Board of Trustees
Board of Trustee & Co-Founder
Dr. Quazi Al-Tariq
Dr. Al-Tariq, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 47 years of experience in mental health, specializing in psychotic disorders, child and geriatric psychiatry, ADHD, autism, and substance use disorders. He trained at Dhaka Medical College and Columbia University and previously specialized in cardiology and surgery. A respected leader and philanthropist, he served as president of all State Psychiatric Facilities in New York and is currently the chief medical officer of Sullivan County. As a founding member of the Middletown Islamic Center and Autistic Foundation, he actively supports charitable initiatives in the U.S. and Bangladesh. As a WMOGH trustee, Dr. Al-Tariq applies his mental health expertise and leadership to empower women and strengthen community well-being.
Halima Choudhury
Halima (Rima) holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and works as an educator and office manager in ESL (Boces). She strongly believes in collective efforts for the betterment of humanity and advocates for education as a tool for empowerment, particularly for women and children. She enjoys music, traveling, and exploring new cultures.
Dr. Iqbal Sarfraz
Dr. Iqbal (Qudsia), a retired psychiatrist, is dedicated to mental health advocacy and community well-being. She supports MWOGH’s counseling initiatives and envisions a healthy, inclusive society. Passionate about reading, painting, and social engagement, she fosters compassion and support.
Dr. Shabnaz Siddiq
Dr. Shabnaz Siddiq is an epidemiologist specializing in environmental health and public health disparities. With expertise in grant writing, research, and policy advocacy, she brings a data-driven approach to addressing health and social inequalities. As a trustee, she leverages her background to advance health education, community outreach, and resource accessibility for Muslim women. Passionate about equity and empowerment, Shabnaz is committed to strengthening MWOGH’s mission and expanding its impact.
Lead Advisory Member
Mayor Joseph M. DeStefano
Mayor Joseph M. DeStefano – Middletown, NY serves as the lead member of the MWOGH Advisory Board, bringing decades of public service experience and a deep commitment to the Middletown community. As the long-serving mayor of Middletown, NY, his leadership philosophy centers around improving quality of life, fostering a healthy environment, and promoting community well-being.
Under his leadership, Middletown has seen significant growth in infrastructure, public services, and community programs. His dedication to civic engagement aligns with MWOGH’s mission to create a more inclusive, supportive, and thriving community for all residents.