Shia Muslim Public Servant Shahan Rizvi Receives Maryland Comptroller’s AAPI Heritage Month Public Service Award

Washington, DC – The Shia Muslim Foundation proudly congratulates Shahan Rizvi, a prominent Shia Muslim public servant and community leader, on receiving the 2025 AAPI Heritage Month Public Service Award from the Office of the Comptroller of Maryland.

The award was presented by Maryland State Comptroller Brooke Lierman as part of the Comptroller’s inaugural AAPI Heritage Month recognition ceremony. This award honors Asian American and Pacific Islander Marylanders who have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, and advocacy on behalf of their communities. Recipients are recognized for creating sustainable civic impact, building stronger communities, and contributing to the social and political fabric of the state.

Rizvi, a longtime advocate for civic engagement, has served as Chair of the Howard County Democratic Central Committee, President of the Howard County Muslim Council, and a board member of the United Maryland Muslim Council. His work focuses on increasing political participation among minority communities, advancing interfaith understanding, and promoting equitable representation in public institutions.

In his public remarks, Rizvi thanked Comptroller Lierman for presenting the award and acknowledged his close friend McNeal Brown for nominating him. He affirmed his continued commitment to public service and to building a stronger Maryland for all.

“Shahan Rizvi’s service embodies the values of justice, compassion, and integrity that are central to the Shia Muslim faith,” said Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation. “His recognition by the State of Maryland highlights the growing contributions of American Shia Muslims in civic and political life. We are quite proud of him."

The Shia Muslim Foundation commends Rizvi’s achievements and encourages further inclusion of diverse Muslim voices in leadership roles across the country.