With a standing-room only crowd of more than 90 attendees, the May 12, 2005, launch event for the Southern California chapter of the Council for the Advancement of Muslim Professionals drew a large show of support from Muslim professionals eager to expand social and career opportunities.

 The crowd spanned ages and professions, including those with established careers, entrepreneurs and individuals seeking new job opportunities. The evening began with a brief introduction to CAMP SoCal, delivered by the master of ceremonies and chapter advisor MehdiReza Hirji. President Nushin Alloo presented the objectives for CAMP SoCal, goals for the year ahead, proposed benefits for members and invitations to join various committees.

Icebreakers encouraged audience members to network with one another. Volunteers had the opportunity to introduce one person they met to the room, and the microphone was later open to professionals interested in sharing their backgrounds and professions.

The highlight of the evening was the keynote by Mr. Safi U. Qureshey, the CEO of Quartics, a high-technology startup company, and co-founder of AST Research, a computer company that attained Fortune 500 status under his leadership and was acquired by Samsung Electronics. Mr. Qureshey shared his technology and business expertise with the audience while discussing “Professional Growth, Success and Responsibility.”

Mr. Qureshey emphasized the importance leveraging the diversity within the Muslim community – in varying ethnicities, professions and skills – as an asset. In relating his successes and challenges as an entrepreneur, Mr. Qureshey said certain amounts of risk, determination and perseverance are essential to pursuing business ventures. He relayed his own experience with the “ups and downs” of entrepreneurship, including the challenges of maintaining a balance between work and personal family life.