ISPU Appoints Mogahed

Press Release

The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding is pleased to welcome Dalia Mogahed as the institute’s new Director of Research.

Washington, DC – The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding  is pleased to welcome Dalia Mogahed as the institute’s new Director of Research.

Ms. Mogahed is an experienced research analyst and director who has capably managed the establishment and growth of other research based institutions that study issues related to Muslim populations in the US and abroad.  ISPU wanted to recruit a Director of Research who would be able to lead its research department through its next phase of growth and development.  ISPU strives to produce evidence based recommendations for both communities and policy makers.  Working closely with the Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, and ISPU Research Fellows, the Director of Research will develop, lead and execute ISPU’s research strategy.

Ms. Mogahed previously served as the Executive Director and Senior Analyst for the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies where she led global research analysis of surveys from over 40 countries, resulting in widely cited policy briefs, reports and scholarly articles. By effectively managing diverse teams and multimillion dollar budgets, Ms. Mogahed was able to successfully establish the Gallup Center as a leading authority on Muslim affairs.

In 2008 with Dr. John L. Esposito, Ms. Mogahed coauthored the book Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think.  Ms. Mogahed is a frequent commentator in global media outlets and international forums.  She has received numerous awards and recognitions from entities such as the World Economic Forum, University of Wisconsin, Ashoka, and Freedom House.
“I’m excited to join ISPU because of the important research the organization is pioneering on the challenges and opportunities facing the Muslim American community.  I’m also thrilled to be working with the ISPU team, a group of passionate and genuine people committed to growth and excellence,” said Mogahed.

ISPU’s Interim Executive Director, COO and Director of Policy Impact, Farhan Latif added, “This is a great juncture for Dalia to be joining ISPU.  Dalia’s leadership as Director of Research will infuse ISPU with her passion for producing practical, evidence based solutions to complex challenges. Building upon an assessment of our first twelve years, we’ve refined our focus to concentrate on issues that impact the American Muslim population.  Dalia’s experiences blend research management with content expertise in such a way that it makes her an exceptional candidate to lead our research efforts in this second decade of ISPU’s growth.”

“I’m pleased to see that ISPU continues to attract new leaders of such national significance as Dalia.  We are excited to have her join the ISPU family,” added Dr. Farid Senzai, ISPU Board Member and former founding Director of Research.

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