PSSF’s executive team brings together decades of experience in global development, nonprofit leadership, and strategic partnerships, all united by a shared commitment to Palestinian Education. With integrity, vision, and a deep sense of responsibility, they guide our mission to build the next leaders of Palestine.
The PSSF Board
Ali Ata
FounderAli Ata built his career in Chicago real estate, but he knew he had to find a way to give back to his roots in Palestine. PSSF was born, and with integrity, vision, and a deep sense of responsibility, Ali guides our mission to build the next leaders of Palestine.
Khaled Abughazaleh
Board MemberDr. Khaled Abughazaleh is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and longtime humanitarian leader with extensive experience in nonprofit governance, global health initiatives, and organizational development. He earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Jordan, his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania, and completed specialty training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is board certified in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Anesthesiology.
Dr. Abughazaleh has dedicated a significant portion of his career to expanding access to care, education, and opportunity in underserved and conflict-affected communities. Since 2005, he has been actively involved with the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), leading more than 50 medical missions to the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, and Lebanon. He served on the PCRF Board of Directors for many years, including six years as Chairman of the Board, during which he provided strategic leadership and helped guide the organization’s growth into a highly respected international humanitarian nonprofit.
Driven by a deep commitment to humanitarian values and education as a pathway to empowerment and lasting community impact, Dr. Abughazaleh serves on the Board of Directors of the Palestine Student Scholarship Fund, where he supports initiatives that expand access to education, mentorship, and opportunity for underserved students. He contributes his experience in governance and long-term organizational sustainability. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Downtown Islamic Center of Chicago, supporting community-based educational, youth, and religious programs.
Sheila Badwan
Board MemberSheila Badwan is a Palestinian American community leader born in Raleigh, North Carolina, and raised in Greenville, North Carolina. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Management from East Carolina University in 2005 and has worked for more than a decade in the healthcare administration field across multiple specialties.
Sheila brings deep experience in community collaboration, having volunteered and led projects supporting refugee, immigrant, and differently abled populations. She helped build Hanan Refugees Relief Group, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, into a refugee resettlement agency serving the state while also leading the organization’s registered and active humanitarian work in Palestine. Under her leadership, Hanan has earned multiple accolades from nationally recognized partners, including Islamic Relief USA.
Sheila is a cofounder of Open Arms, an interfaith women’s group in Milwaukee, and currently serves as Board President of the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance, where she supports civic engagement, advocacy, and community leadership statewide. She also sits on the steering committee for the HOME program, which celebrates refugees and helps plan World Refugee Day at the Lynden Sculpture Garden, and serves as Co Chair of the Wisconsin State Refugee Advisory Council.
Sheila joined the Palestinian Student Scholarship Fund Board because she believes access to education is essential for empowerment, opportunity, and long term stability. As a Palestinian American, the Fund’s mission is especially meaningful to her, reflecting her commitment to supporting Palestinian youth and investing in future leaders. She is married and a devoted mother of two children, one of whom is partially deaf and lives with epilepsy, an experience that continues to shape her commitment to inclusive and compassionate community work.
Akram Zanayed
Board Member
Akram Zanayed's family migrated from Ramallah, Palestine to the United States in the 1950s. For more than 40 years, he has represented and advocated for his community as an attorney. His and PSSF's goal is one and the same to create opportunity for Palestinians at home. He is especially dedicated to expanding access to education for Palestinian children, recognizing that learning is too often disrupted or taken away without warning.
Hani Abdallah
Board MemberHani Abdallah was born in Jerusalem and immigrated to the United States at the age of three. He visits Palestine twice a year to stay connected to his roots. A retired pharmacy owner and grandfather of five, Hani has supported PSSF for at least eight years and recently became a Board Member. He believes that until Palestine is free, the community must continue doing everything possible to educate and uplift the next generation in the West Bank and Gaza.
Amar Masri
Board Member
Palestinian American, businessman born in Nablus, Palestine. Moved to the United States where he completed his college education. Amar serves on the Board of PSSF as an active member.
Saber Sabbah
Board MemberSaber is an experienced business professional with strong ties to the community and a long-standing commitment to civic involvement. Raised locally, he brings a practical understanding of community needs and the importance of sustainable, well-managed initiatives.
With a background in business and a values-driven approach to leadership, Saber supports organizations that focus on community development, responsible stewardship, and long-term impact. His perspective emphasizes strategic thinking, accountability, and operational effectiveness.
As a member of the PSSF Board, Saber contributes business acumen, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach to advancing the organization’s mission and objectives.
Mohammed Abdallah
Board Member
Mohammed Abdallah is a Palestinian American Muslim based in Chicago. Although he lives far from his homeland, his roots remain strong in Beitunia, where he completed his high school education at Beitunia High School. In 1987, he immigrated to the United States and later earned his Master’s degree in Telecommunications from DePaul University in Chicago.
He is currently the CEO of Fuel Line Management, Falcon Fuel, and the Roux Franchise. Falcon Fuel has been active in the petroleum industry for many years, with deep expertise in both retail and wholesale marketing, operating multiple facilities across the Chicago area under its proprietary label. Mohammed entered the fuel industry in 1997 while working as a Software Engineer at Panasonic. After successfully completing his first development, he committed fully to the oil business, steadily expanding his work and building his own company. He remains driven to continue growing with the goal of becoming Chicago’s leading fuel franchise.
Motivated by the community he serves, Mohammed has received numerous awards for his contributions locally and internationally. He defines his success through service—helping others grow and uplifting those around him. Coming from humble beginnings, he credits much of his success to the support of his community and family.
Mohammed strongly believes in the power of education and has worked hard to provide a safe environment and greater access to learning for his children in Chicago. He believes education should be attainable, supportive, and empowering for every student. Guided by the teaching of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself,” Mohammed stands in solidarity with Palestinian students and remains committed to supporting and encouraging them.
Jamal Musa
Fundraising CommitteeJamal Musa is a retired entrepreneur with a lifelong commitment to giving back to his community. As a Palestinian, he feels a deep responsibility to support future generations, which led him to join the Palestinian Student Scholarship Fund (PSSF). He believes strongly in the mission of PSSF, recognizing that education is essential to the future of the Palestinian people and serves as a foundation for continued existence, empowerment, and self-determination.