BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR
Doris “Amirah” Opara
Amirah Opara, originally from Nigeria and raised in Massachusetts, brings a rich cultural perspective and academic foundation to her leadership. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, and dual master’s degrees from American University: one from the School of International Service in International Economic Policy and another from the Kogod School of Business in Finance and Accounting.
​
With over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Ms. Opara currently serves as the Board Chair of The Aafiyah Project. She specializes in compliance and is recognized for her strategic thinking, results-driven approach, and effective problem-solving skills; qualities that help ensure the board’s operations are both efficient and impactful.
​
Ms. Opara’s commitment to The Aafiyah Project is deeply rooted in her passion for improving the economic and social well-being of marginalized communities. Her personal journey has shaped her dedication to advancing equity and wellness for underserved populations.
​
Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Ms. Opara enjoys hiking and spending quality time with her family.
VICE CHAIR
Camilla Obasiolu
Camilla Obasiolu is an accomplished public health professional with a robust background in Health Policy, Law, and Healthcare Delivery. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Maryland, College Park, and has dedicated her career to promoting health equity, public health advocacy, and community service.
​
Ms. Obasiolu currently serves as a Health Policy Analyst and Consultant, where she evaluates health insurance product submissions for compliance with federal and state regulations, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the No Surprises Act (NSA). Her work supports informed healthcare decision-making and promotes broader access to affordable, high-quality care. She also develops systems-level recommendations that address macro-level health challenges and shape effective public health programs and policies.
​
In addition to her public health work, Ms. Obasiolu is the founder and lead florist of Floralry, a full-service floral design company known for its intentional design and timeless elegance. Her artistry transforms events into immersive floral experiences, reflecting her keen attention to detail and refined sense of style.
​
A proud native of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Ms. Obasiolu is passionate about wellness, travel, and drawing inspiration from nature. She enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones, exploring new culinary experiences, and hosting elegant dinner gatherings. Committed to lifelong learning, she is devoted to inspiring others to pursue healthier, more meaningful lives.
SECRETARY
Deborah Amao
Deborah Amao is a skilled software engineer with a professional background in research and development, bringing to The Aafiyah Project a strong foundation in analytical thinking and quality assurance. Her technical acumen is complemented by a deep passion for wellness, both in terms of health and financial empowerment.
​
In addition to her engineering expertise, Ms. Amao has pursued studies in esthetics, marketing, and wealth planning. Her dedication to these fields reflects her broader commitment to supporting women in achieving financial independence and holistic well-being.
​
With over six years of experience serving on student boards and committees, Ms. Amao has cultivated exceptional organizational and leadership skills. Her keen attention to detail, strategic mindset, and dedication to operational efficiency make her a valuable asset in any leadership capacity.
A steadfast supporter of The Aafiyah Project’s mission, Ms. Amao is committed to advancing the organization’s efforts to create accessible pathways for women to thrive. Through her service, she aims to help ensure that programs and initiatives are executed with excellence, fostering growth in wellness, financial literacy, and personal development for the communities we serve.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Amina Musa
Amina Musa is a Clinical Research Coordinator with a strong background in biological sciences, clinical research, and community engagement. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Social Welfare from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where she was recognized with several honors, including the prestigious Undergraduate Research Award for her work on healthcare accessibility within immigrant communities.
​
In her current role at Endocrine and Metabolic Consultants, Ms. Musa manages a portfolio of 14 clinical trials focused on diabetes and metabolic disorders. She is certified in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), IATA, and CITI, ensuring strict adherence to ethical standards and regulatory protocols. Her experience as a Certified Medical Assistant further enhances her ability to provide patient-centered care with empathy and precision.
​
Ms. Musa’s dedication to social impact is evident in her extensive volunteerism and leadership. She leads the Brighten A Day initiative in Baltimore, volunteers at the Muslim Community Center Medical Clinic, and has previously served as an intern with The Aafiyah Project—co-leading a financial literacy club for youth and supporting wellness retreat programming. Her leadership roles in the Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity and the UMBC Pakistani Student Association further underscore her commitment to inclusive, health-oriented initiatives.
​
Through her clinical expertise and passion for community wellness, Ms. Musa brings invaluable perspective and energy to The Aafiyah Project’s mission.
TREASURER
Halima Thomas
Halima Thomas is a dedicated public health professional and former intern of The Aafiyah Project. During her internship, she played a key role in developing health promotion content and supporting core initiatives such as the annual Women’s Wellness Retreat and the Junior STARS program.
Ms. Thomas is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. She aspires to further her education through a master’s program with a concentration in global health.
​
Currently, Ms. Thomas serves as a Research Assistant at Johns Hopkins University, where she contributes to a study focused on improving outcomes for adolescents facing substance use challenges. Her professional background spans multiple sectors, including biotechnology, community health, and nonprofit work, providing her with a broad and informed perspective on healthcare systems and equity.
​
Deeply committed to reducing health disparities and advancing the well-being of underserved populations, Ms. Thomas brings passion, experience, and insight to her role as a board member. She is honored to contribute to The Aafiyah Project’s mission and looks forward to supporting programs that uplift and empower the communities we serve.
AT-LARGE
BOARD MEMBER
Shareema Houston
Shareema Houston serves as an At-Large Board Member of The Aafiyah Project, contributing over two decades of professional experience as a civil and environmental engineer. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering. Currently residing in Texas, Ms. Houston is actively pursuing certification to teach mathematics at the middle and high school levels.
​
Motivated by a deep commitment to education and the holistic well-being of the Muslim community, Ms. Houston joined The Aafiyah Project to help address the critical intersections of mental and physical health. Her involvement is inspired by a longstanding personal connection to the organization’s founder and a shared vision of cultivating safe, supportive spaces where individuals can engage in open dialogue and access wellness resources.
​
Ms. Houston envisions a future in which The Aafiyah Project expands its reach nationally and globally, empowering communities around the world to lead healthier, more balanced lives through culturally responsive and inclusive programming.
AT-LARGE
BOARD MEMBER
Jamila Irving
Jamila Irving is a seasoned Radiologic Technologist with over two decades of experience in medical imaging and patient care. She currently serves at the Washington DC VA Medical Center, where she is known for her clinical expertise and commitment to excellence. A proud native of Washington, D.C., Ms. Irving graduated from Eastern High School and went on to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree from the University of the District of Columbia’s Medical Radiology Program.
​
Ms. Irving is certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and holds professional licenses in both Maryland and Virginia. Her dedication to upholding the highest standards in radiologic practice is matched by her compassion for patients and her contributions to advancing healthcare services within the community.
​
Outside of her professional role, Ms. Irving is passionate about travel, interior design, and roller skating; interests that reflect her creative spirit and zest for life. As a board member of The Aafiyah Project, she brings both her healthcare expertise and vibrant energy to support the organization’s mission of fostering wellness and empowerment across underserved communities.
AT-LARGE
BOARD MEMBER
Roukiatou (Rouki) Kirakoya
Roukiatou (Rouki) Kirakoya is a dedicated advocate for childhood health, nutrition, and health equity, with over eight years of experience serving underserved communities. Her passion for this work was deeply shaped by her personal journey navigating the complex dietary and developmental needs of her special-needs child, particularly in managing severe food allergies and selective eating behaviors. This experience fueled her commitment to equipping families with the education and resources necessary to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
​
Ms. Kirakoya has held several leadership roles, including serving as Chairperson of the Parent Policy Council at the United Planning Organization, where she represented and advocated for families in early childhood education settings. She also served as a Parent Leader with the DC Children’s Trust Fund, focusing on child abuse prevention and domestic violence education within vulnerable communities.
​
Since 2019, she has worked as a Child Nutrition Services Specialist at EduCare DC, where she delivers comprehensive health and nutrition education to families. In 2023, Ms. Kirakoya was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes - an experience that broadened her perspective on wellness and prompted her to adopt a holistic approach that integrates physical, mental, and emotional health. She is currently pursuing certification in health and wellness, further strengthening her ability to serve as a resource and advocate.
​
Ms. Kirakoya is honored to serve on the Board of Directors of The Aafiyah Project, where she brings her lived experience, professional insight, and passion for health equity to support the organization’s mission of fostering a lasting legacy of health and wellness within the Black Muslim community.