CAIR-NJ Congratulates Dr. Jabeen Ahmed on Appointment as VP for NJ State Board of Pharmacy  

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 7/20/2023) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today congratulated Dr. Jabeen Ahmed on her appointment to the New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy as vice president.  

Dr. Ahmed is likely the first Muslim to be appointed to such a position. She is also a board member of the Paterson Coalition Against Substance Abuse and Commissioner of the Passaic County Board of Social Services.  

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh previously honored Dr. Jabeen Ahmed with the Key to the City for her efforts during the COVID pandemic. The City of Paterson said that Dr. Ahmed was instrumental in Paterson achieving the highest vaccination rates in the state through her work at Sheefa Pharmacy  

SEE: Paterson doctor honored with Key to the City for efforts in the community during COVID-19 pandemic  

In a statement, CAIR-NJ Eecutive Director Selaedin Maksut said:  

“Dr. Jabeen Ahmed has played a pivotal role in uplifting the Muslim community in New Jersey and the Paterson and Passaic communities at large through her pharmaceutical work.  

“We’re exceptionally proud of her and we’re excited to see her accomplish more and reach more professional and personal milestones.   

“In her new role at the New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy, Dr. Ahmed paves the way for Muslims — and Muslim women especially — to continue excelling and serving their respective communities.”  

In a statement, New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy Vice President Dr. Jabeen Ahmed said:  

“I am humbled to have the confidence and support of my colleagues and board members to serve as the Vice President for the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy.   

“As a woman, and the first Muslim to serve in this role, there is an added responsibility — a responsibility to encourage diversity, provide insight into the challenges of minorities and those living in inner cities, and, most importantly, a responsibility to continue carrying my faith-based values in this new capacity.   

“I did not seek this endeavor, but I hope it encourages more women, especially Muslim women, to seek positions where we can protect and serve the public effectively. I look forward to being a student and a guide on issues of focus, such as women’s health and substance use disorders.”  

The State Board of Pharmacy, which falls under the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, works to protect the health, safety, and welfare of New Jersey residents. The Board also regulates pharmaceutical practices, reviews regulations and legislation that govern the practice of pharmacy, and issues (or withdraws) practicing licenses.  

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.    

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