Lena Maasarani, born in New York City and currently residing in Brooklyn, has dedicated 19 years to nonprofit and humanitarian work, beginning her journey straight out of high school. She earned a degree in Public Health from the University of California, Irvine, and later completed a Certificate in Fundraising Management (CFRM) from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Her lifelong commitment to service has centered on uplifting vulnerable communities both in the U.S. and globally.
Over the years, Lena has played a central role at Islamic Relief USA, where she currently serves as Assistant Director of National Events. She has led impactful campaigns such as a nationwide orphan sponsorship drive that supported over 800 orphans in 30+ countries, the Walk for Water initiative funding clean water projects in Africa, and Relief on the Runway, a fashion show that raised funds for women’s empowerment projects. Her events bring together thousands and often feature prominent community figures like Imam Khalid Latif and Melanie Elturk, helping foster a culture of giving and civic engagement in the NYC Muslim community and beyond.
Currently, Lena manages over 100 charity events annually across the United States, raising funds for both domestic relief efforts and international humanitarian projects serving those most in need. She is also spearheading the Islamic Giving Conference, a two-day Islamic finance event set for this fall in Washington, D.C., focused on revitalizing the practice of Islamic Endowment (Waqf). The conference will convene 200 thought leaders, scholars, high net worth individuals, nonprofit professionals, and philanthropists to explore how Waqf can be used to address contemporary socio-economic challenges in a sustainable and impactful way. Lena’s work continues to bridge community, Philanthropy and global service.