Lighthouse Scholarship Foundation

Aisha Muhammad is a recent graduate of Winthrop University. She received an Honors Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. Throughout her University career, she served on the board for many University organizations and clubs, including the Muslim Student Association, Pi Sigma Alpha, The National Society of Leadership and Success. She also enjoys working with children and has been volunteering as a development Associate for A Place for Hope, a community center that specializes in advocacy for underprivileged children.

Aisha is still on her educational journey and is currently preparing to apply to law schools.

She believes that her life experience adds to the diversity on the LSF board. She wants to provide a unique perspective and to serve as a voice for the youth.

A tradition says that a child’s first school is in the mother’s lap. As a mother, I want my children, and all seekers of knowledge, to know that there are many avenues at their fingertips for completing their higher education- that no mountain is too high. Whether a traditional or nontraditional student, the ability to complete a college education should be afforded to all. However, far too often, financial roadblocks impede the attainment of educational dreams. I am eager to serve as a board member of Lighthouse Scholarship Foundation so that I may directly impact students by providing the opportunity to attend college while relieving them of major financial constraints.

My own educational journey was initially a rocky one. Fortunately, my mother, my hero, showed me how to persevere even in the hardest of times. As an LSF board member, I am inspired by purpose, to serve as a voice, and to encourage students to believe in themselves and know that there are people ready and willing to help the Lighthouse Scholarship Foundation achieve its mission.

Laurie “Qadirah” Bridgeman-Hatch is a Senior Technical Expert with over thirty years’ experience in the field of service. Laurie has a passion for education, which inspired her recent educational journey resulting in a Master of Business Administration degree from Ashford University almost 36 years after receiving her undergraduate degree from Adelphi University. Her unique educational experience inspired coworkers to continue their higher education and was chronicled in several articles including People Magazine. Laurie’s business acumen, service knowledge, and passion for education inspire Laurie to serve on the board of Lighthouse Scholarship Foundation. She is dedicated to removing roadblocks from the path of students seeking to achieve their educational dreams.

Laurie also enjoys volunteer work with organizations that educate and uplift women and girls where she gives lectures and teaches classes. Laurie considers herself a lifelong student who is still learning new life lessons every day from her husband, children, and eleven grandchildren.

Mr. Jamil Abdul-Wadud is a retired 30-year education professional. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from Bernard Baruch School of Business. Mr. Abdul-Wadud joined the renowned Sabis International Charter school in 1996 where he was a founding member of the teaching staff. His experience in accounting and engineering draftsmanship made him a perfect candidate to create a rigorous mathematics curriculum. Most gratifying to him was the work he did as an advisor to high school juniors and seniors seeking to further their education at the collegiate level. It has been an honor for him to serve on the faculty selection committee of students for the National Honor Society. Mr. Abdul-Wadud considers his work with Lighthouse Scholarship Foundation an excellent opportunity to continue to serve education seekers by rewarding deserving students with the financial assistance needed to light a path to their bright futures.

Mr. Abdul-Wadud and his wife guided the educational journeys of their children who now hold professional degrees and licenses in the fields of law, medicine, engineering, and business.

Though Mr. Abdul-Wadud retired from full time teaching in 2018, he continues to coach the Sabis girls’ cross country team. This is the 24th year that Coach Abdul-Wadud has served in this capacity.

Nesia Straughn is the Owner and Director of Operations of a successful property maintenance company in Canada. Ms.Straughn brings to her Lighthouse Scholarship Foundation board position experience gained from running a for profit business including small business development, financial management, marketing and staff recruitment. Ms.Stragh intends to expand LSF from an envisionary idea to a functioning leading provider of scholarships to IQOU College students, faculty and staff.

Over the past 20 years, Ms. Straughn has volunteered with non-profit organizations, as well as served on their boards. In her prior roles with nonprofits, she served as treasurer overseeing the financial health of the organizations. As a committee representative of the Township of Madawaska Valley, Ms. Straughn served two years on the recreation committee. Serving with other committee members, she helped to prepare grant applications and proposals, as well as planned and fundraised for recreation events throughout the municipal township.

It is without a doubt that Ms. Straughn seeks to expand her knowledge by serving as board chair. Her dedication to seeking and creating opportunities for individuals with barriers to education and employment, has led her to this new role with LSF. She believes in access to education of one's choice, in an environment that supports every aspect of life, such education that will be delivered by IQOU College.

Chundzom Lopez is a recent graduate of Rutgers Law School.

At Rutgers Law School, Chundzom was vice president of the Association for Black Law Students and the Muslim Law Student Association. Chundzom also trained as a student-attorney for the Child Advocacy Clinic, representing children with disabilities, as well as children seeking special immigrant juvenile status. Additionally, Chundzom interned at the New York Office of the Attorney General working primarily on consumer fraud and civil liability. Later, she interned with both the Manhattan and Brooklyn District Attorney’s Offices in general trial bureaus. Upon graduation, Chundzom worked as an associate for a criminal defense firm located in Newark, New Jersey, with her primary cases focused on criminal defense and civil rights.

Currently, Chundzom is studying for the Multistate Bar Exam, and serves as a board member of the New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association (NJMLA), where she is the state designee to the National Muslim Lawyers Association.