Meet The Executive Team
Summeiya (They/Them), Co-Founder
Summeiya Khamissa (They/Them) is the founder of Queer Muslim Network. Summeiya holds a degree in Children, Childhood & Youth Studies from York University, and works in the non-profit sector.
Summeiya is passionate about community building, progressive Islam, youth advocacy, and persisting radical joy. In the very few moments they’re not thinking about Queer Muslim Network, they’re almost always in the kitchen, cooking up a storm.
Laila (She/Her), Co-Founder & Graphic Designer
Laila (She/Her) is the co-founder and graphic designer of Queer Muslim Network. As the second most senior member, her role quickly grew alongside the organization, taking on creative and leadership roles. She is currently studying history and sexuality at university and is passionate about producing work that is rich in culture, identity, and heritage.
When she’s not attending a diaspora, sexuality, or history class, you can find her pursuing filmmaking, Islamic art, writing, and taking care of her plants.
Layale (She/Her), Finance & Advocacy
Layale (She/Her) is the finance coordinator at Queer Muslim Network. Layale holds an undergraduate & master’s degree in physics. Her master's thesis research was in quantitative MRI methodology development. She has two years of experience as a digital consultant with a growing expertise in data science, AI, and machine learning.
In addition to the sciences, Layale is passionate about social justice, Lebanese culture, food, the Arabic language, Indigenous liberation, trans liberation, drag culture, the intersection between queerness & Islam, and politics. Layale is also a strong proponent of seeing a liberated and free Palestine.
Dahlia (She/They), Partnerships Coordinator
Dahlia (She/They) is a partnership coordinator at Queer Muslim Network. Dahlia studied Mathematics during her time in university. They’ve worked in international development for the past six years, mainly working with sustainable infrastructure projects & companies to maximize their positive impact on communities and businesses.
Dahlia has six years of experience in queer Muslim advocacy. They were part of the organizing team of London Queer Muslims before moving to Canada and joining Queer Muslim Network in 2023. Dahlia’s passions include building community & belonging for queer Muslims, Formula 1, and Heartstopper.
Saad (He/They), Head of Marketing & Social Media Manager
Saad (He/They) is the head of marketing and social media manager for Queer Muslim Network. Saad is working towards an undergraduate degree in Politics and Governance with a minor in Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Management at Toronto Metropolitan University, while actively being employed in the nonprofit sector.
Saad has been involved in local queer organizations for 7+ years, beginning as a community member attendee and then gradually taking on internal roles to facilitate more concentrated programming for intersectional community members. He strongly values community and ensuring folks feel like they belong. When not doing Queer Muslim things, you will most likely find Saad doing some form of content creation to make their friends laugh.
Youssef (He/Him), Community Liaison & Jummah Coordinator
Youssef (He/Him) is the community liaison at the Queer Muslim Network. Youssef has an undergraduate degree in business administration as well as a masters in international business. Youssef works as a management consultant servicing clients in Canada, the USA and abroad.
Having been involved in Muslim advocacy and community building his entire adult life, he shifted towards supporting Queer Muslims when he joined QMN in 2021. Aside from his official role, he takes pride in bringing people in the community together through social events, mentorship and food.
Zainab (She/Her), Volunteer Coordinator & Researcher
Zainab (She/Her) is the volunteer coordinator & researcher at the Queer Muslim Network. She holds a bachelor’s degree in global health and works in the healthcare field.
Zainab has many years of experience volunteering for community organisations advocating for things she feels passionate about, including anti-racism and oppression, disability rights, access to healthcare, food insecurity, and more. In her free time, Zainab can be found reading a good book, baking fun recipes she sees on Tik Tok, or working on a project from her never ending pile of crochet.
Ali (He/Him), Newsletter
Ali Zafar (He/Him) is a storyteller & copywriter at Queer Muslim Network. Ali holds an undergraduate degree in journalism and an MBA. He worked in the print media industry across Canada, the Middle East, and South Asia before shifting into the corporate space.
He’s passionate about all-things horror—movies, books, and even writing in the genre. He appreciates spending time with his cat and travelling the world.
Blue (She/Her), Ottawa Chapter Lead
Blue Petties (She/Her) is the Ottawa Chapter Liaison for the Queer Muslim Network. She is a proud community builder, facilitator, culture worker, and designer. Her work centres around creating spaces for marginalized communities to connect and thrive. Her values are rooted in community care, disability justice, and anti-oppression.
Blue is a graduate of the University of Ottawa where she majored in trombone performance. Blue is deeply involved with the various communities that she is a part of. When Blue is not organizing community events, she is often found cooking, connecting with friends and making art.