EXECUTIVE BOARD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Siddiga Ahmed
Siddiga is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Social Worker, and community leader. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina - Greensboro and a Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work from the Joint Program of the University of North Carolina - Greensboro and North Carolina State Agricultural and Technical University. She works with refugee, immigrant, and other marginalized communities since 2007 assisting many individuals and families in the Triad area. She was elected as Chair Person of the International Advisory Committee of Greensboro from 2019 - 2021. She is the founder of Helping Hands USA, a nonprofit started in 2021 to serve those in need on a larger scale. She won the Minerva Award for Distinguished Service from UNCG and the Outstanding Volunteer Award from Greensboro Islamic Academy. She has served on nonprofit boards and committees including Greensboro African public Action Committee and Habitat for Humanity.
BOARD CHAIR: Michael Burge
Michael served in senior accounting, financial, and operational management roles for over 40 years in various diverse industries with operations in Europe, Canada and across the United States with companies ranging in size from $3 million up to $430 million of sales per year. Industries served include Nonprofits producing under Federal contracts; Textiles; Glass Container Manufacturing; Office Products and Equestrian Merchandising and Distribution. He earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. He later earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina – Greensboro in Financial Accounting.
Following his retirement, Michael has chosen to focus his knowledge and experience on the nonprofit sector with a special focus on underserved immigrant and refugee communities.
BOARD VICE CHAIR: Dr. Razaz Ahmed
Dr. Razaz is a medical doctor from Sudan with a passion for helping children with women and special needs gain access to education and healthcare to improve their lives. She has worked with a number of nonprofit organizations providing these services. She currently serves as Employment Specialist and interpreter for UNCG’s Center for New North Carolinians. She served as Medical Advisor for nonprofit organization focusing on children with special needs. She is an active leader in the community and advocate for improved access to education, healthcare, and social services for refuge, immigrant, women, and children.
BOARD SECRETARY: Gene Pressinger
Gene graduated from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2023, obtaining a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.A. in Political Science, with minors in Islamic Studies and Mathematics. Currently, he works as a software developer for the Department of Nutrition at UNCG, where he is responsible for creating computer applications designed for young teenagers to monitor their health and promote healthy eating habits. In the past, he has held various roles, including teacher’s assistant at UNCG, a computer science and mathematics tutor, and part-time lecturer at NC A&T University for high school STEM camps.
BOARD TREASURER: Muneer Ahmed
Muneer has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Industrial Management. He has over 24 years of experience in various levels of quality management. He served on several nonprofit boards and committees including Greensboro African public Action Committee.
BOARD MEMBERS
Committed to the Cause:
Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our skilled team of professionals is the backbone of HELPING HANDS USA. Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization as it continues to develop. Read on to learn more about some of our incredible team members.
Mohamed Bakie
Mohamed is a local business owner and community activist who has established a mission to act and speak on behalf of those who are marginalized and under-served within our community and beyond. He served on many boards and committees including Greensboro African public Action Committee
Salma Farah
Assistant Principal at Greensboro Islamic Academy.
Interpreter at Communication Access.
Moussa Issifou
Moussa is a Teaching Assistant Professor at NC A&T State University, President of the Islamic Center of Greensboro, president of Greensboro African public Action Committee, former Chairman of Greensboro Human Relations Commission.
Amber Khan
Amber Khan is a consultant and advocate and has vast experience in community service work. She has served on the executive boards of several non-profit organizations during the last 7 years. One of her goals is to continue to bridge the gaps of communication between the many organizations and institutions that she is affiliated with in the Central North Carolina region.
In addition to her experience in community engagement, Amber is a trained counselor and educator. She is especially dedicated to removing the stigma of counseling and mental illness among immigrants and refugees. She is an Alumni of UNC Greensboro and NC A&T State University. She has been elected as an executive member of the International Advisory Committee. Amber is a Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, NCC, LCMHC and is in private practice
Zohair Mohammed
Zohair is a Sudanese community leader living in Greensboro since 1992 and active in community service areas especially education, charity, and social activities.
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Mustafa Mustafa
Mustafa is a Software Engineer with a certificate in Full Stack Development from the University of Pennsylvania Coding Bootcamp Program. He contributes to the growth of small tech startups and organizations at Fireside Solutions while actively supporting his family's local auto business. Mustafa's non-profit experience includes founding and leading the Muslim Student Organization and working with Code for America on impactful civic projects, such as facilitating COVID-19 testing and vaccine center access. He also mentors and encourages innovation in tech through hackathons, showing his dedication to positive change and community involvement.
Amel Salih
