President Message

As-salamu Alaykum / Peace be upon you all,

Adweek, one of the nation’s leading brand marketing information outlets, recently recognized 26 leaders in and around Seattle who are defining the Seattle brand.  These are individuals who, through their ideas and their actions, are shaping the image of Seattle and its future.  The awardees included leaders of many well-known companies in Seattle including Microsoft, Amazon, Alaska Airlines and several startups.  We are super proud that MAPS-AMEN Executive Director Aneelah Afzali was chosen among these leaders and recognized as a Seattle Rising Brand Star!  Doug Zanger, senior editor at AdWeek, explained the award as follows, “Seattle is indeed a city on an upward trajectory… Yet beyond the more well-known names is a huge population of innovators, entrepreneurs and the next generation of global game-changers. They place a premium on stewardship, creativity, intellectual curiosity, philanthropy, optimism and humanity. The city’s new frontier is born from a sense of independence and filled with a range of unique talent.”

This award recognizes Aneelah and the MAPS-AMEN work as what define the spirit of Seattle.  Aneelah’s and MAPS-AMEN’s dedication to unite communities, firm stand against hate, and passionate advocacy for justice for all are Seattle’s own stance in becoming a leading city in the nation and the world.  Seattle is personified in the character and work of these Rising Brand Stars.  In short, Aneelah and MAPS-AMEN are among the best of Seattle!

This is a huge honor and recognition for our entire MAPS (and greater American Muslim) community!  We hope MAPS-AMEN and Aneelah continue to effect positive change for the American Muslim community, and society at large, fulfilling the mandate of justice in Islam and the teaching of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that “the best of you are those who bring the most benefit to mankind.”

Please join me in congratulating MAPS-AMEN and Aneelah on the Seattle Rising Brand Star award!

You can read more here about this recognition here.

Thank you,
Hyder Ali
MAPS President