Meet Our Staff
Mazin Awad, M.A.
Project Coordinator
Mazin Awad earned his Master of Arts in Higher Education & Organizational Change from UCLA in 2024, where he researched high school transcripts to examine the coursetaking patterns of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) students compared to other racial/ethnic groups. He aims to address potential inequities impacting MENA students' access to higher education, challenging their miscategorization as white. Mazin also holds a BA in International Studies - Sociology from UCSD, where he mentored undergraduates and K-12 students through the Partners at Learning (PAL) program. At MAPS, he focuses on creating, providing, and advocating for necessary resources to shape students’ success. Mazin is excited to work with his MAPS team to enhance the project’s site services, community relationships, and overall resources.
Outside of work, Mazin enjoys spending time with his loved ones and trying different restaurants.
You can reach Mazin at mawad@cpo.ucla.edu.
Azzee Lim
Assistant Project Coordinator
Azzee is a third-year undergraduate student at UCLA, majoring in Human Biology and Society. Building on her initial role as a MAPS volunteer during her first year, she pursued a MAPS internship in 2023 to deepen her understanding of the social and economic conditions impacting her students at site. Committed to advocating for educational equality in under-resourced communities, Azzee seeks to leverage her experiences and privileges as a UCLA student to become a vital resource for her fellow students. She is dedicated to supporting her peers both academically and spiritually, and is enthusiastic about continuing her growth and contributions with MAPS.
You can reach Azzee at azzeelim@g.ucla.edu
Ayra Sultan
Outreach Coordinator
Ayra is a third-year Psychobiology major who began volunteering with MAPS during her sophomore year. Her initial experiences as a volunteer sparked a deeper interest in MAPS’ mission of educational justice, leading her to become a MAPS Intern. Through this internship, she gained a better understanding of educational inequality in Los Angeles and the vital services MAPS provides to underserved students. She values MAPS’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and looks forward to building relationships with students while collaborating with others who are also passionate about serving diverse L.A. communities.
You can reach Ayra at asult994@gmail.com.
Baraa Abu Ghalyoun
MAPS Academy Site Coordinator
Baraa Abu Ghalyoun is a third-year General Biology Major. He was born and lived most of his life on the East Coast, including WV, VA, NJ, and NY. He is currently on the premed pathway and is incredibly interested in clinical research. In his free time, he enjoys playing and watching soccer. Baraa joined MAPS to understand the application of mentorship in underserved communities and connect with the younger generation of Muslims.
You can reach Baraa at baraaghalyoun15@gmail.com.
Maryam Sandhu
ISLAH 1 Site Coordinator
Maryam is a third-year Neuroscience major who first volunteered for MAPS at the end of her freshman year. She became an intern during her sophomore year, during which she found a passion for combating systemic inequities through the academic enrichment of the students they serve. Both the MAPS students and staff are an incredible community of people that she’s honored to be able to work with again this year, and she looks forward to advancing MAPS’s mission of increasing access to higher education for students of underserved communities. Her favorite memory from MAPS has to be playing soccer and hide-and-seek at Spring Forward with ICH students.
You can reach Maryam at maryamsandhu22@g.ucla.edu.
Hamza Khan
Community College Site Coordinator
Hamza Khan is a third-year majoring in Data Theory. He began with MAPS his freshman year, quickly growing fond of the team and the students. Volunteering at Islah Academy and ICH enabled him to relive childhood memories, discussing Pokemon while tutoring students on mixed fractions. He looks forward to expanding the CC site and connecting with new students and volunteers.
You can reach Hamza at hamzakhan0415@gmail.com.
Karim Galal
ISLAH 2 Site Coordinator
Karim is a third-year student at UCLA. He joined MAPS last year to help support members of the community and to spread his passion for learning to the younger generation. His favorite site memory is playing an intense game of 3-2-1 (basketball) with a few of the students after they finished their work.
You can reach Karim at galalkarim5@gmail.com.
Syaal Sharifzad
Internal Student Success Coordinator
Syaal is a fourth-year student majoring in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He joined MAPS last year first as a volunteer and then as an intern for the winter & spring quarters. He resonates with the MAPS mission statement and purpose and loves the opportunities MAPS provides in not only allowing community building to occur, but also as a way to connect with like-minded volunteers & with the amazing students at MAPS sites.
You can contact Syaal at syaals324@gmail.com.
Tasnim Jahan
External Student Success Coordinator
Tasnim is a third-year Psychobiology major. Her journey with MAPS began in her freshman year when she was captivated by the project's mission to support underserved students. Over the years, Tasnim has been deeply involved with MAPS, initially as a dedicated volunteer and later as an intern. Her time with MAPS has deepened her appreciation for the project’s mission of achieving educational equality. She values the opportunity it offers to make a meaningful difference in the academic and personal journeys of countless students. She looks forward to using her position to contribute to the growth and success of MAPS and its service recipients.
You can reach Tasnim at tasnimjahan17@g.ucla.edu.