Omaha, NE
2009 Director’s Community Leadership Awards
| Omaha | Bilal A. Khaleeq President Islamic Center of Omaha |
|
Mr. Khaleeq is an attorney in private practice in Omaha, Nebraska. He received his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Texas; a Master of Business Administration from Rice University in Houston; and a Juris Doctorate degree from Creighton University. Mr. Khaleeq is active in local nonprofit organizations and currently serves on the board for the Midwest Islamic Foundation and the Trifaith Initiative of Omaha. Mr. Khaleeq is the president of the Islamic Center of Omaha and is a 2008 graduate of the Omaha Division's Citizens' Academy. Mr. Khaleeq is a strong advocate of interfaith work and dedicates much of his time educating the community about the religion of Islam. Mr. Khaleeq serves on the Omaha Division's Multi-Cultural Advisory Board and plays a strong role in assisting the division in outreach efforts in the Muslim community. Mr. Khaleeq was instrumental in sponsoring the first CREST (Community Relations Executive Seminar Training) program the Omaha Division conducted in March 2009 at the Islamic Center of Omaha. Mr. Khaleeq sent out the invitations and encouraged members of the Muslim community to attend. He also took it upon himself to provide lunch for all the attendees. Mr. Khaleeq hosted a dinner at his home to introduce members of FBI management to leaders in the Somali community. Several relationships were established through this meeting, which continue to foster and grow. Through these efforts to share each others' cultural heritage and experiences, the Omaha Division was given the opportunity to build bridges in this community. Mr. Khaleeq, in his involvement with other faith-based organizations, has been a consistent contributor to the building and maintaining of bridges within the Omaha community. Mr. Khaleeq believes that through his involvement in other groups, further understanding and cooperation can be achieved for the betterment of the Omaha area. This is reflected in his recent selection into the 2009/2010 Leadership Omaha Class conducted by the Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Members of this class are selected from a large number of highly qualified applicants. |