Judges
Silma has a long history in education and educational initiatives. Establishing one of the first two Muslim schools in Australia in 1983 (Al Noori) and a second K-12 school in 1996 (Noor al Houda, now run by the Australian Islamic Academy in Strathfield) and an adjoining child-care centre – Adam’s World, Silma has worked as Principal in 4 schools and as Director of a VET College – Diversity Skills Training - in between. Silma was a founding member of the Australian Council for Islamic Education in Schools (the precursor to today’s Islamic Schools Association of Australia) and was the subject of the SBS documentary “Silma’s School”. Silma holds a Masters in Educational Administration, a Masters in Islamic Studies and a Masters Hons research degree. She has completed the CITE Graduate Certificate in Education (Islamic Education) and recently qualified as a Permaculturalist. She is passionate about education, the welfare of students and staff, as well as the embracing of new ideas and technologies. Having a background in research and Islamic Studies, Silma brings extensive experience, management skills and a drive for the future of education to the Muslim community. She is a Board member of the Islamophobia Register Australia, a committee member of the Islamic Society of South Australia, a Board member of the Islamic College of Sport and a member of the Global Association of Islamic Schools. Silma works as a consultant to new and established Muslim schools, advising on policy, resources, school environment and development. After many years of administration, she has returned to teaching.
Sabrine Yassine is a fourth-year student pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business at the University of Technology Sydney. Her passion for legal studies has earned her the prestigious role of representing Law on the Universities Academic Board, as well as a seat on the Faculty Board of Law.
Alongside her academic achievements, Sabrine has demonstrated leadership as the former General Secretary and Welfare Officer of the Students' Association where in her elected capacity she represented over 45,000 students and championed initiatives that positively contributed to the social fabric of her community. In working towards this she also co-founded the universities first Palestinian Youth Society and represented students as an executive of the National Union of Students.
In her commitment to student welfare and empowerment, Sabrine founded her university's first Student Partnership Agreement, enhancing collaboration and communication between students and faculty. She is largely passionate about empowering youth voices and the inclusion of Muslim students at the highest levels of leadership.
Mulki Ahmed is a dental student at La Trobe University, with an interest in oral health promotion, paediatric dentistry, and periodontology. Committed to community service, she collaborates with non-profit organisations like VCESS and Happy Brain Education to address educational disparities. Mulki's has a special interest in philosophy, history, and religion enrich her understanding of issues, reinforcing her dedication to creating positive change. Aspiring to be a compassionate dental professional, she aims to provide exceptional patient care while advocating for improved oral health and holistic well-being.
Judges
Dr Ayda Succarie is a Lecturer in Human Resources and Management, Academic Program Advisor and an International Academic Lead at the School of Business, Western Sydney University (WSU). She holds a Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Business Administration, and a Graduate Certificate in Research Studies from WSU. Ayda specialises in governance, identity studies, management, social entrepreneurship, organisational behaviour, Islamic studies, and education systems. Her doctoral research examined the connection between professional identity and governance in Islamic schools and she is currently conducting research nationally and internationally on the effectiveness of faith-based governance frameworks and governance renewal in Islamic school boards. Ayda’s research extends to student progression and retention in higher education and blended pedagogy in social entrepreneurship teaching and practice. She has presented at several conferences on governance, education, and social entrepreneurship. Internationally, Ayda is a member of the Global Association of Islamic Schools (GAIS) and is the co-chair of the GAIS 2025 conference planning committee. As the International Academic Lead for the Middle East and Gulf, Ayda has developed strong partnerships with universities in this region, collaborating with international partners in research, learning and teaching. Nationally, she is also working with colleagues at the Centre of Islamic Thought (CITE), University of South Australia, examining the implications of the Graduate Certificate in Islamic Education on the Professional Identity of teachers and leaders in Islamic schools. Ayda has sat on and consulted to several Islamic school boards, and actively engages with Muslim community organisations advising on organisational development, strategic planning, and community wellbeing.
Sabrine Yassine is a fourth-year student pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business at the University of Technology Sydney. Her passion for legal studies has earned her the prestigious role of representing Law on the Universities Academic Board, as well as a seat on the Faculty Board of Law.
Alongside her academic achievements, Sabrine has demonstrated leadership as the former General Secretary and Welfare Officer of the Students' Association where in her elected capacity she represented over 45,000 students and championed initiatives that positively contributed to the social fabric of her community. In working towards this she also co-founded the universities first Palestinian Youth Society and represented students as an executive of the National Union of Students.
In her commitment to student welfare and empowerment, Sabrine founded her university's first Student Partnership Agreement, enhancing collaboration and communication between students and faculty. She is largely passionate about empowering youth voices and the inclusion of Muslim students at the highest levels of leadership.
Imamudeen Musa Baba, a distinguished graduate as the dux of Minaret College in 2020, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne. His dedication extends beyond academics, serving as an MATW Project Ambassador, where he invests his energy and passion in empowering youth and providing essential aid to communities in need both in Australia and abroad. Imamudeen's commitment to social welfare reflects his strong belief in community development and humanitarian outreach. His work has a distinct focus on nurturing young minds and building connections to uplift those who are underprivileged. This multifaceted approach showcases his aspiration to integrate knowledge, compassion, and active engagement to make a positive difference in the world.
Judges
A Cross-cultural Consultant, Tasneem addresses issues of diversity, equity and inclusion through an intersectional lens within government, corporate, arts and community sectors. For her efforts she has been appointed an ‘Anti-Racism Champion’ by the Australian Human Rights Commission - and awarded and OAM. Tasneem is a Strategic Advisor to the Victorian Public Service Commission, Fire Rescue Victoria, Co-Chair to the NSW Legal Aid External Anti Racism and Inclusion Committee and inaugural Ambassador for Women of Colour, Australia. She is also an outgoing Board Director for Ambulance Victoria, The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI,) the Collingwood Football Club Expert Panel on Anti Racism and former Chair of the Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights. A TEDxMelbourne presenter and writer, Tasneem has featured on numerous platforms including The Guardian, SBS, BBC, Q&A, Compass - is a regular panellist on The Drum and hosts the podcast, Strengths Untold.
Asad a Melbourne based lawyer and finance professional with more than 25 years of experience specialising in Islamic finance. He co-founded Amanah Islamic Finance, a home finance provider that provides home finance solutions nationally.
He is a board member and former Chair of the Islamic Museum of Australia and sits on the board of the Islamic College of Sport (an initiative of the Richmond Football Club and Bachar Houli Foundation).
He was a Director at Deloitte in their Financial Services and Investment group, and also served as a Special Counsel in the firm’s legal practice, Deloitte Lawyers. He has held senior appointments with the Islamic bank, Kuwait Finance House and Australian top tier law firm, King and Wood Mallesons.
Judges
Dylan Chown is a lecturer in the Centre for Islamic Thought and Education (CITE), Education Futures, University of South Australia (UniSA). Dylan has worked in the field of education for 25 years and has played an integral role in establishing a concentration on Islamic education at CITE, UniSA. Dylan serves as the Program Director for the Graduate Certificate (Islamic Education) at UniSA – Australia’s first recognised and accredited teacher education program based on Islamic Pedagogy. Previously, he was a member of the Islamic Teacher Education Program (ITEP), ground-breaking online teacher certificate program and a project of Razi Ed (Canada/UAE). Dylan is actively engaged with Islamic schools nationally through his teaching as well as on several CITE research projects working with leaders, educator teams, and educators on local activations of pedagogy for school-wide renewal. Dylan’s PhD research focuses on the exploration of Islamic pedagogy in practice, based on a case study of an Australian K-12 Islamic school. He received an Academic Excellence Award – for Transformed PhD (Commendation) by UniSA in recognition of research impact in academic and end-use circles. Dylan has also been recognised at several civic awards, including as a Finalist for 2022 Professional of the Year, Australian Muslim Achievement Awards; a Community Service Award for outstanding work in the field of Education, Islamic Council of Queensland; and a Queensland Reconciliation Award, as a manager and co-founder of a Youth Development and Mentoring Organisation. In his professional practice as a teacher, Dylan was a nominee in 2016 for the Queensland College of Teachers, Professor Betty Watts OBE Memorial Award, recognising outstanding contributions to teaching; and awarded a Secondary Teacher Award in 2012 by the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation, for outstanding professional practice. He is a co-author of the book: Islamic schooling in the West: Pathways to renewal (Palgrave MacMillan); and co-author of the inaugural stimulus paper: A Shared Vision for Islamic Schooling in Australia: Learners, Learning & Leading Learning. Since 2016, Dylan has been a member of the convening committee for the Annual Australian Schooling Conference. Dylan is also a member of several global Islamic schooling networks including, the Cambridge Dialogues, Rethinking Islamic education for the 21st century, and the Global Association of Islamic Schools.
Dr Nada Ghamra-oui is an educational consultant, researcher and active community member in Sydney, Australia. With over thirty years of teaching and leadership experience, she harnesses this knowledge to support educational and charity organisations to impact practice. Her research focuses on the cultural politics of education, the intersections of leadership and racialized constituencies. Nada is passionate about community engagement, currently serving as the Australian National Imams’ Council (ANIC) Senior Education Advisor, as well as a member of its Women’s Advisory Committee (AWAC). A firm believer that student wellbeing and overall educational success is engendered by and cultivated in partnership with parents, Nada is committed to guiding and supporting parents and schools by drawing on her area/s of expertise to raise awareness on the rights, responsibilities, and etiquettes for parental involvement in their children’s education. Nada is regularly sought out by educational institutions and charity organisations within a consultative and advisory capacity. She is a regular contributor to CITE’s (UniSA) initiatives and projects. Nada is also guest editor for the Asia Pacific Journal for Educators and Education (APJEE) and a peer reviewer for the Australian Journal of Islamic Studies (AJIS). Nada’s most recent publication (2023) is entitled: Constructing the Informal Curriculum of Islamic Schools in Australia: Contribution of Contextual Factors and Stakeholder Experiences.
Helen has a master’s in education by research and has recently completed her Doctoral studies – entitled ‘A narrative inquiry into the experiences of a leadership group working towards collective efficacy in a regional faith-based school’.
She has worked in the educational field for some 29 years, spending the past 14 years facilitating professional development for teachers in early childhood, primary and secondary schools in the areas of, curriculum design and differentiation. She has facilitated numerous workshops around assessment and rubric design, teaching and assessing thinking, ways to promote critical and creative thinking in students and the use of a range of thinking tools.
Helen continues to work at a national and state level in the curriculum space with the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) and with both the Departments of Education (DE) at a state and federal levels in advocating on behalf for the early childhood sector.
Helen has also lectured at Monash University supporting preservice teachers navigate the worlds of primary and early childhood education. She remains passionate about the early years and the need to build a strong foundation for children to be successful and respected as unique thinkers within their educational journey. As an experienced F-10 teacher, Helen developed professional learning opportunities in the areas of professional learning communities, literacy and numeracy and artistic learning strategies.
Prior to entering the primary and secondary areas, Helen worked extensively as an early childhood teacher predominately in low socioeconomic areas and multicultural communities, including roles as an artist in residence.
Judges
Dr Nada Ghamra-oui is an educational consultant, researcher and active community member in Sydney, Australia. With over thirty years of teaching and leadership experience, she harnesses this knowledge to support educational and charity organisations to impact practice. Her research focuses on the cultural politics of education, the intersections of leadership and racialized constituencies. Nada is passionate about community engagement, currently serving as the Australian National Imams’ Council (ANIC) Senior Education Advisor, as well as a member of its Women’s Advisory Committee (AWAC). A firm believer that student wellbeing and overall educational success is engendered by and cultivated in partnership with parents, Nada is committed to guiding and supporting parents and schools by drawing on her area/s of expertise to raise awareness on the rights, responsibilities, and etiquettes for parental involvement in their children’s education. Nada is regularly sought out by educational institutions and charity organisations within a consultative and advisory capacity. She is a regular contributor to CITE’s (UniSA) initiatives and projects. Nada is also guest editor for the Asia Pacific Journal for Educators and Education (APJEE) and a peer reviewer for the Australian Journal of Islamic Studies (AJIS). Nada’s most recent publication (2023) is entitled: Constructing the Informal Curriculum of Islamic Schools in Australia: Contribution of Contextual Factors and Stakeholder Experiences.
Helen has a master’s in education by research and has recently completed her Doctoral studies – entitled ‘A narrative inquiry into the experiences of a leadership group working towards collective efficacy in a regional faith-based school’.
She has worked in the educational field for some 29 years, spending the past 14 years facilitating professional development for teachers in early childhood, primary and secondary schools in the areas of, curriculum design and differentiation. She has facilitated numerous workshops around assessment and rubric design, teaching and assessing thinking, ways to promote critical and creative thinking in students and the use of a range of thinking tools.
Helen continues to work at a national and state level in the curriculum space with the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) and with both the Departments of Education (DE) at a state and federal levels in advocating on behalf for the early childhood sector.
Helen has also lectured at Monash University supporting preservice teachers navigate the worlds of primary and early childhood education. She remains passionate about the early years and the need to build a strong foundation for children to be successful and respected as unique thinkers within their educational journey. As an experienced F-10 teacher, Helen developed professional learning opportunities in the areas of professional learning communities, literacy and numeracy and artistic learning strategies.
Prior to entering the primary and secondary areas, Helen worked extensively as an early childhood teacher predominately in low socioeconomic areas and multicultural communities, including roles as an artist in residence.
Dr. Nadeem Memon is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Islamic Thought and Education (CITE) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). At CITE/UniSA, Nadeem serves as a Course Coordinator for the Graduate Certificate in Education (Islamic Education), the first online graduate education program for educators in Islamic schools globally. His research focuses on teacher education with particular emphasis on Islamic Pedagogy, comparative faith-based schooling, philosophy of religious education, and culturally responsive pedagogy. In his research program, Nadeem is a Chief Investigator on an Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Grant (2022-2025) on Culturally Responsive Schooling. He also leads a monthly reading group on Faith-Based Pedagogies with educators and academics from various religious traditions and religious orientations. Some of his notable publications include a sole authored book entitled: A History of Islamic Schooling in North America: Mapping Growth and Evolution (Routledge, 2020) and four co-edited books: (1) Curriculum Renewal for Islamic Education: Critical Perspectives on Teaching Islam in Primary and Secondary Schools (Routledge, 2021); (2) Teacher Training and Education in the GCC: Unpacking the Complexities and Challenges of Internationalising Educational Contexts (Routledge, 2021); (3) Philosophies of Islamic Education: Historical Perspectives and Emerging Discourses (Routledge, 2016); (4) Discipline, Devotion, and Dissent: Jewish, Catholic, and Islamic Schooling in Canada (Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2013). In support of Islamic schooling, Nadeem serves as the Board Chair for the Islamic Schools League of America (ISLA), member of Yaqeen’s Institute’s Curriculum Advisory Board; member of the Global Association of Islamic School’s conference committee; member of University of Cambridge’s “Cambridge Dialogues on Rethinking Islamic Education” and a consultant on Qatar Foundation’s Usul Education Framework. Prior to joining UniSA, Nadeem was the Director of Education at Razi Education where he spearheaded the design and implementation of a ground-breaking online teacher certificate program, the Islamic Teacher Education Program (ITEP), in collaboration with the University of Toronto. Nadeem holds a PhD in Theory and Policy Studies in Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto, Canada. He currently lives in Adelaide, Australia with his wife and son.
Judges
Professor Abdalla worked in the field of Islamic Studies for over 25 years and played a leading role in establishing Islamic Studies across several Australian universities. In 2016, he established the Centre for Islamic Thought and Education (CITE) and the University of South Australia. In 2020, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), the highest recognition for outstanding achievement and service, for his significant service to education in the field of Islamic studies. He attained several civic awards including Community Leadership Award; Islamic Council of Queensland Community Service Award; Crescents of Brisbane Special Achievement Award; Australian Muslim Man of the year; Ambassador for Peace Award; and Pride of Australia Medal (Finalist). In 2016, Professor Abdalla organised and convened the first Australian Islamic schooling Conference, which is now in its sixth year. His authored and co-authored books include Curriculum renewal for Islamic education: Critical perspectives on teaching Islam in primary and secondary schools (Routledge); Islamic schooling in the West: Pathways to Renewal (Palgrave MacMillan), Leadership in Islam: Processes and Solutions in Australian Organizations (Palgrave MacMillan), Islam and the Australian News Media (Melbourne University Press); and Islamic Science: The Myth of the Decline Theory (VDM Verlag).
Abdulkarim holds a Diploma of Education, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education Studies, and Master of Educational Administration. Graduating as a primary school educator in Queensland in 1966, he taught in many primary schools across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and London. In 1983, Abdulkarim was the first educator appointed to the Kind Khaled Islamic College in Coburg, Melbourne just five weeks before the school opened. In 1983, King Khaled was one of the two first Islamic schools in Australia to be established. At King Khaled, Abdulkarim served as a member of the Board for over 30 years. He played an active role in the establishment of 6 campuses – 3 in Victoria, 2 in NSW, and 1 in Abdu Dhabi. In 1985, he was appointed as principal of the school. In 1991, Albdulkarim moved to the newly established Secondary Campus in North Coburg and was appointed Director of the College. He established the International Baccalaureate as the first IB Coordinator, as well as the International Student Program. Abdulkarim also established the Islamic Schools Association of Australia (ISAA) and after a long career in the field of education retired in 2015. At the 2022 Crescent Awards, Abdulkarim was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of a lifetime of distinguished service to Australian Islamic schooling.
Madenia Abdurahman was born in Cape Town, South Africa. A country that was steeped in a heinous and inhumane system called APARTHEID. Her passion for education stemmed from her mother who was a teacher and came from a family of educators. Madenia started her journey as a primary school teacher in a sub-economic area in Cape Town. She showed a keen interest in the welfare of her students, not only by teaching them but she also used to visit them if they were sick and if treatment was needed she would take them to hospital. Madenia has been very involved in the charitable and social work in the school community. She was very committed, motivated, and able to help children to learn and to create conditions in which children would want to lean and in which they can learn. She believed that the most fundamental aspect of education is in the Primary School. She made it clear to her students that the best way to empower themselves was through education. No one can take this away from you. This will be your best tool to fight the oppression and the evil system.
Madenia continued her journey of educating students in Australia. She started teaching at Arkana College in 1986 and became Principal in 1989. She steered Arkana through some turbulent times and retired in March 2008. She played an important role in the Islamic school sector, successfully helping to set up a few new Islamic Schools, as there was a great need for Independent Islamic Schools in Sydney. She also served on committees with the Association of Independent Schools (NSW) under the tenure of CEO Terry Chapman and then Dr. Geoff Newcombe. Madenia is the President of Together for Humanity. She is a passionate advocate for mutual respect and countering prejudice in whatever form it takes. She also sits on the ANIC WOMEN’s Advisory Council which is a team of dynamic Muslim women leaders working tirelessly to make a significant difference in our community and advising ANIC and the Imams on community issues, particularly on Muslim Women.
Madenia is also Chairperson of Muslim Aid Australia. This is another passion of her charitable work in the community wanting to help bringing relief and solace to those mired in adversity. Madenia has been a part of Muslim Aid Australia for more than 30 years.
Dylan Chown is a lecturer in the Centre for Islamic Thought and Education (CITE), Education Futures, University of South Australia (UniSA). Dylan has worked in the field of education for 25 years and has played an integral role in establishing a concentration on Islamic education at CITE, UniSA. Dylan serves as the Program Director for the Graduate Certificate (Islamic Education) at UniSA – Australia’s first recognised and accredited teacher education program based on Islamic Pedagogy. Previously, he was a member of the Islamic Teacher Education Program (ITEP), ground-breaking online teacher certificate program and a project of Razi Ed (Canada/UAE). Dylan is actively engaged with Islamic schools nationally through his teaching as well as on several CITE research projects working with leaders, educator teams, and educators on local activations of pedagogy for school-wide renewal. Dylan’s PhD research focuses on the exploration of Islamic pedagogy in practice, based on a case study of an Australian K-12 Islamic school. He received an Academic Excellence Award – for Transformed PhD (Commendation) by UniSA in recognition of research impact in academic and end-use circles. Dylan has also been recognised at several civic awards, including as a Finalist for 2022 Professional of the Year, Australian Muslim Achievement Awards; a Community Service Award for outstanding work in the field of Education, Islamic Council of Queensland; and a Queensland Reconciliation Award, as a manager and co-founder of a Youth Development and Mentoring Organisation. In his professional practice as a teacher, Dylan was a nominee in 2016 for the Queensland College of Teachers, Professor Betty Watts OBE Memorial Award, recognising outstanding contributions to teaching; and awarded a Secondary Teacher Award in 2012 by the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation, for outstanding professional practice. He is a co-author of the book: Islamic schooling in the West: Pathways to renewal (Palgrave MacMillan); and co-author of the inaugural stimulus paper: A Shared Vision for Islamic Schooling in Australia: Learners, Learning & Leading Learning. Since 2016, Dylan has been a member of the convening committee for the Annual Australian Schooling Conference. Dylan is also a member of several global Islamic schooling networks including, the Cambridge Dialogues, Rethinking Islamic education for the 21st century, and the Global Association of Islamic Schools.