About - ILM Chamber

The IL Muslim Chamber is a dynamic and inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the economic growth, development, and empowerment of Muslim businesses and entrepreneurs. Our mission is to create a supportive and thriving ecosystem that enables Muslim professionals to succeed and contribute to the overall prosperity of their communities.

At the Chamber, we believe that economic empowerment is essential for the advancement of the Muslim community. By providing a platform for networking, advocacy, and resource sharing, we aim to uplift Muslim businesses, drive innovation, and promote economic opportunities for all.

One of our key goals is to create a strong network of Muslim professionals who can collaborate, share knowledge, and support each other’s growth. Through our regular networking events, conferences, and workshops, we facilitate meaningful connections, foster mentorship relationships, and encourage collaboration among our members.

Mission

The mission of the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce (ILMCC) is to empower and support both Muslim- and non-Muslim-owned businesses in Illinois. We aim to foster economic growth, promote entrepreneurship, and facilitate networking opportunities within the business community. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, we strive to create an inclusive environment that encourages the success and prosperity of all entrepreneurs and contributes to the overall economic development of the state.

Vision

The vision of the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce (ILMCC) is to be a leading catalyst for economic empowerment and prosperity within both Muslim and non-Muslim business communities in Illinois. We envision a vibrant ecosystem where all businesses thrive, contribute to the local economy, and play a vital role in shaping a diverse and inclusive business landscape. Through our advocacy, resources, and strategic partnerships, we aim to create an environment that fosters entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable growth while promoting the values of integrity, collaboration, and social responsibility.

About Our President

Mr. Shafeek

As President of the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce, Shafeek leads with a strategic blend of business leadership, community advocacy, and more than 25 years of experience in technology, program management, and entrepreneurship. Drawing from his background in IT consulting, economic development, and civic engagement, he focuses on expanding opportunities for small businesses, strengthening partnerships across the public and private sectors, and building platforms that uplift and empower the Muslim business community as well as other marginalized business communities—helping bring Muslim entrepreneurs more fully into the mainstream economic landscape.

Shafeek oversees the Chamber’s strategic growth, leads several key initiatives such as Halal Fest, Suhoor Nights, and small-business development programs, and actively works with city, county, and state leaders to advance inclusive economic policies. His work is guided by a commitment to community building, ethical leadership, and creating pathways for the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals.

In addition to his role at ILMCC, Shafeek is a long-time business owner in the fields of IT consulting and low-voltage services, and he serves on multiple civic boards, contributing to public safety, interfaith collaboration, and community development across the Chicagoland region.

About the Chamber

Board of Directors

Our services are provided by a valuable group of volunteers, business leaders, and professional staff. For more information on us or any of our programs, please contact us at info@ilmchamber.org

Shafeek Abubaker

President (Founder)

As President of the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce, Shafeek provides strategic leadership grounded in more than 25 years of experience in technology, program management, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. He guides the Chamber’s overall direction, drives strategic growth, and leads key initiatives such as Halal Fest, Suhoor Nights, and a range of small business development programs that create visibility and opportunity for Muslim and other underrepresented business communities. By actively collaborating with city, county, and state leaders, he works to advance inclusive economic policies and strengthen public–private partnerships that more fully integrate Muslim entrepreneurs into the broader Illinois economy.

In addition to his role at ILMCC, Shafeek is the owner of ZUMITIN Inc., an IT consulting firm, and Prospect Alliance, a consulting and implementation services company specializing in low-voltage solutions. He also serves on several civic and nonprofit boards, contributing to public safety, interfaith collaboration, and community development efforts across the Chicagoland region. His leadership is shaped by a commitment to ethical governance, practical problem-solving, and building sustainable pathways for the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals.

Lien Dastgir

Secretary

Lien Dastgir, P.E., is the President and CEO of KAD Engineering PLLC, a leading woman- and minority-owned civil engineering firm in Illinois. With more than 25 years of experience in major transportation infrastructure and construction management, she brings deep technical, strategic, and public-sector expertise. Lien is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusive economic growth, championing opportunities for emerging professionals and small businesses from underserved communities. She is widely respected for her mentorship and her commitment to elevating historically marginalized voices in engineering and construction. Lien is the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award from the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce (ILMCC) and was named the 2025 Citizen Engineer of the Year by American Society of Civil Engineer (ASCE).

Omar Ali

Treasurer (Founder)

Omar Ali is a Chicago-based entrepreneur and civil engineer with over 20 years of experience in construction, real estate, and education.

He is the founder of Northwest General Contractors, Inc. and Ali Capital Investments, focused on infrastructure and long-term community development.

He is a founding member of Kindi Academy, which began in his home basement and now serves over 500 students, and a co-owner of Mathnasium tutoring centers.

Omar is a founding member of the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce and helps organize Halal Fest, attracting more than 22,000 attendees annually.

He serves as an Executive Board Member of the Boy Scouts of America – Three Fires Council and is a graduate of Northwestern University and the College Preparatory School of America in Lombard.

Meraj Samina Saleem

Executive Board Member

As President of InNova Consulting, Inc., Samina leads with a unique blend of technical expertise and business foresight, inspired by her background as a software engineer and a family legacy in civil engineering. She oversees strategic growth, cultivates partnerships, and ensures InNova delivers high-quality, innovative solutions while advancing the company’s commitment to community engagement, sustainability, and supporting women in STEM.

Farhan Ahmed

Executive Board Member

Mr. Farhan is a Senior Engineer at Midwestern University with over 21 years of professional experience. He also serves as the CEO of AVCS Chicago, specializing in Audio Visual Engineering. In addition, Mr. Farhan is the Founder and President of CHI-CARE and a Founding Member and Vice President of the Illinois Muslim Chamber.

His dedication to humanitarian service has been recognized through numerous honors, including the MacArthur Foundation President and Staff Award (2004), the Chicago Mayor’s Award, the Mushen Community Service Award, and the ICNA Relief Service Award.

Mr. Farhan is deeply committed to serving humanity with dignity and hope, with a special focus on the homeless, orphans, and underserved communities, including Miskeen and Yateem.