The Islamic Schools League of America (ISLA) is proud to announce the 2025 ISLA Leadership Scholarship recipients—ten outstanding educational leaders from full-time Islamic schools across North America. These scholarships were made possible thanks to the generosity of donors who contributed to ISLA’s 2025 Dhul Hijjah Giving Campaign.
Each recipient has been awarded a scholarship to participate in one of ISLA’s signature professional development (PD) or professional learning community (PLC) programs in 2025, including the opportunity to register for the upcoming ISLA Leadership Intensive.
Awardees were chosen through a competitive application and review process led by an independent judging committee. The committee prioritized applicants who:
- Serve or represent underserved communities
- Demonstrate financial need
- Work in regions with limited access to Islamic education and training
These educators are committed to leading with integrity, purpose, and faith-centered excellence. Scholarship recipients shared:
“I recognize that to lead with excellence and integrity, I need ongoing professional development rooted in Islamic values and educational best practices.” (Abdulrahman Yahya, Islamic Academy of Kendalville)
“This fund will keep me on track so I can lead both my team and students to success—not to frustration and failure.” (Amira Ahmed, Delight Academy Virtual Elementary School)
Meet the 2025 ISLA Leadership Scholarship Recipients
- Abdulrahman Yahya, Assistant Head of School – Islamic Academy of Kendalville (IN)
- Aishah Jalani, Principal – Elementary & Middle School – Medina Academy (WA)
- Amira Ahmed, Principal – Delight Academy Virtual Elementary School (GA)
- Iman Dakmak-Rakka, Principal – Al-Iman School (NY)
- Laurin Sherif, Dean of Students – Universal Academy of Pittsburgh (PA)
- Mariam Sabr, Director of Student Success – Crescent View Academy (CO)
- Nazek Hapasha, Board Secretary – Ohio Ihsan Academy (OH)
- Nicole M. Dahmani, Administrative Manager – IQRA Institute (PA)
- Nargis Zahra, Principal – Islamic Community Center of Laurel (MD)
- Ziyad Awad, Principal – Islamic Academy of Alabama (AL)
Why Professional Development Matters—Especially in Islamic Education
High-quality professional development is a cornerstone of sustainable school leadership. For Islamic schools—many of which operate with limited resources—ongoing leadership training is especially critical.
Research consistently shows that strong school leadership is second only to classroom instruction in its impact on student achievement. Yet, too many school leaders lack access to sustained, job-embedded training opportunities that are aligned with their school’s mission and context.
According to the Wallace Foundation, effective school leadership depends on targeted professional learning that helps principals and administrators support better teaching and build positive school cultures.¹
A 2022 Learning Policy Institute study further confirms that comprehensive leadership development leads to:
- Higher student achievement
- Stronger school climate
- Improved teacher retention²
Moreover, schools with principals who engage in professional learning communities (PLCs) experience greater teacher collaboration, increased morale, and improved outcomes for students.³
“ISLA’s professional development can help equip me with the tools and frameworks to build a healthier school culture—one rooted in collaboration, trust, and a shared sense of purpose.” (Nazek Hapasha, Ohio Ihsan Academy)
“I want to further myself and increase my ability to lead, support others to become leaders, and impact those around me.” (Mariam Sabr, Crescent View Academy)
Be Part of the Change
Thanks to the generous supporters of our Dhul Hijjah Giving Campaign, ISLA is able to award 10 scholarships for virtual professional development in 2025. With your continued help, we aim to grow this number each year.
Every dollar helps us uplift school leaders and transform education in Islamic full-time schools across North America.
🔗 Support our mission: theisla.org/donate
Sources:
- Wallace Foundation (2013). The School Principal as Leader: Guiding Schools to Better Teaching and Learning. Link
- Learning Policy Institute (2022). Developing Effective Principals: What Kind of Learning Matters? Link
- NASSP (2020). The Role of Principals in Professional Learning Communities. Link
