At iACT, we are so grateful for our Board of Directors! In this Board Spotlight, Shakeel Rashed tells us a little more about himself.
Q: Where are you from? How long have you lived in Austin?
A: Born in Hyderabad, India, a multicultural city with a penchant to enjoy good food, good company and good times. Moved to the USA for my masters program at George Washington University in 1991. After trying different places, we found the city we love, Austin, in 1999.
Q: How long have you served on the iACT Board?
A: I have served on the iACT board for more than 2 years now. Added treasurer responsibility this year.
Q: What made you want to serve as an iACT Board Member?
A: I have been familiar with iACT for a long time. They were first to come to our aid when our local mosque in Lake Travis had an adverse incident in early 2017. Late Mufti Umer, who later became the Imam for Islamic Center of Lake Travis was our conduit. Since then our community has joined various iACT programs starting with iACT International Thanksgiving. And was finally roped in by a friendly board member to come and serve on the board.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about your role as a Board Member of iACT?
A: I love interacting and learning different perspectives from compassionate faith leaders of various traditions from around the world who serve on iACT board.
Q: What’s the most challenging thing about working as a Board Member of iACT?
A: As with any non-profit work, acquiring resources from volunteers to fundings to serve the community is very challenging. Fortunately, many in the community realize the need for iACT to help and serving as the treasurer, I want to make sure we focus on this challenge.
Q: What’s the most rewarding thing about being a Board Member of iACT?
A: iACT serves a growing need from hands-on housing projects to refugee services, while leveraging all faiths in this divided world. What can be more rewarding than that?
Q: Why would you encourage others to support the work?
A: In the current polarized and politicized nation, it is a breath of fresh air to work with people who respect and try to learn from all faiths. There is a program for everyone to support from the red bench, to visiting various faith centers to helping with refugees and hands on housing projects. Join us in making Austin better for everyone.
