At iACT, we are so grateful for our Board of Directors! In this Board Spotlight Imam Islam Mossaad, iACT Board President, tells us a little more about himself.
Q: Where are you from? How long have you lived in Austin?
A: I was born in Arlington, Virginia and came to Austin at the age of two. My parents came to the United States for Higher Education in the 1970’s from Cairo Egypt. I have lived in this great city from 1978 until the present, except for three years in Little Rock, Arkansas, six months in Dallas, Texas, and one year in College Station, Texas. I am a little biased here when I say that for me Mecca is number one, Medina is number two, Jerusalem is number three, and Austin is number four. Some may feel I am joking, but why not work together to make Austin a beacon of light and love for all cities God-willing.
How long have you served on the iACT Board?
I have been on the iACT board for two years.
What made you want to serve as an iACT Board Member?
I feel it is important for Muslims in the city to have a seat at the table so as to learn from the experiences and knowledge of others working to improve our city as well as making significant contributions to the well-being and advancement of all the people in Central Texas God-willing. The convivial atmosphere of iACT leadership is also very welcoming and everyone is valued.
What do you enjoy the most about your role as a Board Member of iACT?
The most impressive aspect of iACT is to step back and observe from time to time how ideas percolate in a collective ether of our minds, then condense, fall to the earth like a bountiful rain, and trees of goodness bearing fruits come to life. The work is to nourish and cultivate those trees as well as to plant new ones. The mark of success of any organization is the real-world benefit it brings to people.
What’s the most challenging thing about working as a Board Member of iACT?
There is a certain amount of introspection as to the validity of one’s own presuppositions of themselves, others and of the world; empathy to actually listen, see, and walk alongside; and discipline that is needed to work with others effectively for a higher motivation than egotistical, provincial, or sectarian concerns.
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a Board Member of iACT?
Knowing a fellow human being and discovering aspects of who they are is definitely at the top of the list when serving as part of a diverse iACT board.
Why would you encourage others to support the work of iACT?
There are many organizations that are working to realize a good cause; iACT seeks to pool all those intending good for their fellow human beings together for a concerted meaningful force at the local level with a global vision for all humanity. Anyone looking to make a positive difference and see the fruits almost immediately in the city of Austin and beyond should support IACT.
