights for what is right and does not take no for an answer. Claudia hopes to become a successful criminal defense attorney and vows to never charge people who truly cannot afford her services. She also hopes to become a judge in the future. Claudia is a devout Catholic who enjoys discussing religion and politics, coaching soccer, dancing and reading.
Robert Hill
Government Affairs Intern – Summer '13
Robert is a Government Affairs Intern at CAIR-Chicago. In 2011, he earned a bachelor’s in International Relations from Baylor University, and is currently enrolled in University of Illinois Law School. Robert hopes to work as a legal professional in a civil rights organization, and is excited about the opportunity to contribute work at CAIR-Chicago this summer. Robert was born in Germany, has lived on a ranch in Texas, and in his free time enjoys playing the piano.
Ibrahim M. Al-Hajiby
Government Affairs Intern – Summer '13
Ibrahim is an Outreach and Government Affairs Intern at CAIR-Chicago. Ibrahim was born and raised in Yemen and is an international student studying at Augsburg College in Minnesota majoring in International Relations and Business. Ibrahim served as a Nobel Peace Prize Forum Intern for Tawakkol Karman earlier this year, acting as her direct assistant and translator. In the future, he hopes to focus on interfaith and international affairs in order to develop his skills to work effectively with various cultures. In his free time, Ibrahim enjoys playing soccer and table tennis.
Hiba Ahmed
Government Affairs Intern – Summer '13
Hiba is a Government Affairs Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She is currently a rising junior at Knox College majoring in International Relations and minoring in Religious Studies. Hiba hopes to pursue a career in policy and government affairs, and is looking forward to helping CAIR-Chicago promote inclusion in the Chicago community. Hiba played the flute for ten years, she enjoys playing in wind ensembles, and she debated on the national level.
Nathaniel Van Wienen
Government Affairs Intern – Summer '13
Nathaniel is a Government Affairs Intern at CAIR-Chicago. He is currently a rising senior at Carleton College in Minnesota, majoring in Religion with a French and Francophone Studies minor. Nathaniel is an advocate for social justice and wants to use his education to promote civil rights around the world. During fall 2012, Nathaniel studied abroad in Belgium where he interned with an anti-racism agency that combated racism in Belgium. At his internship, Nathaniel became a defender of rights in Belgium's Muslim community. Nathaniel is excited to be working at CAIR-Chicago and with the Muslim community again. Nathaniel sings bass in an a cappella group at Carleton, he speaks French and Dutch and will learn Arabic when he returns to school in the fall.
David C. Blount
Government Affairs Intern – Summer '13
David is a Government Affairs Intern at CAIR-Chicago. He is a graduate from Loyola University of Chicago where he majored in Sociology and International Studies with a minor in Urban and Black World Studies. He hopes to address pressing issues in our communities through community organizing, activism and public policy and is excited to learn how to stand up for his community from CAIR-Chicago’s example. David has studied abroad in China and Tunisia, and on his free time, he loves to cook different dishes from around the world.
Abigail Frost
Outreach and Government Affairs Intern – Summer '13
Abi is a Government Affairs Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She is currently a rising junior at American University in Washington, D.C., majoring in International Studies with a focus in the Middle East and global security. Abi hopes to live and work abroad, especially in the Middle East, and is excited to become involved with the Muslim community of Chicago. Having grown up in Sao Paulo Brazil, she speaks Portuguese, and has studied Arabic at university. In the fall, Abi will be studying in Amman, Jordan. In her free time, Abi enjoys singing, traveling, and skydiving.
Joshua Rivera
Outreach and Government Affairs Intern – Summer '13
Joshua is a Government Affairs Intern at CAIR-Chicago. He is currently a rising junior at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, majoring in political science and international studies. Joshua hopes to work as a research fellow in a foreign policy think tank and then work on economic development in Latin America. He was previously a coach and event coordinator for the Chicago debate league, and is also a national champion of college parliamentary debate. In his free time, Joshua plays multiple string instruments and especially enjoys folk and jazz.
Dartunorro Clark
Communications Extern – Summer '13
Dartunorro is a Communications Extern at CAIR-Chicago. He recently graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Political Science and Communications, and in the fall will be attending Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Dartunorro worked as Resident Assistant for UIC campus housing. He has previously interned for the Better Government Association, Congressman Danny K. Davis, Changing Worlds, and Friends of the Chicago River. Dartunorro is a McKelvie Scholar, the recipient of the CME Group Mayoral Award and is on the Dean’s List. He hopes to become a political journalist, travel nationally and internationally documenting injustices and human rights issues. Dartunorro is especially interested in working in countries without significant press presence. He hopes his experiences will lead him to one day work for the U.N. or the White House where he can impact policy and increase cultural competencies. In his free time he enjoys rock climbing and reading.
Sonia A. Kassam
Communications Intern – Summer '13
Sony is a Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She is currently a rising junior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science. She has previously written for the Chicago Tribune’s high school paper, The Mash. Sony hopes to one day write and film thought-provoking pieces about social issues and human rights. Sony is especially interested in doing philanthropic work in developing countries and reporting for a major news station to teach the next generation tolerance. In her free time, Sony enjoys reading, exploring the city, and teaching kids.
Austin Huette
Communications Intern – Summer '13
Austin is a Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. He is currently a rising senior at Robert Morris University in Chicago, majoring in Graphic Design. Austin hopes to someday become an art director at a design firm. He is currently a member of AIGA, the professional association for design. In his free time, Austin enjoys playing golf, collecting records, and has watched every season of The Office at least seven times.
Shaiesha Moore
Communications Intern – Summer '13
Shy is a Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She is currently a rising junior at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., majoring in Middle East Regional Studies with a concentration in Democracy, and minoring in Christian-Muslim understanding. Shai hopes to work for the Foreign Service to help bridge the gap between Muslims and Christians. In the fall, Shai will be studying Arabic in Amman, Jordan, and in preparation hopes to learn more about Islam during her work at CAIR-Chicago. In her free time, Shai enjoys reading, singing, and spending time with family and friends.
Rhys Leahy
Communications Intern – Summer '13
Rhys is a Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She recently graduated from York Community High School and in the fall will begin pursuing a bachelor’s in international studies at American University in Washington, D.C. Rhys hopes to work as a foreign correspondent in the Caucasus and Central Asia. She is a dual citizen of the United States and Ireland, and has lived in Kazan, Russia. In her free time, Rhys enjoys playing guitar and studying Russian.
Amy Zaiter
Communications Intern – Summer '13
Amy is a Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She recently graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a major in English and a minor in Communications. She is greatly looking forward to working against bigotry with CAIR-Chicago. Amy is half Lebanese and speaks conversational Arabic. In her free time, she enjoys reading, and running. Amy will be running her second half-marathon in July.
Nadia Atassi
Communications Intern – Summer '13
Nadia is a Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She is currently a rising junior at Valparaiso University in Indiana, majoring in English and minoring in International Relations. Having attended CAIR-Chicago banquets and various events in Chicago, Nadia is familiar with the work CAIR-Chicago does and is excited to become a part of it. Nadia hopes to attend law school and work in civil rights. She loves novels about Victorian England and the human rights issues derived from the Industrial Revolution. In her free time, Nadia enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with family.
Julia Hedrick
Communications Intern – Summer '13
Julia is a recent graduate of DePaul University in Chicago, IL. She graduated with degrees in Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies as well as in Writing, Rhetoric, and Discourse. Julia is so excited to be working with CAIR-Chicago this summer in working to promote a more tolerant understanding of Islam. In the fall Julia will be heading to India to work as in intern in the field of sustainable development and she hopes to pursue a master’s in international development in the future. In her free time Julia enjoys reading, trying out new restaurants, yoga, and spending time with friends and family.
Porshai Chandler
Communications Intern – Summer '13
Porshai will attend Hampton University this fall majoring in marketing. Her goals are to obtain her Masters in Business Administration so she can one day open her own image consulting firm. In her free time, she loves to play lacrosse.
Folarin Balogun
Communications Intern – Summer '13
Folarin is currently a communications intern at CAIR-Chicago and joined our team to learn more about Islam. Folarin will be attending Northern Illinois this fall and wants to major in computer science and graphic design. His dream is to one day become a successful computer science engineer. In his free time, he enjoys drawing and playing basketball.
Paris Scott
Civil Rights Law Clerk – Summer '13
Paris is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She is currently entering her final year of law school at the University of Wisconsin, pursuing a degree in International Law and Russian Area Studies. Paris hopes to work with an international organization like the United Nations or the International Court of Justice to further civil rights and equality for all persons. She has backpacked in 13 countries over the past five years. In her free time, Paris enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and volunteering at animal shelters.
Anzur Ismail
Civil Rights Law Clerk – Summer '13
Anzur is a Civil Rights Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She is currently entering her final year of law school at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Hailing from a humungous family of over 100 cousins, Anzur hopes to ultimately work in the public interest sector to help the Muslim community and immigrants. In her free time, Anzur enjoys cooking and spending the day at the park or zoo with her son.
Marina Merjan
Civil Rights Law Clerk – Summer '13
Marina is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. In 2011 she was awarded a degree in International Studies and Political Science from DePaul University, and is currently enrolled in DePaul University School of Law. Marina hopes to serve disenfranchised, underrepresented, or insular groups through a public-interest oriented legal position. She was born in Syria and is of the belief that religious freedom and constitutional principles should be defended with vigor. In her free time, Marina enjoys boxing, reading, and cooking.
Daniel McGinnis
Civil Rights Law Clerk – Summer '13
Dan is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He is currently entering his second year at the Chicago-Kent College of Law. Dan hopes to eventually work in government on policy issues and legislation. Dan is a former Teach for America Corps member, and is excited about the opportunity to develop his legal skills while making a positive impact for equal protection this summer at CAIR-Chicago. In his free time, Dan enjoys traveling, music festivals, and playing softball.
Ankur Thakkar
Civil Rights Law Clerk – Summer '13
Ankur is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. In 2010 he was awarded a bachelor’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences and History, and is currently enrolled in law school at Cleveland Marshall. He hopes to become an advocate and voice for underserved communities. In his free time, Ankur enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports, and is a huge Ohio State fan.
Peter Brierton
Civil Rights Law Clerk – Summer '13
Peter is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He is currently entering his second year at the Chicago-Kent College of Law. Peter hopes to practice labor and employment law, and to eventually run for public office. Peter is enthusiastic about working on legal issues that involve discrimination and is excited about the opportunity to create a more open and honest dialogue about the Muslim community in America during his time at CAIR-Chicago. In his free time, Peter enjoys running and following Chicago sports.
Karim Merchant
Civil Rights Law Clerk – Summer '13
Karim is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He graduated with a degree in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, and is currently entering his second year at Valparaiso University Law School. An active member of Valparaiso’s Trial Advocacy Team, Karim hopes to become a practicing attorney in Chicago, concentrating on public interest issues like immigration. In his free time, Karim enjoys playing the guitar, running, and writing a script for a short film.
Basma Mahmood
Civil Rights Law Clerk – Summer '13
Basma is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and International Studies, and is currently entering her second year at the University of Illinois College of Law. Basma hopes to practice law pertaining to employment issues and civil rights. She is a dual citizen of the United States and Pakistan, and has spent time living in China. In her free time, Basma enjoys traveling, photography, and playing basketball and badminton.
Nicole Sophia Tewolde
Civil Rights Law Clerk – Summer '13
Nicole is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Florida International University, and is currently entering her second year at Notre Dame Law School. With a passion for civil rights work, Nicole hopes for a career where the primary goal is protecting the rights of individuals. She hails from an Eritrean and Jamaican background, is a classically trained vocalist. In her free time she enjoys playing board games and watching Broadway theatre.
Braden Carkhuff
Civil Rights Law Clerk – Summer '13
Braden is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He earned a bachelor’s degree in German and English writing and is currently entering his second year at Hamline University School of Law. Braden hopes to ultimately work as a policy maker in health law or civil rights. He is excited about working as a law clerk at CAIR-Chicago because it creates a tangible change in the community. Having hiked the West Highland Way in Scotland, Braden is training for his first endurance marathon and enjoys running and scuba diving.
Aditi Singh
Civil Rights Law Clerk – Summer '13
Aditi is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She is a current law student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Law. She received her bachelor’s in World Literature from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with a minor in Global Studies and Human Rights. Aditi is interested in doing public interest law for a nonprofit organization and is also interested in civil rights and constitution law. In her free time, Aditi plays the guitar and enjoys reading post-colonial literature.
Jacqueline Horn
Civil Rights Law Clerk – Summer '13
Jacqueline is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Philosophy. She is currently entering her second year at DePaul University College of Law. Jacqueline aspires to become a criminal defense attorney, but is also interested in civil rights, family law, and immigration and asylum law. In her free time, Jacqueline enjoys electronic concerts, photography, traveling and reading.
Sara Abdeljalil
Operations Intern – Summer '13
Sara is an operations Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She is dual enrolled in the Aqsa School and Joliet Junior College and will be graduating after only her third year of high school in the spring of 2014. Sara hopes to attend college to study economics. She is excited about her opportunity to give back to CAIR-Chicago this summer, as the organization has greatly impacted her own community. In her free time, Sara enjoys volleyball, swimming, and politics.
Shakeeb Ahmed
Operations Intern – Summer '13
Shakeeb is an Operations Intern at CAIR-Chicago. He is currently a junior and majoring in Accounting and Finance at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Shakeeb is excited for his opportunity at CAIR-Chicago and looks forward to making an impact within the Muslim community with the help of CAIR-Chicago. In his free time, he enjoys reading, playing sports, and spending time with friends and family.
Liliana Barrera
Operations Intern – Summer '13
Liliana will attend the University of Toledo this fall majoring in biology as a pre-med major. She is currently an operations intern at CAIR-Chicago and speaks Spanish fluently. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano.
Diana Cahue
Operations Intern – Summer '13
Diana will begin her undergraduate degree at Saint Xavier Univeristy this fall. She plans to major in nursing and hopes to become a pediatric nurse. Diana is an operations intern at CAIR-Chicago and loves to play volleyball.
Victor Cahue
Operations Intern – Summer '13
Victor will attend Saint Xavier University majoring in colonial justice this fall. His goals are to obtain a Masters in Business Administration. Victor is currently an operations coordinator at CAIR-Chicago and enjoys playing sports.
Kierra Walker
Operations Intern – Summer '13
Kierra is currently an operations intern at CAIR-Chicago. She hopes to major in public health and wants to obtain a masters degree in health policy. She dreams to one-day travel around the world and loves to try different things.