The Undergraduate Student Coordinators (USCs) at MENACC play a vital role in supporting all members of our community. They work alongside the Assistant Director in overseeing the physical center during operational hours. In addition to managing the space, USCs organize and host events, develop ongoing programs, foster connections, share resources, and collaborate with other offices.
Undergraduate Student Coordinators
Abdelrahman Abounabet
Undergraduate Student Coordinator
Year: Sophomore
Major: Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry
Hometown: Newark, Delaware
Favorite study spot: Bingham Seminar Room and STAR Reference Room
Salam guys! My name is Abdelrahman (Abdel) Abounabet, and I am a sophomore in Berkeley College majoring in MB&B (Pre-Med ✌️). I was born and raised in Newark, Delaware, though my family hails from Al-Mahala Al-Kobra in Egypt. In my free time I enjoy watching and playing sports (especially basketball), reading, and watching a good movie or two (Django Unchained is the pinnacle of cinema). I really, REALLY look forward to getting to know each of you!
Aliaa Mahgoub
Undergraduate Student Coordinator
Year: Sophomore
Major: Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Cairo, Egypt and Queens, NY
Favorite book: Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson, I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
My name is Aliaa, and I’m a sophomore in Davenport College majoring in Electrical Engineering. I’m Egyptian and was born in Kuwait, where I lived for 11 years before moving to Queens, NY. I’m passionate about fostering communities that empower people as they learn new things. Because of this, I teach girls and nonbinary students in New Haven programming through SheCode, and I’m a Matriculate Advising Fellow! I’ve also found a sense of belonging in the Arab Student Association and the Muslim Student Association.
Ayaisha Alsaedi
Undergraduate Student Coordinator
Year: Sophomore
Major: Global Affairs
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Favorite food: Saltah (only when my mom makes it…)
Salaam! I’m Ayaisha, a sophomore majoring in Global Affairs. I’m from NYC but my family is originally from Yemen. I’m excited to be part of MENACC staff this year! The prior absence of institutional structures to support MENA students compelled me to become actively involved in the newly built MENACC to ensure our communities find belonging, pride, and opportunities for personal and academic growth on campus. I want to foster an environment where students feel that their cultural identity is supported and celebrated and I hope that being a MENACC coordinator will help facilitate that.
Basma Elbagory
Undergraduate Student Coordinator
Year: Sophomore
Major: Political Science and Modern Middle East Studies
Hometown: New York City, NY
What do you enjoy doing in your free time: I love acting, singing, playing volleyball, and listening to music!
Hi! My name is Basma and I am a sophomore in Davenport, originally from New York City! I love to act, sing, and play volleyball! I am also Egyptian and so excited to be working at the MENACC this year! I am excited to expand the resources and events for Middle Eastern students at Yale!
Joe Abou-Khalil
Undergraduate Student Coordinator
Year: Sophomore
Major: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Favorite movie or TV show: Ford v Ferrari
Hello everyone! I’m Joe Abou-Khalil, a sophomore in Grace Hopper College from Cincinnati, Ohio, and an undergraduate student coordinator for MENACC this year! I’m planning to major in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, with hopes of attending medical school after graduation. As someone with Lebanese heritage, I’ve always sought a community where I can celebrate, share, and keep my culture alive, and I believe MENACC is the perfect space for that. I’m particularly excited about contributing to cultural events, connecting with students who share similar backgrounds, and introducing our traditions to those unfamiliar with them. Outside of class, I’m involved with the Yale Dabke group, Rec Tennis, and MathCounts Outreach. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, exploring the outdoors, and playing sports.
Karim Najjar
Undergraduate Student Coordinator
Year: Sophomore
Major: History and Sociology
Hometown: Rockville, MD
Favorite Restaurant in New Haven: September in Bangkok
Hi! I’m Karim Najjar, and I am a sophomore studying history and sociology. As a Lebanese-American, I love eating manoushe and enjoying arts both from the MENA region and from all around world. I also love learning about the MENA regions vast history, diverse cultures, and delicious foods. I’m so excited to meet everyone in the new MENA space!
Nilab Ahmed
Undergraduate Student Coordinator
Year: Sophomore
Major: Global Affairs or EP&E with an advanced language certificate in Chinese
Hometown: Orinda, California
Favorite food: My grandmother’s Qabuli Palau
Hi everyone! My name is Nilab and I’m a sophomore in Murray majoring in either Global Affairs or EP&E, with an Advanced Language Certificate in Chinese. I was born and raised in the Bay Area, California (West Coast, best coast!). On campus, I serve as co-founder of the Yale Arab Music Ensemble and am an editor at the Yale Review of International Studies. I’m also involved in the Migration Alliance at Yale and the Middle Eastern & North African Student Association. Through my role, I hope to amplify and empower MENA voices, both within Yale and across New Haven. Welcome, everyone, to the MENACC – I cannot wait to meet you all!
Taban Malihi
Undergraduate Student Coordinator
Year: Freshman
Major: Global Affairs (undecided)
Hometown: Newton, MA
Favorite book: Pride and Prejudice
Hi! I’m Taban (she/her) and I’m a first year in Benjamin Franklin looking to study Global Affairs. I’m so excited to work on the MENACC team and help create programming while also getting to know the MENA community at Yale! The MENA community has been a welcoming and safe space for me since I stepped foot on campus during Bulldog Days! I’m so excited to build a robust space to explore our culture and traditions, and form connections with the MENA student body and resources as I acclimate to campus.