Meet the Team

Ramah Awad

  • Welcome! My name is Ramah Awad and I serve as the Executive Director at the Majdal Center. I was born and raised in the San Francisco-Bay Area and graduated from Stanford University in 2017 with a B.A. in History and a minor in Anthropology. I joined Majdal in 2020 and am proud to be contributing to a stronger Arab community in El Cajon and the wider San Diego area. I bring over a decide of experience in community organizing, coalition building, and social movement infrastructure to my role. In 2024, I served as the Inaugural Palestinian Community Leader in Residence at UC San Diego and was recognized in Arab America’s "30 Under 30. In 2025, I was honored to receive the Nancy Jamison Fund for Social Justice Leadership Award.

    Contact: ramah@majdalcenter.org

Subrein Damanhoury

  • Hi, my name is Subrein. I was born and raised in San Diego and spent most of my summers in Palestine with my family. I graduated from San Diego State University with an Interdisciplinary degree in Arabic, Political Science, and History with a focus in the Middle East. During college, I studied abroad at the American University of Sharjah to learn more about the Arabic Language, its different dialects and the political economic structures of the region. After graduating, I worked for Youth Will where I advocated for youth rights on a local level after learning how little our youth are being supported. When I’m not working, you can find me reading about Palestine and its beautiful, vast history and culture.

    Contact: subrein@majdalcenter.org

Sundus Al Mithiab

  • Hi! My name is Sundus, and I’m a Case Manager at Majdal Community Center. I was born and raised in Syria, where I spent most of my life working in community and humanitarian programs; and lived through 13 years of it’s civil war. For almost 10 years, I supported individuals and families through mental health and public health programs, community outreach, and volunteering with local and international organizations

    Living through the war and all the difficulties made me even more passionate about helping others. I turned those hard times into motivation to grow, learn, and give back to my community. During that time, I also earned a PhD in psychological support as part of a public health program, which helped me better understand trauma and how to support people through it. My hobbies include cooking, reading novels, and photography.

    In 2024, I moved to the U.S., bringing with me my story, experience, and love for community work. I’m happy to be part of the Majdal team and excited to support the Arab community in San Diego with care and kindness. 

    Contact: sundus@majdalcenter.org

Farida Erikat

  • Marhaba jamia'an! My name is Farida Erikat, and I am a Palestinian-Muslim born and raised in San Diego. I recently graduated from UC Irvine where I studied Psychology and Education. In my time in university, I discovered my passion for working with youth as a mentor, camp counselor, teaching assistant, and tutor. As such, I'm thrilled to be joining Majdal's team as a Youth Justice Fellow, where I hope to create a space of empowerment for the Arab youth in our community. I currently work at the San Diego Refugee Communities Coalition as a Project Specialist, where I work with Community Health Workers to address institutional health inequities. In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to Arabic music, trying new desserts, and spending time with my large family, including my two lively cats. I grew up spending much of my spare time in El Cajon visiting family, so I'm looking forward to learning how to better serve this community!

    Contact: farida@majdalcenter.org

Ryan Fan

  • Marhaba wa salaam ya jamaa3a! My name is Ryan Fan, and I am excited to serve as the Advocacy and Campaign Manager at the Majdal Center, through the ACLS Leading Edge Fellowship. I hold a PhD in Middle Eastern Studies from UT Austin, with a focus on Arabic dialects and the signed languages of the Arab world. Prior to joining Majdal, I taught Arabic for five years at UT Austin, and I spent another five years designing and piloting the Arabic program for San Francisco public schools. I created student and staff programming to expand cultural and political awareness, while also advocating alongside families for improved language and education access. Originally from San Francisco, I lived in Egypt (2009-2012) and Morocco (2016-2018) as an Arabic student and Fulbright researcher. I've worked with newcomers and refugees both in the USA and abroad, and I look forward to supporting the Arab community in San Diego!

    Contact: ryan@majdalcenter.org

Aalaa Alzoubi

  • Hello, my name is Aalaa and I am the Adult Education Coordinator at Al Majdal Center. I was born and raised in Syria and moved to the United States in 2016. In Syria, I was working as an Arabic language teacher, music teacher, but because of the war and the situation in the country, I had to leave. When I moved to the United States, I focused on learning English and enrolling in college. I also began working at San Diego State University as an Arabic teacher. I’ve gained a lot of experience in the field of teaching, leading seminars and organizing lectures. I look forward to joining and supporting the San Diego community through the Majdal Center.

    Contact: aalaa@majdalcenter.org

Hana Masri

  • Marhaba! My name is Hana Masri and I am a Development Associate with the Majdal Center. My professional background is at the intersection of communications and public health. In 2020, I graduated with a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin, where I researched the impacts of global narratives around refugees and immigrants. I bring prior experience at the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) in Dearborn, Michigan and extensive work with youth-led community organizing for justice in Palestine to my work at Majdal. 

    Contact: hana@majdalcenter.org

Rima Alkhateeb

  • Salam! I’m Rima Alkhateeb.Before stepping into this role, I volunteered with Majdal for over four years supporting youth programs, building community, and helping organize monthly events that brought Arab youth together in spaces of joy, connection, and empowerment.

    I recently graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Leadership. I also hold a Certificate of Arabic from USD, which recognizes my Arabic language proficiency and cultural expertise that reflects my deep connection to my roots. While at USD, I founded and led the Muslim Student Association, where I focused on creating inclusive, faith-centered spaces and advocating for Arab and Muslim students on campus.

    My journey with Majdal started with a deep love for my community and a desire to see Arab youth thrive. Now, as a Youth Organizer, I continue that work through leadership workshops, cultural events, and social justice campaigns that center youth voices. I believe in the power of young people to lead change and I’m here to support them every step of the way.

    Contact : rima@majdalcenter.org

Khaled Mohieddin

  • Marhaba everyone! My name is Khaled Mohieddin, and I am a Syrian who grew up in Saudi Arabia before moving to the U.S. as a teenager. I graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. During my time as a student, I worked at the university’s tutoring center, where I discovered my passion for helping others. That experience shaped my commitment to mentorship and community support, and I’m excited to bring that same energy to my new role at Majdal Center. In my free time, I enjoy watching soccer games and hanging out with friends. I’m looking forward to making a meaningful impact and connecting with the community!

    Contact: khaled@majdalcenter.org

Waleed Naser

  • Hello! My name is Waleed Naser I’m the coordinator for the boys soccer program. I was born in Basra, Iraq and lived in Syria before moving to the US in 2009. I have been part of the San Diego community since 2014 and part of the El Cajon community since 2017. I’ve been coaching soccer since 2022 where I found a passion for working with young kids which has led me to being a coach Albion SC. I have also been coaching teenagers at Logan Memorial High School where I am the JV head coach. I’m very excited to build great connections for the youth in the community and to help them grow in society through the sport of soccer!

Omar Al-Hadeethi

  • Welcome! My name is Omar Al-Hadeethi, and I am a Community Health Worker at Majdal Center. I have a background in medicine and public health, with a medical degree from Baghdad University and a Master of Public Health from the University at Albany, SUNY. I have extensive experience working with refugees and underserved communities both in the United States and internationally. Prior to joining Majdal Center, I worked with the International Rescue Committee and led public health initiatives in Jordan in collaboration with organizations such as WHO and UNICEF. Fluent in English and Arabic, I am dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to achieve better health outcomes. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and spending time at the beach.

Yasmin Zeis-Khalil

  • Salam! My name is Yasmin Zeis-Khalil, and I am currently a Senior at San Diego State University studying Political Science and International Security with an emphasis in Human Rights.  

    I come from an immigrant family; this identity has shaped my passion and compassion for those who have experienced the struggles of displacement or uprooting their lives in hopes of a better one.  My interest in human rights has guided the trajectory of my education. This commitment to human rights has opened doors for me to work with organizations in South Africa and Indonesia, allowing me to better understand global conditions and how law can support civil rights and dignity.

    Since moving to San Diego, my passions have been rooted in building community and advocating for the Arab, Muslim, Palestinian population at San Diego State University. I have worked closely with a range of clubs and initiatives, and I had the privilege of co-designing the SDSU Middle Eastern North African Lounge, which opened in 2023. This space has served as a hub for cultural appreciation, dialogue, and academic support. 

    Working as our NNAAC Leadership Fellow at Majdal, I look forward to continuing to focus on advocacy and education policy.

Eriq Vargas

  • Hello! My name is Eriq and I have been an advocacy fellow at the Majdal Center through the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USCPR) since January 2025. Originally from New York, I moved to San Diego in 2021 to obtain my Master’s in Peace and Justice from the Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego. I also hold a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Chapman University.

    In my fellowship role, I facilitate the San Diego for Palestine Coalition, convening local social justice organizations and managing strategic campaigns aimed at advancing Palestinian human rights.

    With various opportunities to travel to and work in Palestine since 2018, my advocacy stems from my first-hand experiences. As the son of a South American immigrant, my work is rooted in a passionate commitment to co-creating a future of equitable justice and solidarity.

    In my full-time work, I serve as a Program Manager for the San Diego Refugee Communities Coalition, where I facilitate the AMEA Campaign aimed at reducing stigma around mental health and substance use within San Diego’s diverse refugee communities.

Rala Ramzi

  • Hi, my name is Rala Ramzi. I am Syrian/Palestinian and hold an associate degree in Math and Science from Southwestern College. I also earned an Office Professional Technology certificate from Grossmont College.

    I work as a Language Access Provider at Majdal, where I support clients by providing translation services, assisting with appointments scheduling, and completing  intake forms. Through my work, I help ensure clear communication and improve access to essential services. I am fluent in both English and Arabic and passionate about supporting my community. I have a strong interest in healthcare services and value contributing to work that helps individuals feel supported and understood.

Meet our Advisory Board

Yasmeen Obeid

  • Assalamu Alaikum everyone! My name is Yasmeen Obeid and I am a Muslim-Palestinian community organizer and Advocate. I was born in Los Angeles, and raised in Palestine until I graduated high school. I am an Ethnic Studies graduate from the University of California, San Diego, and currently serve as the Advocacy & Campaigns coordinator with Majdal Center. I also serve as an advisory board member for Borderlands for Equity, a pro-bono civil rights organization. I previously worked as a Neighborhood Captain and Youth Organizer with Mid-City CAN, where I focused on ensuring City Heights residents are civically aware and engaged by participating in the Census and elections. In my free time, I love being outdoors and in nature, especially hiking. I also love listening to audiobooks and spending time with family and loved ones. I look forward to continuing the work with our Arab communities in El Cajon, Insha’Allah!

    Contact: yasmeen@majdalcenter.org

Jeanine Erikat

  • Jeanine Erikat brings years of experience in community organizing, policy, and advocacy. Jeanine graduated from UC Irvine with a B.S. in Public Health Sciences and B.A. in History. She currently works at Women’s Foundation California as a Program Manager with the Dr. Beatriz Maria Solís Policy Institute (SPI). Prior to Women’s Foundation, Jeanine served as a Policy Associate at the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans.

Nadine Hassoun

  • Salam! I’m Nadine Hassoun and I serve as Chair of the Advisory Board I was born in San Diego, raised abroad, and moved back to attend San Diego State University, where I first became involved in student organizing with Students for Justice in Palestine. I received an MSc in Development Economics from SOAS, University of London, and I currently work as an Economic Development professional for local government. When I’m not community organizing, I’m experimenting in the kitchen by baking cakes, cookies, and more, hiking and exploring our beautiful coast, or hanging out with my two cats, Che and Katafani.

    Contact: nadine@majdalcenter.org

Aline Racic

  • Founder of Swift Solutions Consulting, Aline holds an MBA in Management and Entrepreneurship from San Diego State University. With over 20 years of experience in the non-profit and public sectors, her areas of focus have included Project Management of complex initiatives, meeting facilitation, collaborative strategic planning, and agile project management training. Most recently, she supports the work of Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties, a regional Philanthropy Infrastructure Organization, as the Senior Director of Member Services.

Ghassan Hussein

  • Ghassan Hussein is a healthcare worker based in San Diego, California. Ghassan moved to California from Palestine after high school and has since lived and worked in Southern California with his wife. He is fluent in Arabic with an academic background in Arabic language, literature, and culture. Ghassan is passionate about connecting his community through health, culture, and social justice initiatives. Through his work, Ghassan aims to promote greater understanding and empowerment. He is committed to creating positive change and fostering stronger, more resilient communities.

Afrah Abdulkader

  • Afrah Abdulkader was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and raised in Kuwait until she immigrated to San Diego in 1999. She worked with the International Rescue Committee (IRC)- San Diego Office as Senior Survivor Advocate between 2018 and 2024. Afrah brings 17 years of experience, in providing client centered, culturally sensitive and trauma informed advocacy services to refugees and all newcomers. 

    She volunteers in leadership capacities with the Welcome Newcomers Network in East County, Hand2Stand, the San Diego Refugee Forum- World Refugee Day Festival 2024. In 2024, she was recognized as the East Region Live Well Public Health Champion by the County of San Diego.