The Mecca Center recognizes volunteers with our Volunteer Spotlight for making a positive difference in our community. Volunteers featured in the Spotlight are individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in giving their time, efforts, and dedication to Mecca Center community. This month, we recognize Br. Sameer Afsar.

Sameer Afsar moved to Chicago in 2001 from his hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is currently the CIO at Graymont Medical, a healthcare company specializing in medical devices for surgery recovery. His career has been focused on helping companies become more efficient through technology automation with a specialization in Salesforce.com. Sameer holds an MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management in Healthcare Management where he focused on management strategy, finance, and tech.

Sameer, his wife Sabah, and their two young daughters moved into the Mecca Center community 3 years ago, seeking to be part of a vibrant and growing Muslim community. They enjoy the frequent events, classes offered by the Mecca Quran Institute, and Mecca Sunday School that allow his family to have a close relationship with the masjid and community at large. Sameer volunteers at Mecca by participating in the Family Programming and Special Events Committee. He recently helped organize the Food Truck Eid Festival. Sameer finds lectures at The Mecca Center to be a great way to gain knowledge and enjoys the variety of events The Mecca Center offers to help families and the community become closer.

Outside of work, Sameer is an avid sports and outdoors fan. He enjoys watching Bears games with close friends he has made through the Mecca Center. He also coaches his daughter’s soccer team and loves camping.