If you want to do real work, give your whole heart to it. 
Nothing happens just by talking. 
A drop of water inside the house is better than a gushing river outside (Rumi translated by Mafi & Kolin-2021)

We take our name from the great Muslim scholar and poet Jalal al-Din Rumi (known as Rumi) who wrote volumes about how the Islamic principles of love and gratitude are the animating forces uniting all of humanity. His words inspire us every day to pursue our mission and work to realize the better world we envision.

About Us

As healthcare professionals, educators, and youth mentors, we have all witnessed young people in classrooms struggling with basic reading, writing and math, falling behind even before the race for college or good jobs begins. We know that children from low-income families have a higher risk of mental health issues, obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. We know that these issues derive from their poor diet, their low level of activity, and their high levels of stress. We have witnessed how they struggle to navigate the education and healthcare systems, but we also see their potential, their hopes, their intelligence, and resilience in the face of these challenges.

We tried to connect these children and their families with resources but realized that the assistance was fragmented and difficult to access. We feared that these young people were certain to fall through the cracks and that the cycle of poverty and the opportunity gap would repeat itself. We knew we had to do something in solidarity with these youth and their families…but what?

After much deliberation, we decided to do more than just offer ad hoc help. We needed to institutionalize our efforts into a holistic approach. In December 2015, we formed The Rumi Center (RC), a nonprofit community organization based in Arizona. We subsequently obtained a tax exempt 501(c) (3) status. The purpose of the RC is to provide programs focused on youth and adults from low-income families. We provide a wide range of programs, services and resources along three interconnected tracts (health, education, positive youth development) designed to bridge the opportunity gap and empower participants to achieve their highest potential.

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Why Our Work Matters

  • A future where every child has meaningful opportunities to achieve and thrive, every family feels supported, and every community is healthy and flourishing.

  • To partner with local communities to bridge gaps in education, health, and youth development, empowering children and families to thrive and build resilient futures together.

  • 1.      Integrity — We act with honesty, transparency, and consistency

    2.      Inclusivity — We welcome diverse backgrounds and perspectives

    3.      Excellence — We uphold the highest standards in all we do

    4.      Stewardship — We manage resources responsibly and ethically.

    5.      Gratitude — We cultivate appreciation, humility, and resilience.

Meet the Team

  • Muna Ali

    PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER

    Muna holds a PhD in sociocultural anthropology. Her research and writing focus on youth, identity, belonging, culture, health, and religion. She also holds a doctorate in physical therapy and has special interest in the social determinants of health. She works in the rehabilitation department of an outpatient clinic in Scottsdale. Muna is passionate about community organizing and education, youth mentoring, and interfaith collaboration. She is a cofounder of multiple community organizations including the Rumi Center. She enjoys reading, writing, home improvement projects, and great conversations..

  • Lubayna Fawcett

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Lubayna holds a PhD in global health, a master’s degree in education, and bachelor's degree in physical therapy. Though she retired after working for 30 years as physical therapist in different settings, she continues to serve as a rehabilitation consultant, researcher, and mentor both locally and in Africa. Lubayna has special interest in health equity, palliative rehabilitation, and women’s health. When she is not volunteering, she travels around the world, and enjoys reading, writings, photographing and painting.

  • Sima Molla-Hosseini

    TREASURER

    Sima has a PharmD and graduated from the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy in Tucson. She participated in the Rural Health Professions Program where she learned about health disparities and tools to help minimize barriers to healthcare. She first started volunteering with the Rumi Center’s Reading Bee program and joined the Board in 2024. Sima enjoys art, hiking and traveling in her spare time.

  • Shan Khan

    SECRETARY

    Shan joined the Rumi Center board in 2024. He is a recent graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Biomedical Sciences and is currently pursuing medical school admission with the goal of becoming a physician who dedicates his life to serve others. He has volunteered with many non-profit organizations, supporting initiatives from combating harmful religious stereotypes to preparing international aid shipments. Shan has a deep passion for empowering communities by providing resources to underserved groups and is passionate about building mutual understanding and unity between communities in an increasingly polarized world. As a board member, Shan is dedicated to expanding RC programs and increase the outreach to families with enthusiasm and compassion.

  • Yuna Buhrman

    Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Coordinator

     Dr. Yuna Buhrman is an education innovator and nonprofit leader driven by a deep belief that learning can transform lives, families, and entire communities. With a PhD in Educational Technology and a career spent designing human‑centered learning experiences, she focuses on creating pathways that expand opportunity for those who have historically been underserved.  As a board member, she brings systems thinking, deep expertise in learning design and assessment, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to ensuring that every learner, regardless of background, has the chance to thrive. 

  • Bayyinah Muhammad

    Board Member

    Hajjah Bayyinah K. Muhammad serves on the Board of the Rumi Center, where she focuses primarily on supporting its youth education initiatives. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and has spent most of her adult life teaching in public and Islamic schools in both the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

    A busy retiree, Ms. Muhammad’s volunteerism includes serving on the Sankofa Elders Council, participating in monthly feeding efforts for Tempe’s unsheltered community, and conducting outreach to incarcerated Muslims. Her second Master of Fine Arts fuels her passion for theatre; she has brought awareness of Muslim life experiences to interfaith spaces through performance pieces she has written and directed.

    A native New Yorker, Ms. Muhammad now lives in Phoenix, near three of her six adult children and seven grandchildren.

Testimonials

“I love all the teachers that we had and how everyone was in a good mood and happy to teach us what we needed”

— Isaiah, 9th Grade

“I like how flexible and how open to questions the teachers were”

— Michele, 9th Grade

“Providing the community the equitable support that it needs, and fostering relationships in a time where it is needed the most.”

— Ishrat Lallmamode, ASU Faculty Associate