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Our Advancement Team

When you support Zaytuna College, your gift is more than merely material—you join a community dedicated to preserving sacred knowledge and cultivating its fruits by preparing the intellectual, professional, and spiritual leaders of tomorrow. Our Advancement team aims to serve you and your specific philanthropic goals with humility, and with knowledge about how best to maximize the impact of your generous gifts.

A Dedicated Community

Our Advancement Team is committed to supporting you achieve your philanthropic goals because we recognize the impact your gift can have on the College. Whether you want to plan a legacy gift for your family or have a technical question, our staff is readily available to serve. When you support Zaytuna College, your gift is not merely material—you join a community dedicated to preserving sacred knowledge and cultivating its fruits in the next generation of leaders.

For general questions, email [email protected] or call us at +1 (510) 900-3151.


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Senior Director of Development

Jamal Barakat

“‘The best among you are those who benefit others’ is the prophetic way of life I strive to live by. Working at Zaytuna allows me to do just that with all of our amazing supporters.”

Jamal leads the advancement work at the College, working with donors to transform their philanthropic visions into impactful realities. Whether it is establishing a scholarship fund, underwriting a special project for the College, or planning estate gifts, Jamal is dedicated to fostering the relationship between our blessed institution and supporters who are deeply committed to our mission and vision.

Languages: English, Spanish
Phone: (510) 822-0044
Email: [email protected]

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Director of Advancement Operations & Services

Ghaith Saggaf

“It is an honor and blessing to serve Zaytuna College and our supporters.”

Ghaith oversees Advancement operations and services and helps to develop strategic goals for the Advancement team. He strives for excellence in the work he and his team do. Ghaith also collaborates across departments on many projects and oversees the operations of donations, gift processes, donor records, systems, and services. 

Languages: English, Arabic
Phone: (559) 708-1994
Email: [email protected]

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Data Analyst

Souad Bouali

“Solving problems is the favorite part of my job. Each day I come to work excited to work with our donors to help answer their questions and to help solve any problems they may encounter.”

Souad manages our donor information systems. She assists donors with their questions and ensures that gift processing is seamless. Souad is readily available to serve our supporters when questions or comments arise and welcomes your feedback, comments, and prayers.

Languages: English, Arabic, French 
Phone: (510) 867-2951
Email: [email protected]

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Donor Relations Associate

Manal Alfaouri

“I always feel blessed and honored to connect with our supporters from around the world. Thank you for being your wonderful selves.”

Manal helps enhance the giving experience and answers any questions donors may have. She provides tax receipts, corrects donation errors, and provides general donor support. Manal is available to assist donors in learning more about their giving options and loves to hear what inspired them to support Zaytuna College.

Languages: English, Arabic
Phone: (510) 369-5914 
Email: [email protected]

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Development Programs Manager

Akram Sirafi

“I love helping people set up a sadaqa jariya (endless charity) for them and their family by preserving the beautiful scholastic tradition of our faith for generations to come, God willing.”

Akram focuses on developing financial sustainability for Zaytuna College. He manages the 12000 Strong program and other benefits related to our monthly supporters. Akram is always available to answer questions regarding the monthly donor program. 

Language: English
Phone: (510) 603-0061
Email: [email protected]

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Donor Relations Associate

Mai Shehadeh

“I am privileged to help you support the critical mission of Zaytuna College.”

Mai is responsible for communicating with our donors and providing respectful, timely, and accurate support in the areas of donor relations, gift processing, and fundraising. She also provides assistance to prospective, new, and existing donors via telephone and email regarding recurring gifts and donor records.

Languages: English, Arabic
Phone: (510) 571-0431
Email: [email protected]

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Midwest Regional Director of Development

Atif Irfan

“I am moved every day by the dedication and commitment of our donors and supporters. They truly are the backbone of this great institution.”

Dedicated to maintaining current donor relationships and fostering new ones, Atif is passionate about communicating the long-term vision and goals of the College to the broader community. He loves being outdoors, fishing with his twelve-year-old son or going on long bike rides.

Languages: English, Pashto, Urdu, Punjabi
Phone: (518) 822-0042
Email: [email protected]

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