Coming & Going: Changes at MPAC - D.C.

August 19, 2009


After three years of representing the Muslim American community to the highest levels of government, Government Relations Director Safiya Ghori-Ahmad has moved on to a new position with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

During her time at MPAC, Safiya was responsible for creating our National Young Leaders Summit and initiating nationwide Muslim voter campaign called "Activate '08," which included a voter guide on the presidential candidates, more than 40 Rock the Muslim Vote townhall meetings around the country, and also mobilized thousands of voters to go to the polls on Election Day.

Safiya also worked with the State Department, the Department of Justice, the Treasury Department, and the Department of Homeland Security to address civil rights violations, Muslim charitable giving, law enforcement relations with the Muslim American community and a host of other issues.

With Safiya's departure, we are also honored to introduce the newest member of the MPAC team who will be stepping into her role.

Alejandro J. Beutel joined MPAC last month as our new Government Liaison. Alejandro has authored several academic papers, articles and reports on topics of Islam, international security, religious liberty and democratization. In addition, Alejandro has addressed several government, academic and civil society forums on these topics.

In April 2009, he concluded a 3-month position as a Graduate Fellow in the Maryland State Assembly of Delegates, focusing on health care, religious liberty and constituent relations. Alejandro is also an alumnus of MPAC's 2008 National Muslim American Young Leaders Summit.

Currently a Master's Degree candidate in Public Policy at the University of Maryland, College Park, Alejandro received his Bachelors of Science in International Relations and Diplomacy at Seton Hall University.

You can reach Alejandro directly at alejandro@mpac.org.

-- Edina Lekovic (edina@mpac.org)
Communications Director




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