Staff Lauren Bacans-Grounds, MPH Executive Director Regarding her work with IFB, she had this to say: “It takes a community coming together to work toward food security, and that is exactly what I have found. I love coming to work everyday and meeting people who care deeply about their neighbors in need. From my very first day, I was welcomed with open arms. Our volunteers share that same experience; everyone who walks into our warehouse is immediately brought into the fold. That spirit also impacts our guests. All of the work is done with intention and love for the community. The special ingredient to any meal is love, and every item of food we send into the community is sent with love.” Born and raised in Michigan, Lauren is proud to say that she is now an Ohioan. She received her Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan and planted her roots in Perrysburg Heights a few years later. As a community organizer, volunteer manager, and program manager for many years, she is passionate about joyful volunteer experiences that create positive impact in the community. She also believes in building strong community networks; we must all work together to support each other. In her spare time, she fosters cats (with the help of her husband, dog, and four cats), and she likes to cook and hike. Isabel Abu-Absi Operations Coordinator As a lifelong Toledoan, Isabel describes working at the Islamic Food Bank as “an opportunity to share in the ‘togetherness’ of the city I love and am still learning about every day. IFB is a place where people can come together over a plate, an idea, and a shared desire to meet every person in Toledo where they’re at, with what they need. The families and individuals who use IFB services, volunteers, schools, community partners, pantry coordinators, and students really do work as a unit here.” She appreciates IFB’s approach of being a by-all-for-all organization rooted in Islamic social teaching and the values of generosity and neighborliness. After growing up in the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Toledo, Isabel graduated from the institution in 2019 with a BA in English Literature and a desire to try something new. Moving to New York City after graduation, she worked at the Arab American Family Support Center in Queens before attending a trade program and later working as a live sound/recording engineer in Chicago. Deciding that the big city was too big and no place held a candle to home, Isabel returned to Toledo in 2024. Most recently, she directed the Summer Camp Program at the Padua Center, where she had previously and continues to volunteer. She has been thankful to return home with new eyes, and a deeper curiosity about and consideration for the life of this city. In her spare time, Isabel enjoys spending time with family and pets, exploring outdoors, and reading nonfiction. Board of Directors The volunteer Board of Directors ensures the fulfillment of the organization’s Mission. Responsibilities include strategic and organizational planning, resource planning, legal and financial oversight, continuous improvement of the Food Bank’s public standing, and effective communication. Jameel Burkett – Chair Burkett Restaurant Supply Nadia Ashraf-Moghal – Vice Chair Hussien Y. Shousher – Treasurer Retired, CEO GEM Inc. Ahmed Elwardany David Shelton T-Mobile Mohamad Moussa, MD Kareem Hammuda CIFT Leadership Team Our leadership is a team of volunteers who provide their time and skills to further the Mission of the organization on a regular basis. Primary responsibilities include ambassadorship, program event assistance, strategic planning, and special projects. Amy Rahal-Shelton David Shelton T-Mobile Zeina Tal Genoa Healthcare Operations & Warehouse Team This team of volunteers provides the backbone for efficient and accurate inbound and outbound operations at the Islamic Food Bank’s warehouse. Primary responsibilities include safety-first mindset, inventory tracking and management, goods movement, equipment and supplies management, and assistance with packing events. Ahmed Elwardany Jomaa (Joe) Jomaa Elite Innovations Inc. Ahmad (“Emmett”) Kadri