A Pakistani American community activist, Moina Shaiq, has been named as Woman of the Year in California by State Senator Ellen Corbett (Democrat-San Leandro) in recognition of her outstanding social welfare work. "I felt very overwhelmed and humbled on getting this recognition," Shaiq said.
Furthermore she said, "I feel very honoured because my goal is to work toward the common good of the community. I want to build bridges and contribute to our community as much as I can." Shaiq, 49, has received most of her accolades for her work with the Muslim Support Network, an elder support group, which she co-founded.
She also has ties to several other local non-profits, including a board member of the Washington Hospital Foundation and the Fremont Alliance for a Hate Free Community.
She also chairs Fremont's Human Relations Commission and is a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society. "Moina is an incredible woman who has dedicated her life to her family and community," Corbett said in a statement. "She is an inspiration to so many people." Senator Corbett's 10th Senate District includes the cities of San Leandro, Fremont, Hayward, Union City, Pleasanton, Milpitas and Newark and part of San Jose, as well as the communities of Castro Valley, San Lorenzo and Sunol.
Shaiq emigrated from Pakistan in 1978 and holds bachelor's degrees in economics and psychology and her husband Mohammad, a residential real estate developer, have lived in Fremont for 25 years.