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Mrs. Zeya Mohsin, AMV Board Member and Mr. Syed Zafar Mohsin, AMV North California President were among the 13 individuals and organizations who were honored at Santa Clara’s Annual Human Relations Award Breakfast on February 29, 2008 for their contributions to promoting understanding, respect and equality for all the residents of Santa Clara County.
Hundreds of community members joined the County of Santa Clara Office of HumanRelations at the 36th annual Human Relations Awards ceremony held at Wyndhan Hotel San Jose, CA.
“These individuals and groups have demonstrated commitment to building a more peacefuland socially just community through their hard work,” said Supervisor Pete McHugh,chair of the county Board of Supervisors. “We are very proud of their courage and efforts.”
Among the groups lauded were Zeya and Syed Mohsin of Milpitas, selected by Supervisor McHugh, for their many volunteer efforts in Milpitas and across the county.
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Zeya Mohsin
Zeya Mohsin has been more than a humanitarian of the community.  She is always thinking of new ideas about improve and giving back to the community. Zeya has lived in Milpitas for the last 15 years. She has grown as the city has. She has actively been part of Milpitas Unified School District’s PTSA by serving as Vice President of the PTSA at Milpitas High and was nominated and served as the PTSA Vice President of the North East Region. She initiated a forum for the candidates running for school board and gave the community members a chance to learn more and vote consciously for school board members. Zeya was also the Vice President of the Milpitas High School Band Boosters; contributing her time at every band competition.
Zeya has served on various committees and noteworthy she was nominated and served as an officer in each commission, such as Bicycle Transportation Commission VP, Park and Recreations Commission VP.
She is currently serving on the Economic Development Commission. Due to her commitment and prestigious work, city mayor along with the city council, nominated Zeya to serve on Energy Task Force, which explored ways of fulfilling the energy needs of the city in relation to the limited supply of natural fuel and resources.
Her diligent work earned her a seat on the Planning Commission of the City of Milpitas. As commission, she oversaw the new developments, which are the vital expansions of the city. She also approved the new library and senior center plans.
Above all, Zeya has been a crucial member, leader, and friend to the Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association. She has served over six years as a member and Vice President. Some of her projects as officer have been to organize annual astronomy nights, tree planting projects, working close with the youth and helping them write grants and host their annual Become an Artist Day, international nights, assisted diligently with Music in the Park, and other community projects to work and make the community a better place for all. The Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association is currently finding alternative plans to alleviate the traffic conditions on Escuela Parkway, which contains three major Milpitas Schools, during school hours.
Zeya holds a strong compassion for the seniors of the community. She is part of American Muslims Helping the Community, where she volunteers and on the board countless hours helping seniors shop, inviting informative speakers to speak to them about health and rights. She assists them with doctor’s visits, and promotes a healthy lifestyle along with providing fun recreations events for the seniors.
It is suffice to say that Zeya goes beyond the duties of an active member of our community. She is constantly promoting our community in a positive way and scarifies her time for the needs of others. She continues to work hard without recognitions and defiantly deserves the recognition.
Syed Zafar Mohsin
Syed Zafar Mohsin  has lived in Milpitas California for past 17 years with his wife and two daughters. Syed has a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Evansville, Indiana and currently works for an Internet company. Syed has been involved with the local community since he moved to Milpitas. He was an active member in the construction of new playground at local school. He served on the board of his homeowners Association and was also an elected President. He was instrumental in starting a Neighborhood Watch program. He plays a key part in supporting Sunnyhills Neighborhood events.
Here is record of his distinguished services to the community:
- Vice Chair, Recycling & Source Reduction Advisory Commission (2000 – 2002)
- Led in city projects that would preserve clean, green and safe environment. Examples are ensured junk mail recycling process with Post Office, arranged and visited BFI facility to understand the recycling process/programs, promoted recycling awareness in city.
- Vice Chair, Community Advisory Commission (2002- Present)
- Actively participated in City of Milpitas 50th Anniversary project, participated and sold history books, represented 50th Anniversary team in multiple city events such as July 4th, Art & Wine.
- Currently working on Neighborhood Beautification project for street sweeping/cleaning, walked and spoke with Manor residents regarding street and neighborhood conditions and presented a report to CAC.
- Member, Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association, Milpitas
- Attended multiple events such as Astronomy Night, International Potluck Day, and monthly breakfast meetings to discuss neighborhood issues.
- Sunnyhills Youth Association, mentored youth, assisted in the annual “Become an Artist Day” events.
- Graduate of the SAFE/ CERT Program, serve Milpitas resident in events of disaster - help encourage fellow residents to be alert during disaster, and be more aware of helping others as needed.
- Past President of Milpitas Coventry Homes’ Association (1995 – 1997)
- Audited expense reports, chaired quarterly meetings, resolved parking problems.
- Assisted with Milpitas Coventry Homes’ Neighborhood Watch Program
- Arranged meetings with Milpitas Police Department to educate neighbors about neighborhood safety and crime prevention.
- Out Reach Director for American Muslim Voice – Educated more than a 100 community members about their civic rights as citizens. Took initially uninvolved citizens and successfully made them willing and available to speak up, participate and contribute to the community at large.
- Organized/Coordinator Neighborhood Watch Program for Hillview Area - Invited a City Police Officer to talk about the neighborhood watch program. Arranged light snacks, asked all the attendees to send us their feedback. 15 neighbors attended meeting. (2004)
- Organized “Meet Your Neighbor” Hillview Drive Block Party - 20+ neighbors visited the party. It was a social gathering, and multicultural food was served that was brought in by neighbors, exchanged cultural, community and social ideas. (2004)
- Actively involved in Community Organizations.
- Senior Volunteer, Milpitas Police Dept – Help children id program. So far I have made over 2000 finger prints/ photo id for children between 4 yeat to 18 year. Helped MPD at various community events such as Art & Wine, Make a Difference Day, DUI check point, Live Scan.
- Rahima Foundation – Sorted, packed and distributed food to needy people. Donated over 30 hours in community service.
Business or Professional Service/Accomplishment:
- Past Member of Toastmaster Club, earned CTM.
- Executive Board Member of American Muslim Alliance. Organized youth programs, helped with voter registration process, invited city officials and state assembly representatives to discuss civil liberty issues in our community at large.
- Member of Pakistan Association of San Francisco (Bay Area).
- Volunteer Santa Clara Community Re-building Program – Painted homes of underprivileged community members, visited a local public school as a guest speaker and taught math to second grade students.
- Participated in City Service Recognition Luncheon Award (served food to 250+ city staff, 10/2004).
Charitable or Religious Service:
- Member of Milpitas Mosque Committee - Liaison between City and Muslim community regarding Milpitas Mosque Project.
- Assisted in Relay for Life Events.
- Assisted in Tree Planting for Tree Amigos for Milpitas.
- Helped local charity for Tsunami Relief Drive – Activities included receiving household items, sorting, boxing and loading truck containers. Due to donation items, no monetary value was evaluated. (rough estimation is around $25,000)
- Assisted in Christmas Give Away for Santa Clara County Homeless Center – Served 25 Milpitas residents.
- Collected Can Foods for Food Harvest Day.
Educational/School Contribution/Service:
- Milpitas High School, Band Booster Parent – Attended Band Booster Parents’ Meetings, Prepared and disturbed band lunches to 75+ students, assisted in several field shows, and transported band equipment.
- Mentored students from San Jose & Fremont School District – Advised half a dozen students regarding their career path, and job shadowing.
- Assisted in Display of Annual International Day Event at Curtner School for the past 6 years.
Awards/Certificates:
- Milpitas 50th Anniversary Recognition Certificate.
- Appointment Certificate to Milpitas Community Advisor Commission.
- Graduation Certificate for SAFE/CERT Program.
- Toastmaster Club CTM Award.
- Five-Year Service Award from Cisco Systems.
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