About Us

Leadership

Meet Our Dedicated Leadership Team

List of 6 items.

  • Eman Elkholy

    Principal

    I began my educational journey a decade and a half ago. I graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor's in English and a state-certification to teach high school. I further advanced my degree and earned my Masters in Instructional Leadership.
    I was raised in the public school system realizing the many challenges that young Muslims face with their Islamic identity. I believe that Islamic schools are the solution to building strong character and faith. I found my passion and joy In the Islamic school spectrum. I helped build curriculums in various subjects including English and Islamic studies and am passionate about Islamicizing the ELA curriculum and Tarbiyah. I worked in many states on the East and Central coast. I served as a Vice Principal for several years before I joined Universal Academy of Florida. My educational experiences have afforded me the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being. My educational philosophy is based on my uncompromising belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, an encouraging community, and a supportive family. All of which, Universal Academy of Florida possesses. I'm a mother of 4 and enjoy baking on my off-hours.
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  • Rosaylah Mahmoud

    Head of High School

    I am Sr. Rosaylah Mahmoud, Head of High School at the Universal Academy of Florida. I am a certified teacher that holds a Bachelor's degree in K-6 Education, Reading, and ELL endorsements. I also have a Master's degree in Educational leadership.
    Alhamdulillah, I am honored to work at a very prestigious and family-oriented community private school. Alhamdulillah, I enjoy coming to work and integrating myself with the staff and the students. My leadership style is very transformational, I listen, I lead, I nurture and I expect my students to be their best. Through the grace of Allah (SWT), I work hard to ensure that the students are ready post-graduation spiritually, academically, and mentally to the best of my ability. I am class 1997 from UAF, so I am honored to be back.
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  • Mohammed Judeh

    Head of Middle School

    Assalamu Alaikum! I’m Br. Mohammed and I'm the Head of Middle School! I graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in History and Political Science. I have my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
    Alhamdulillah, I am honored to work with such a fantastic community. My leadership style is student-focused, and I strive to bring the best out of them. Through Allah (SWT) I work with the students to achieve UAF’s mission statement to be academically successful, bring mental clarity, feel spiritually fulfilled, and become great citizens of the community. Go Falcons!
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  • Sherene Rahman

    Head of Upper Elementary

    As the new Head of Upper Elementary, I am excited to bring nearly 20 years of teaching and leadership experience to my new role. Previously, I served as the lead of the Humanities Department for grades 1-12 and was the Head of High School before joining UAF in 2021.  I hold a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and am highly committed to fostering an environment of excellence and growth, InshahAllah.
  • Ezdehar Sultan

    Head of Lower Elementary

    My name is Ezdehar Sultan and I am the Head of Lower Elementary at the Universal Academy of Florida. It has been an honor working at UAF for the past 10 years as a teacher and administrator, Alhamdulillah. I received my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education, with endorsements in Reading and ESOL, as well as a minor in psychology. In addition, I received my Masters Degree in Reading Education.
    I have a very special love for working with young ones, and seeing and interacting with them daily makes me forget that I am working! It is in the lower elementary years where seeds are planted and the foundation is built for future success. My goal is always two fold: to provide a strong academic foundation, while creating an environment that promotes awareness of Allah (SWT). With the help of our amazing teachers, staff, and administration, whose dedication shines through daily, it is a pleasure serving the Muslim community through our family at UAF, Alhamdulillah!
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  • Dr. Hayat Ileiwat

    Academic Dean

    Allow me to introduce myself; I am Dr. Hayat Ileiwat, an esteemed educator fortunate to hold the position of Academic Dean at the Universal Academy of Florida (UAF). With a career spanning over 25 years in the field of education, I've dedicated my life to fostering academic excellence and instilling a culture of perpetual improvement. What fuels my passion is the desire to promote Islamic education not only within the confines of UAF but also beyond its walls. I envision myself as an education consultant, striving to empower and guide other Islamic schools on their own path to excellence. I carry with me a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by Islamic educational institutions, and my dream is to see a future where these schools flourish and provide unparalleled learning experiences. In essence, I embody a strong sense of purpose, driven by the desire to transform education and leave a lasting impact. With my wealth of experience, unwavering dedication, and transformative leadership, I am well-poised to shape the future of Islamic education through my role as the Academic Dean at UAF and beyond.
     
    I am also certified in teaching ESL (English as a Second Language). I have taught English and literature for over 23 years. I have recently completed my Doctorate of Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment .

    Education is very important to me personally because I believe knowledge is a gift from Allah (SWT) and Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said, “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.” I love to learn new things every day. My favorite moments in the classroom include moments when my students tell me that they’ve learned something from me. These moments fill my heart with joy, Al-Hamdullah.
      
    In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, take care of my plants and watch movies.
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Founded in 1992, UAF is a private Islamic school for boys and girls in Daycare to Grade 12. Combining academic excellence while promoting Islamic understand and practices. UAF aims to produce bright students who are conscious of Allah and who maintain Islamic character and high academic standards.