About us
With backgrounds as educators, school administrators, business executives, and non-profit leaders, our team has extensive experience in school leadership, learner-centered design, organization management, communication and more. A unique place for people of all ages to come together, learn, and grow.
Our Mission
We aim to raise the next generation of youth to unlock their potential and help them find their purpose and a sense of belonging through Guidance, Education, and Mentorship.
Our Vision
To create a transformative learning environment that prepares youth to excel in a rapidly changing world, guided by principles of empathy and excellence.
Our Facility
Our 16,000 square foot facility in Plano, Texas utilizes state of the art technology, up-to-date educational pedagogy, and trained staff.
Faculty and Staff
We're also pleased to announce the appointment of Br. Abdullah Jangda as GEM's Executive Director. This strategic move positions GEM for continued growth and expansion as the organization evolves to the next level, inshAllah.
Br. Abdullah is the Co-Founder of Qalam and has been a leader in the Muslim community and non-profit sector for nearly 20 years.
Br. Abdullah brings valuable experience and a proven track record of leading growth strategies, cultivating positive community culture, and driving operational excellence. He will be instrumental in scaling our organization and maximizing potential as we continue to drive benefit and value to the community.
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Ali pushes our academic programs to new levels with his experience as a Principal at a public high school.
He is an experienced Academic Director and College Counseling expert with over 16 years of experience in K-12 education management.
His specialties include:
✔️ Academic Planning
✔️ College Admissions Coaching
✔️ Instructional Support
🎯 He also serves as a High School Principal overseeing all aspects of high school operations.
🎯 Previously, he was District Director of Academics and Head of College Counseling for an ISD with 42 high schools and in this role, he trained college counselors and support administrators across multiple campuses. Â
🎯 Mr Erenkol holds certifications in College Counseling and Education from Harvard University, as well as in Gifted and Talented, Special Education, and ESL.
He is super passionate about providing guidance to help students achieve their highest potential!
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Amber is a founding member of GEM Center and its partner program, ALIA. She’s always looking to share her passion about education and world heritage languages with all students!
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Asma keeps GEM running smoothly as an experienced administrative team lead, we couldn’t do it without her!
Meryem Celebi was born in Turkey, raised in Tajikistan and moved from the Philippines to Dallas, Texas, to pursue her bachelor's degree.
Over the years Meryem served as a Mentor Coordinator at the Raindrop Foundation,Youth Director at Dialogue Institute & taught at Harmony Science Academy.
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Ozair Hasan was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, before moving to Dallas, Texas, to pursue an in-depth Islamic education.
He received comprehensive training in key Islamic disciplines, including Tafsīr, Ḥadīth, Sīrah, ʾAqīdah, and Fiqh.
Over the years, Ozair has served as the Muslim Chaplain at Texas Christian University (TCU) & has taught at various Masajid, including most recently Plano Masjid (IACC) and Islamic Center of Frisco (ICF)
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