Two Minnesotans, Arlene El-Amin and Lori Saroya, have been named to the national board of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Muslim civil rights and advocacy group.
The group says its mission is to “enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.”
There are many active local chapters around the country, including one in Minnesota, which Saroya co-founded in 2007. She was recently succeeded as head of CAIR-MN by Jaylani Hussein.
The national group says that during Saroya’s nearly eight years as executive director “CAIR-MN handled some 200 cases each year and received several awards and recognitions, including the 2013 Difference Makers Award from the American Bar Association, 2012 CAIR Chapter of the Year Award and 2011 Nonprofit Mission and Excellence Anti-Racism Award from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.”
El-Amin, the group said, is a “long-time community leader and civil rights activist who serves as the manager of Masjid An-Nur in Minneapolis. Her volunteer experience includes serving on community, interfaith and social services organizations, such as North High School; Girl Scouts; Home Away; Volunteer Center of St. Paul; Al-Birr Family, Social and Counseling Services; and the Mall Area Religious Council.”