(ATLANTA, GA – 8/2/2023) – The Georgia chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-Georgia) today announced Azka Mahmood as their Interim Executive Director, effective August 7, 2023.
Mahmood has served CAIR-Georgia as Deputy Director since 2021. She is an advocate for human and civil rights who has a background in research, policy analysis, and social inequalities.
Previously, Mahmood served as the Communication and Outreach Director at CAIR-Georgia. She has also worked as an ISPU researcher and educator to support activities that create awareness about the American Muslim community and created resources to combat Islamophobia. Prior to moving to Georgia, Mahmood served as Outreach Coordinator at CAIR-Florida.
Mahmood says she is committed to American Muslims’ full and meaningful participation in society and their engagement in the political spheres.
She will succeed Murtaza Khwaja as executive director. Khwaja will be leaving CAIR-Georgia after seven years with the organization. Khwaja will join Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta as their Executive Director
In a statement, outgoing CAIR-Georgia Executive Director Murtaza Khwaja said:
“I have been honored to serve the Georgia Muslim community over the entirety of my professional career.
“Even as I transition from my role at CAIR-Georgia, rest assured that my commitment to the movement we have collectively forged here in Georgia remains unwavering and I remain a friend, partner, and part of CAIR-Georgia in future.
“Over the last three years I have collaborated closely with Azka Mahmood, and I wholeheartedly believe in her capacity to lead with exceptional prowess. She is poised to guide our formidable and resilient organization, which has been at the center of the Georgia civil rights ecosystem alongside our coalition partners, and to unite with our communities in forging collective strength. Azka exudes outstanding leadership, empathy, intelligence, and a work ethic that will undoubtedly drive CAIR Georgia to flourish.”
Incoming Interim Executive Director Azka Mahmood said:
“The CAIR-Georgia team wishes our outgoing Executive Director Murtaza Khwaja the best of luck in his new role. Under his leadership, CAIR-Georgia has evolved into a stronger chapter and a key ally in the civil rights movement in Georgia.
“CAIR-Georgia will continue to serve the Georgia Muslim community to the best of our abilities. I vow to strive to uphold and improve our standards of service to Georgians.”
CAIR-Georgia Board President Yusof Burke shared:
“Murtaza Khwaja has been the longest serving staff member at CAIR-Georgia. His hard work has had a great impact on not only Muslims in Georgia and CAIR as an organization, but on social justice efforts in the entire state. We appreciate all he has done and wish him the best with Asian Americans Advancing Justice.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
END
CONTACT: CAIR-GA Interim Executive Director Azka Mahmood, [email protected], 678-653-5822