Julianne Welby, Senior Editor, WNYC News
Julianne's career in public radio began during her first work study job at Fordham University’s WFUV.
Muslim Community Encouraged by Immigrant Affairs Commissioner
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
New York, NY –
Members of the city's Muslim community are expressing optimism about Mayor Bloomberg's choice for a new immigrant affairs commissioner. He appointed an education adviser from his administration named Fatima Shama, who speaks five languages - including Arabic - and whose father is Palestinian. Linda Sarsour, with the Arab American Association of New York, expects Shama to push for Muslim holidays in public schools.
SARSOUR: Being a commissioner might give her more power in that area and I think she can be a stronger advocate.
The mayor has opposed adding Muslim holidays to the school calendar.
Shama replaces previous immigrant affairs commissioner, Guillermo Linares, who now works for Bloomberg's re-election campaign.
Linares also dropped out of a run for an open City Council seat in Northern Manhattan.
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