Gina Waneis, Director
Gina Waneis (she/her/هي) is a first-generation Syrian-American. During undergrad, Gina was active with the MESC where she became a founding sister of Epsilon Alpha Sigma, also known as the Empowered Arab Sisterhood, and was involved in Highlander Orientation. Gina later graduated with an M.S. in Higher Education from California State University, Fullerton.
She helped start the SWANA organization and co-wrote the SWANA Resolution during graduate school. Gina served as the inaugural SWANA Retention Specialist at UC Santa Cruz, where she helped build a foundation by creating signature programs, improving data practices, and increasing visibility. Outside of these roles, Gina serves as the Vice President for the Syrian Americans Network For Educational Advancement.
You can catch Gina spending time with her family, traveling with her friends, or trying new recipes she finds online. As an alumna, MESC was such an important part of my UCR experience. Now, giving back to the community that gave her so much feels like a full-circle moment. She is so grateful to be part of a space that supports our students, helps them thrive, & ultimately cross that graduation stage!
Badiaa Hiresh, Program Coordinator
Badiaa Hiresh (she/her/هي), an American-Lebanese professional, was born and raised in Lebanon, where she built a dynamic career while raising two daughters. Her time living both in Lebanon and the United States has given her a rich international perspective, deepening her understanding of cultural dynamics and global interconnectedness.
In her previous roles, She has made impactful contributions to school development and higher education strategy, seamlessly blending her background in business with educational leadership to drive innovation and growth. Outside of her professional life, Badiaa is a passionate advocate for peace. As a longtime Peace Coordinator, she has dedicated years to inspiring positive change and fostering meaningful dialogue across communities.
Badiaa is also a deeply reflective writer and the author of four internationally published books. Through her writing, she empowers readers to embrace transformation, both personal and societal, with compassion and purpose. We are honored to have Badiaa join the MESC team and look forward to the energy, wisdom, and creativity she brings to our community!
Mahi Ekmekci, IMPACT - Human Migration Institute
Mahi (she/her) is a dedicated scholar and advocate whose journey spans continents and cultures. Raised across both California and Türkiye, Mahi experienced firsthand the steep learning curve of adapting to a new language and community when moving to her homeland. Rather than holding her back, navigating those challenges, and ultimately coming to deeply love the culture, shaped her profound empathy for anyone starting fresh in a new space. Moving back to the U.S. alone for college only deepened that conviction, driving her passion to support others through major life transitions.
At UCR, Mahi shines both in the lab and in the community. As a UC LEADS Scholar preparing to pursue a PhD and a future in the neuroscience industry, she balances rigorous research with heartfelt advocacy. In 2025, she began volunteering with the Human Migration Institute (HMI) to support refugees relocating to the Inland Empire. Today, she brings that mission full circle by serving as a bridge between HMI and the Middle Eastern Student Center, creating meaningful pathways for UCR students to show up, connect, and make a tangible difference in people's lives!
Karma Gamaledin, IMPACT - Arab American Civic Council
Karma Gamaleldin (she/her/هي) is a passionate student leader and advocate dedicated to creating spaces of belonging and opportunity. Having lived in Egypt for most of her life before immigrating to the United States in 2018, Karma knows firsthand the challenges of navigating unfamiliar systems and adjusting to a new country. Those early experiences deeply shaped her drive for civic engagement, inspiring her to turn her personal journey into meaningful advocacy for Arab American and immigrant communities.
At UC Riverside, Karma is a third-year Biomedical Engineering student with aspirations of pursuing a career in dentistry. She balances rigorous research in a biomedical lab with active leadership on campus, serving on the board of the Egyptian Student Association and as an IMPACT Intern with the Arab American Civic Council, where she works to connect community members with essential resources.
Through her work as a Student Assistant at MESC, Karma brings her journey full circle. Being able to offer others the very guidance, warmth, and support she wished she had when she first immigrated makes this role especially meaningful to her and she is so grateful to help our students thrive, feel at home, and build a stronger, more connected community together!
Mahdi Chamouni, Community Engagement, Student Organizations
Mahdi Chamouni (he/him/هو/el) is a proud first-generation Lebanese-Salvadoran student whose background drives his passion for connection, creativity, and community. Growing up in a multicultural household where Spanish was his first language, Mahdi’s world was shaped by a vibrant mix of traditions, from pupusas and kebbe to za’atar and riguas! Coming to UCR and engaging with the Middle Eastern Student Center helped him connect more deeply with his Lebanese heritage, ultimately inspiring him to learn Arabic and embrace every part of his identity.
A fourth-year Chemistry major, Mahdi is invested in helping fellow students find their footing on campus. Through his work with Highlander Orientation as both an Orientation Leader and Program Assistant, he has loved creating welcoming spaces for incoming Highlanders as they begin their own UCR journeys.
When he’s not exploring new study spots on campus, hiking the surrounding mountains, or taking impromptu beach trips to Laguna, Mahdi channels his energy into digital art, 3D modeling, and video editing. He’s also a huge music lover whose playlist spans everything from Habibi funk, African jazz to old Spanish rock, R&B, and indie rock, so if you ever have artist recommendations, pass them his way!
Lina Dakhil, Community Engagement, Campus Collaborations
Lina Dakhil (she/her/هي) is a proud second-year student whose passion for community building and advocacy shines through everything she does. Being halfway across the globe from her family in Libya, Lina knew firsthand how isolating starting fresh in a new space could feel. Rather than holding her back, that experience inspired her to turn her desire for connection into action, driving her commitment to build inclusive, welcoming spaces where every student can authentically belong.
Lina immerses herself fully in the UCR campus experience. Alongside her role at the Middle Eastern Student Center, she serves as a CARE Peer Educator, brings vibrant events to campus as an ASPB Intern, and holds executive board positions as the PR Representative for the Muslim Student Association and VP of Association of Muslims in Politics and Law. Driven by a love for challenging herself, she also co-founded AURELIA, a non-profit dedicated to expanding educational resources across SWANA regions.
For Lina, joining the MESC team is a full-circle moment, heavily inspired by the student assistant who came before her. She is grateful to help foster a supportive environment where students from all backgrounds feel seen, valued, and empowered. She can’t wait to build beautiful friendships and lasting memories with all of you!
Lamia Khamis, Community Engagement, Graduate & Alumni
Lamia Khamis (she/her/هي) is a proud Muslim Jordanian-Palestinian student whose deep pride in her religion, culture, and heritage fuels her passion for education and community leadership. As a second-year History major at UC Riverside, Lamia aspires to become a teacher, drawing inspiration from the educators who made a lasting impact on her own life. Driven by a desire to understand the stories of the world and experiences that shape our societies and identities, she is committed to creating welcoming spaces where younger generations are empowered to ask questions, embrace who they are unapologetically, and recognize their background as a true strength.
On campus, Lamia brings this same energy to her advocacy and involvement, serving as a board member for Students Organize for Syria (SOS). Outside of her work and studies, you can find her diving into a good book, gaming, going on coffee and matcha runs, or making memories with her friends.
For Lamia, joining the Middle Eastern Student Center was all about turning cultural pride into meaningful action. She chose MESC to help build a space that authentically celebrates who we are while bringing people together, and she is so excited to connect with our community, grow alongside her peers, and ensure everyone feels right at home!
Marguerita Maroun, Community Engagement, New Students
Marguerita Maroun (she/her/هي) is a proud first-generation Egyptian-American (and quarter Lebanese!) student whose passion for care, connection, and community drives everything she does. Raised right here in the Inland Empire, Marguerita is on the pre-med track with dreams of becoming a psychiatrist and giving back to the very underserved communities that shaped her growth.
At UC Riverside, Marguerita balances her rigorous coursework, as a Double Major, Psychology & Neuroscience student, with active campus leadership. She serves as the Events Coordinator for Global Medical Brigades and as the Financial Advisor for Healthy Heart Nation at UCR. Outside of academics and advocacy, she sings at her church every Sunday and is a true lover of all media, always on the hunt for new music, movies, and books to dive into!
Coming to UCR as a first-year student, Marguerita felt a bit intimidated by the cultural community at first. But stepping outside her comfort zone led her straight to the warm, welcoming family at the Middle Eastern Student Center. Now, she brings that journey full circle by dedicating herself to first-year and transfer student outreach, excited to plan fun events, help new students acclimate to university life, and ensure everyone feels right at home!
Sherry Saad, Marketing & Communications
Sherry Saad (she/her/هي) is a proud first-generation student and Coptic Orthodox Christian whose dedication, creativity, and deep roots shape her work on campus and beyond. Born and raised in Egypt before moving to the U.S., Sherry brings a rich cultural perspective and an authentic passion for community building to everything she touches. As a fourth-year Biology major minoring in Global & Community Health, she is on the pre-med path with aspirations of becoming a compassionate physician serving underserved communities.
Sherry’s commitment to service shines through her extensive healthcare and leadership experience. She also serves as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Los Angeles County, works as the Director of Enrollment for the COPE Health Scholar Program at Kaiser Permanente Riverside, and is the founder of the pre-health student organization "Careers in Scrubs." Channeling her creative side as a Marketing Intern, she uses photography, content creation, and digital media to bring our campus together. When she’s not working or studying, you can catch her exploring new coffee shops, staying active in workout classes, or unwinding at the beach or Disneyland!
For Sherry, the MESC is far more than a space on campus. It’s a home away from home. She chose the MESC because true belonging is about celebrating our shared culture, forming lifelong friendships, and ensuring no student ever has to navigate their journey alone.
Adam Zawaideh, Marketing & Communications
Adam Zawaideh (he/him/هو) is a first-generation Jordanian-American. He is an undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Global & Community Health.
Driven by an interest in child and adolescent psychiatry, he focuses his university journey on community-based care, refugee and migrant health equity, and dismantling barriers to mental & health resources. Throughout his time in college, Adam has immersed himself in public health research, and cross-cultural service. He contributes to research on displacement as a social determinant of health in displaced communities, investigating the impacts on mental health, community resilience, and medical education. In the wider community, he supports newly arrived immigrant and refugee families through English language education and manages the supply coordination for international health clinics. Across every space he enters, he seeks to bridge structural gaps with human connection, centering dignity, and shared resilience, at the heart of his service.
At the Middle Eastern Student Center, Adam uses his creative talents to bring our community closer together. Driving digital outreach, building web platforms, crafting newsletters, and providing live photo and video coverage for MESC programming, he combines multimedia storytelling with authentic student voices to ensure our center remains a warm, inviting, and supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected!
You Belong at UCR
All programs, services, and events offered through Student Affairs are open to everyone, consistent with federal and state law and the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Whether you’re seeking support, joining a community, or participating in campus life, every effort is made to ensure your experience is inclusive, respectful, and accessible, regardless of background or identity.
To learn more, visit the UC Nondiscrimination Statement or the Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters.