Leadership Update
Hanan Relief Group is currently navigating a planned leadership transition. Sheila Badwan is no longer with the organization. We appreciate her contributions and dedication during her time with Hanan Relief Group and wish her all the best in her future endeavors and next opportunities.
Effective immediately, Sausan Naji has been appointed as Interim Director of Operations and Compliance. In this role, Ms. Naji provides organizational leadership and ensures continuity across HANAN's programs, partnerships, and compliance responsibilities as we move forward.
Ms. Naji will work in close collaboration with board members Dr. Hashim Zaibak, Dr. Mansoor Mirza, and Maysoon Ahmad to strengthen HANAN's operational structure and long-term sustainability.
Hanan Relief Group remains fully committed to the values that have always guided our work: integrity, accountability, transparency, and serving the vulnerable and underserved communities who depend on us. This transition does not affect our programs or our relationships with the partners and funders we are proud to work alongside.
BOARD of Directors
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"Relief work that leaves too soon is nothing but abandonment."
Dr. Ruba Sarsour is a physician dual board-certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. She serves as the Medical Director of Nephrology at Regional West Medical Center and the Medical Director of the Davita Dialysis Unit in her community.
She graduated from the Friends School in Ramallah, Palestine, and completed her undergraduate studies at East Carolina University, followed by a medical degree from the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) at Virginia Tech.
Dr. Sarsour is the founder of Hanan Relief Group and has dedicated her life to humanitarian service, volunteering with medical and relief organizations across the U.S. and internationally. Her mission is to build sustainable programs that promote economic independence, improve healthcare systems, and uplift livelihoods.
Under her leadership, Hanan Relief Group has launched impactful initiatives including a home dialysis clinic, medical aid delivery, and economic development programs supporting individuals and families facing displacement and hardship.
She also serves on the boards of Physicians for Palestine and the Jerusalem Fund, and is a proud Rotarian, actively engaged in civic and global service.
Dr. RUBA SARSOUR
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Dr. Hashim Zaibak is the Founder and CEO of Hayat Pharmacy, a 20-location pharmacy network serving communities across Wisconsin. A graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy, he began his pharmacy career in 1999 and has more than two decades of leadership experience in community-based healthcare.
Under his direction, Hayat Pharmacy has earned national recognition for excellence and innovation. Dr. Zaibak was named 2014 Pharmacist of the Year by Pharmacy Development Services and received the 2021 Bowl of Hygeia Community Service Award. Hayat Pharmacy was also honored as Pharmacy of the Year in 2014 and 2021 by Health Mary.
Dr. Zaibak remains committed to advancing the profession of pharmacy while expanding access to high-quality care throughout Wisconsin.
Dr. Hashim Zaibak
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Maysoun Ahmad has been an active member in the greater Muslim Milwaukee community since 1990.
She has participated on various boards and has great partnership with several non-profit organizations locally and nationally.
Maysoun is also a daycare owner & has an educational background in Early Childhood. She is also a devoted and loving wife & mother of six!
Maysoon Ahmad
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Dr. Mansoor Mirza is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician and healthcare leader with more than two decades of experience in hospital medicine, medical leadership, and healthcare innovation. He has served in multiple leadership roles within Advocate Aurora Health, including Director of the Hospitalist Program, Interim Director of Hospital Medicine, and Director of the Tele-Hospitalist Program, where he helped develop and implement advanced virtual inpatient care systems.
Dr. Mirza is recognized for his dedication to quality improvement, patient-centered care, and medical education. He has served as a clinical preceptor for medical and physician assistant students through the University of Wisconsin and Des Moines University, mentoring future healthcare professionals in Internal Medicine and critical care.
In addition to his clinical leadership, Dr. Mirza has contributed to medical research through work with Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in immunogenetics and transplant immunology, with published research in peer-reviewed medical journals.
Throughout his career, Dr. Mirza has received numerous honors for clinical excellence, volunteerism, and community service, including recognition from the American College of Physicians for his lasting contributions to healthcare and community service in Wisconsin.
Dr.Mansoor Mirza
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Dr. Taj Nasser is a board-certified ophthalmologist, specializing in refractive, cataract, and anterior segment surgery. As the Medical Director at Tylock George Eye Care and Associate at Mueller Vision in DFW, Texas, Dr. Nasser is dedicated to restoring vision and enhancing the quality of life for his patients. His career reflects a deep commitment to service, both locally and globally, where he has volunteered his surgical skills with organizations like the Himalayan Cataract Project and Centro Educativo Indigena Missionary Eye Camps.
Born in a small Yemeni village, Dr. Nasser’s journey is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of the American dream. His personal experiences fuel his passion for helping others, particularly in underserved and impoverished regions. Fluent in English, Arabic, and conversational Spanish, Dr. Nasser brings a unique perspective and cultural understanding to his work.
As a board member of Hanan Refugees Relief Group, Dr. Nasser is excited to further his mission of providing humanitarian aid, with a focus on improving access to medical care for refugees across the Middle East.
Dr. TAJ NASSER
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Dr. Sara Wasim is a Board Certified Internal Medicine physician currently practicing in Alexandria, VA.
She received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA and her medical degree from Ross Universit in 2014. She completed her residency at East Carolina University (ECU)/Vidant Medical Center in Internal Medicine. She is a proud wife and mother of 2 adorable children.
Dr. Wasim has always been passionate about charity and providing medical care to those less fortunate. She has been volunteering at local charity events since she was in middle school. During medical school, she was part of multiple groups that provided basic medical care and donations at free clinics in Dominica.
As part of Hanan RRG, she plans to provide basic and medical aid to as many people as possible from all over the world.
Dr. Sara Wasim
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Dr. Faten Taneeb, born in Washington DC, previously volunteered with Hanan Refugees supporting our international assistance efforts in Jordan and Palestine. Over her career that spans nearly 40 years, Faten has gained extensive experience in a variety of sectors including health, pharmaceuticals, and education. However, her passion lies in international development and humanitarian assistance. Faten’s international development career is focused in the Middle East and she has supported projects in Palestine, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. She speaks fluently in Arabic. Faten has a B.S. in Biology from the American University in Washington DC, a master’s in Education (with a concentration in health promotion) from Virginia Tech, an MBA from Averett University in Virginia, and a Doctor of Education (EDD) from Capella University. Faten currently works for Global Communities in Palestine as the MEL and Communications Director.