Leadership

List of 7 items.

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  Eman Elkholy

  Principal

  For almost 20 years, I’ve been blessed to serve the youth and work in education—a journey that has always felt more like a calling than a career. My path began at Rutgers University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in English and state teaching certification to teach high school, followed by a Master’s in Instructional Leadership.
  For over a decade, I was actively involved with AlMaghrib Institute, where I studied under esteemed scholars such as Shaykh Muhammad Alshareef (rahimahullah), Shaykh Yaser Birjas, and Dr. Yasir Qadhi. During that time, I started serving as a tribal Ameerah, overseeing the logistics of on-site Almaghrib courses. I also served as a Young Muslim (YM) local coordinator, eventually becoming a national coordinator.

  
  Leadership for the sake of Allah found me at every stage, and I embraced it as my purpose and responsibility. Before joining Universal Academy of Florida, I worked across the East and Central coasts, developing curricula that blend Islamic values with English and Tarbiyah. Before I became a principal, I also served as Vice Principal, collaborating with educators and communities to create nurturing environments where students can excel academically and spiritually.
  
  Outside of my role, I’m a proud mother of four, and enjoy baking, family time, and building meaningful connections with those around me.
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  Yusuf Jaaber

  QAIS Director 

  I am so excited to be onsite as the QAIS Director after working remotely with UAF for the last five years. In Sha Allah, my presence on campus will help continue to improve the Quran, Arabic, and Islamic Studies programs as my primary goals are to engage, build rapport, and actively observe each program.

   
  Currently, I hold a MBA in Global Management and a license as a Teacher of Arabic. I have served in the field of Islamic Education for 24 years as a teacher, department head, and administrator. Furthermore, I have been activitely involved in Youth Empowerment & Development for over 30 years as both a youth mentor and coordinator. My education philosophy is having Muslim students to ‘View the World through the Lens of Islam’.

   

  I am a third generation American born Muslim whose family stems from one of the earliest indigenous Islamic organizations in America. I was raised in a family of Imams and Islamic Activists. I have been blessed to travel to Morocco and Egypt to pursue deeper understanding of Islam. Alhamdu Allah, I have been married for 20 years and blessed with five children. I love spending my free time with my family. My personal passion is doing research on various sciences of Quran & Arabic.
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  Dr. Hayat Ileiwat

  Academic Dean

  Allow me to introduce myself; I am Dr. Hayat Ileiwat, an esteemed educator fortunate to hold the position of Academic Dean at the Universal Academy of Florida (UAF). With a career spanning over 25 years in the field of education, I've dedicated my life to fostering academic excellence and instilling a culture of perpetual improvement. What fuels my passion is the desire to promote Islamic education not only within the confines of UAF but also beyond its walls. I envision myself as an education consultant, striving to empower and guide other Islamic schools on their own path to excellence. I carry with me a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by Islamic educational institutions, and my dream is to see a future where these schools flourish and provide unparalleled learning experiences. In essence, I embody a strong sense of purpose, driven by the desire to transform education and leave a lasting impact. With my wealth of experience, unwavering dedication, and transformative leadership, I am well-poised to shape the future of Islamic education through my role as the Academic Dean at UAF and beyond.
  

   
  I am also certified in teaching ESL (English as a Second Language). I have taught English and literature for over 23 years. I have recently completed my Doctorate of Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment .
  
  Education is very important to me personally because I believe knowledge is a gift from Allah (SWT) and Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said, “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.” I love to learn new things every day. My favorite moments in the classroom include moments when my students tell me that they’ve learned something from me. These moments fill my heart with joy, Al-Hamdullah.
    
  In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, take care of my plants and watch movies.
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• 

  Maha Alrihawi

  Head of Early Childhood (Pre-K & KG) 

  I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself. Alhamdulillah, I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and over 24 years of teaching experience in the USA and abroad. In addition to working as a teacher, I’ve held an Early Childhood Director position in another Islamic School previously for a couple of years, taught Arabic, Quran & Islamic Studies across all grade levels, earned a certificate in Nourania, and the Islamic Teachers Education Program (I-TEP) from Toronto, Canada. 
  I am a lifelong learner who continuously expands my knowledge and skills to stay abreast of the best teaching practices and the latest brain development research. My approach to working with young children is to strengthen their executive function skills, which are crucial for academic success, problem-solving, making positive choices, being kind, and treating others with empathy and respect. “Islam is the way of life.” I believe in the importance of building Islamic character to help our children become good citizens & strong Muslims, In Sha’Allah. One of my goals as a leader is to empower the adults first with skills that will help positively redirect our young future leaders to achieve their academic and spiritual goals and reach their highest potential, In Sha’Allah. 
  
  With Allah's (SWT) help, the support of parents, staff members, and the UAF administrative team, and by following UAF’s Mission and Goals, I intend to increase our students’ social-emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and academic success, in Sha’Allah.
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  Sherene Rahman

  Head of Elementary

  As the Head of Elementary at Universal Academy of Florida, I bring over 20 years of experience in education and leadership. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of serving as an IB and AP teacher, IB examiner, Head of Humanities, and Head of High School. I’ve worked in both international and Islamic school settings, which has given me a broad, inclusive perspective on learning and helped shape my student-centered approach.

   
  I hold a B.A. in Humanities and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. My background in inquiry-based programs, such as the IB and AP, has reinforced my commitment to cultivating curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning in every student.

  What I value most about working in education is witnessing student growth in academics, but also in confidence, character, and self-awareness. At Universal Academy of Florida, I strive to build a nurturing and inclusive environment where all children feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
  
  

  I am a proud parent of two daughters who just recently graduated from Universal Academy of Florida. In my free time, I enjoy reading and relaxing with a good British detective series.
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  Rosaylah Mahmoud

  Head of High School

  As an alumna of UAF’s Class of 1997, it’s an incredible honor to serve the very community that helped shape me. I’m Sr. Rosaylah Mahmoud, and I currently lead as Head of High School here at the Universal Academy of Florida. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in K-6 Education with endorsements in Reading and English Language Learners (ELL), as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

   
  Alhamdulillah, being part of this tight-knit, faith-driven school community is something I treasure deeply. Every day, I walk through our doors with purpose — ready to guide, support, and uplift both students and staff. My leadership approach is transformational: I listen with care, lead with clarity, nurture growth, and set high expectations rooted in compassion and accountability.

  
  

  Through the grace of Allah (SWT), I strive to ensure that every graduate leaves not just academically prepared, but spiritually grounded and mentally strong. It’s a blessing to give back to UAF — my home then, my home now.
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  Mohammed Judeh

  Head of Middle School

  Assalamu Alaikum! I’m Br. Mohammed and I'm the Head of Middle School! I graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in History and Political Science. I have my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
  Alhamdulillah, I am honored to work with such a fantastic community. My leadership style is student-focused, and I strive to bring the best out of them. Through Allah (SWT) I work with the students to achieve UAF’s mission statement to be academically successful, bring mental clarity, feel spiritually fulfilled, and become great citizens of the community. Go Falcons!
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