Part of this initiative is to connect accomplished leaders and changemakers with the Bold and Becoming members so that the young members can have role models to look up to and learn from. The mentors will be guiding, coaching, and most importantly inspiring the mentees to be a better version of themselves and to achieve their dreams/goals. These will be done by coaching them about necessary leadership skills required to navigate both their professional and academic lives and by guiding them to sustain positive mindsets.
Meet Our Impactful Mentors
Fairooz Beether
Co - Founder of Moner School | Mental Health Enthusiast | Goal Keeper Award Recipient, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
This is Fairooz, a mental health enthusiast. She has been working on making Mental healthcare accessible to the mass but besides that she loves working with youth. She is the recipient of the 2021 Change Makers Award from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She loves listening to songs, reading a good book or watching a great movie.
This is Fairooz, a mental health enthusiast. She has been working on making Mental healthcare accessible to the mass but besides that she loves working with youth. She is the recipient of the 2021 Change Makers Award from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She loves listening to songs, reading a good book or watching a great movie.
Chitralekha Kar, CPA
Founder and Facilitator, Bold and Becoming | Assurance Senior, Ernst and Young | Levermore Global Scholar | UN Activist | Retired President of UNA-USA Adelphi Chapter
Chitralekha Kar is a bold and brave United Nations (UN) activist, a Levermore Global scholar and a global citizen who embraces diversity to the fullest and loves to connect the dots and realistically solves various global problems. She is also the retired founder and president of United Nations Association – USA Adelphi Chapter. She has completed her Bachelors and Masters in Accounting from Adelphi University, NY, USA and has been residing in the magical New York for the last seven and a half years! Currently, She is working as an Auditor in Ernst and Young and a Certified Public Accountant. (Her friends call her an accountant with a passion to solve global problems and to make a better working world!)
Chitralekha Kar is a bold and brave United Nations (UN) activist, a Levermore Global scholar and a global citizen who embraces diversity to the fullest and loves to connect the dots and realistically solves various global problems. She is also the retired founder and president of United Nations Association – USA Adelphi Chapter. She has completed her Bachelors and Masters in Accounting from Adelphi University, NY, USA and has been residing in the magical New York for the last seven and a half years! Currently, She is working as an Auditor in Ernst and Young and a Certified Public Accountant. (Her friends call her an accountant with a passion to solve global problems and to make a better working world!)
As much as she values finding solutions for complex global problems and working towards achieving the SDGs, she feels the same about empowering, encouraging and enabling women all over the world. Cultivating confidence, courage, self-respect and self love among women to help them acknowledge their fullest potential and to guide them lead meaningful and purposeful lives is one of her greatest missions and passions
Sarthak Arora
Software Engineer at Google
Sarthak is a software engineer at Google. He completed his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science at Columbia University.
Sarthak is a software engineer at Google. He completed his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science at Columbia University.
Sabira Mehrin Saba
Founder and CEO of Wander Woman | Diana Award Recipient
Sabira Mehrin Saba , born and raised in Bangladesh, has founded the revolutionary platform that empowers women to travel with vetted information, verified partners and holistic assistance. She is a Global Mentor at Wedu and Ambassador at Westerwelle Foundation. Sabira received The Diana Award for creating positive impact on 35,000+ Bangladeshi women around the globe.
Sabira Mehrin Saba , born and raised in Bangladesh, has founded the revolutionary platform that empowers women to travel with vetted information, verified partners and holistic assistance.
She is a Global Mentor at Wedu and Ambassador at Westerwelle Foundation. Sabira received The Diana Award for creating positive impact on 35,000+ Bangladeshi women around the globe.
Sabira has worked in varied industries ranging from healthcare, education, real estate and tourism for more than 6 years. Now she is enabling women to achieve their goals through her uprising startup Wander Woman.
Sumaiya Mahjabin
Vault, Application Support Analyst
Maya Mahjabin is a Bangladeshi Canadian currently residing in sunny California. Her background is in Addiction Therapy and Social Work and since moving to the US, she has branched out into the IT sector as a Systems Analyst. Throughout her twenties, she has led various projects in the Social Service sector in Vancouver, Canada for women in violent relationships, street level drug users seeking rehabilitation and support alongside her mentor Dr. Gabor Mate. In Bangladesh she worked closely with the Acid Survivor’s Foundation in spearheading empowerment for acid victims through trauma support, resolving root level issues and empowering the victims through group and individual counseling.
Maya Mahjabin is a Bangladeshi Canadian currently residing in sunny California. Her background is in Addiction Therapy and Social Work and since moving to the US, she has branched out into the IT sector as a Systems Analyst. Throughout her twenties, she has led various projects in the Social Service sector in Vancouver, Canada for women in violent relationships, street level drug users seeking rehabilitation and support alongside her mentor Dr. Gabor Mate. In Bangladesh she worked closely with the Acid Survivor’s Foundation in spearheading empowerment for acid victims through trauma support, resolving root level issues and empowering the victims through group and individual counseling.
She has also worked as a guidance counsellor at AIUB and was a producer for Radio Shadhin where she produced a counselling talk show. Her passions have led her to various career paths in her lifetime, but her greatest joy has been motherhood and caring for her two children. In her spare time, she enjoys time with her family in nature and discovering all the various cuisines around Los Angeles.
Asif U Ahmed
Assistant Professor and Director of the MBA Program, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh
Asif U Ahmed is an Assistant Professor and the Director of the MBA Program at the School of Business of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh. With over two decades of experience in international development, Asif specializes in private sector engagement, employability skills for youth, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable business development. He headed the corporate engagement and private sector development programs for different international organizations both locally and internationally.
Asif U Ahmed is an Assistant Professor and the Director of the MBA Program at the School of Business of
the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh. With over two decades of experience in international
development, Asif specializes in private sector engagement, employability skills for youth, corporate
social responsibility, and sustainable business development. He headed the corporate engagement and
private sector development programs for different international organizations both locally and
internationally.
Asif has advanced degrees in Strategic Nonprofit Organization Management from the
Kennedy School of Government of Harvard University and in Corporate Social Responsibility from the
Harvard Business School. Asif considers himself an observer of social changes and tries to make sense of
those changes in a way that society can take maximum benefits out of those transformations. His
personal and professional interests have led him to take deep dive into the issues surrounding
Generation Z and the future of youth. Outside of his profession, Asif is an avid reader and Indian classical
music and calligraphy, enthusiast. His love of fountain pens and calligraphy keeps him grounded.
Asif enjoys working with others in their process to reach their potential and believes that collaborating
and sharing life experiences help to shape us into the people we are.
Romina Perino
Program Associate at Project Pericles
Passionate and resourceful with experience working in the US, West Africa, and MENA region developing, managing, consulting, and communicating projects across various industries. Detail-oriented with a high capacity for adaptation in different environments, who always strives to exceed expectations by continuous learning and a consistent strategic approach to any situation. Sociable and confident with extensive knowledge of international affairs.
Passionate and resourceful with experience working in the US, West Africa, and MENA region developing, managing, consulting, and communicating projects across various industries. Detail-oriented with a high capacity for adaptation in different environments, who always strives to exceed expectations by continuous learning and a consistent strategic approach to any situation. Sociable and confident with extensive knowledge of international affairs.
Bushra Khan
Career & Leadership Development | Doctoral Student | Emotional Intelligence Enthusiast
I am a career and leadership development expert working in the non-profit and corporate sectors in Canada, USA and Bangladesh. Much of my work is informed by emotional intelligence, social emotional learning and transformational leadership.
I am a career and leadership development expert working in the non-profit and corporate sectors in Canada, USA and Bangladesh. Much of my work is informed by emotional intelligence, social emotional learning and transformational leadership.
I am currently pursuing my doctorate at the University of Toronto in Educational Leadership and Policy and a professor of leadership and communication at Seneca College.
What am I really good at? 💪🏽
➡️ Workforce development for barriered youth
➡️ Career readiness and professional development for the workplace or internship
➡️ Emotional intelligence and transformative leadership for the workplace and classroom
➡️ Emerging leaders training for non-profit managers
➡️ Facilitation training
➡️ Connecting people and celebrating their achievements 🥳👏🏽
Rijve Arefin
Forbes 30 Under 30 I The Diana Award Recipient I Co-founder, Awareness 360 I Advisor, Target Gender Equality at United Nations Global Compact I The Royal Commonwealth Society Fellow I Youth Development Consultant
Rijve Arefin is a multi-award-winning community development practitioner and a dedicated youth activist. He has recently been named a Forbes 30 Under 30 and highlighted as the Featured Honoree for Social Impact. He also received The Diana Award - the most prestigious accolade a young person can receive for their humanitarian work, continuing Princess Diana’s legacy. He currently works at the United Nations Global Compact as the Target Gender Equality Advisor.
Rijve Arefin is a multi-award-winning community development practitioner and a dedicated youth activist. He has recently been named a Forbes 30 Under 30 and highlighted as the Featured Honoree for Social Impact. He also received The Diana Award - the most prestigious accolade a young person can receive for their humanitarian work, continuing Princess Diana’s legacy. He currently works at the United Nations Global Compact as the Target Gender Equality Advisor.
He is the Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the global youth-led organization Awareness 360, a Royal Commonwealth Society Fellow, the Director and Curator of multiple TEDx events, a member of the Commonwealth Students’ Association’s Asia Regional Committee, the Deputy Director of the Hult Prize Foundation’s 2019 HP Kuala Lumpur Regional Finals, a former Country Director of Global Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, a Global Youth Ambassador of Theirworld UK, Fellow, Partner & Facilitator at UNDP Youth Co:Lab Movers Programme and is involved with several other international organizations. Rijve has also been conferred the role of a Judge for the prestigious Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2020 & 2021. He served as the competition's Country Representative in 2019. Rijve is the pioneer of the Hult Prize at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). In 2020, he served as an Advisor of the Hult Prize at UPM. A proud Economics graduate from UPM, Rijve received the Putra Icon Award for his all-rounded extraordinary performance, being one of the first-ever international students to hold the recognition.
Dana Bhai Joss
Content Creator
From my childhood I was the most extrovert person and also the girl who is more into enjoying her life rather than following the strict rules of childhood. When the other girls were busy with dolls I was busy in football field.
From my childhood I was the most extrovert person and also the girl who is more into enjoying her life rather than following the strict rules of childhood. When the other girls were busy with dolls I was busy in football field.
I have completed my LL. B form BRAC University, and my passion for the environment has led me to do a Masters on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development from the University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. To dedicate myself and to deliver my knowledge for my country I came back to Bangladesh after completing my degree. Now I am also a full time content creator who mostly makes funny video on different context. Sometime its on social issue and sometime on selfcare.
Ambreen Hassan Sarker
Chief Executive Officer, Ikigai HR Services Limited
Ambreen Hassan Serker is an HR Enthusiast with 12 years of work experience across Industries & PUM Netherlands senior experts. She completed Masters in Social Science (MSc) with Merit in International Management from School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. She completed Bachelors in Business Administration (BBA) majoring in Human Resource Management with a combination of Mass Communication as minor.
Ambreen Hassan Serker is an HR Enthusiast with 12 years of work experience across Industries & PUM Netherlands senior experts. She completed Masters in Social Science (MSc) with Merit in International Management from School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. She completed Bachelors in Business Administration (BBA) majoring in Human Resource Management with a combination of Mass Communication as minor.
As a Founder and CEO of Ikigai HR, she aims to thrive through impactful services and play an integral strategic role into the client's business lifecycle.
Her professional expertise are evolving in establishing and managing End to End HR Leadership, Talent Acquisition, growth & succession planning, Change Management, Business Strategic Management and Employee Branding
Besides work, she is an active lawn tennis player who keeps a keen interest in sports.
Samira Sadeque
New York-based Bangladeshi Journalist, Poet, Educator
Samira Asma-Sadeque is a New York-based Bangladeshi journalist, poet and educator, writing about immigrant families, mental health, and hate crimes among other topics.
Her poetry appears in the HBO series Take Out with Lisa Ling; All Arts TV series First Twenty; No Dear magazine; Button Poetry (video); and Black Horse Review among other publications. Her journalism appears in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Guardian, NPR and Al Jazeera among other publications.
Samira Asma-Sadeque is a New York-based Bangladeshi journalist, poet and educator, writing about immigrant families, mental health, and hate crimes among other topics.
Her poetry appears in the HBO series Take Out with Lisa Ling; All Arts TV series First Twenty; No Dear magazine; Button Poetry (video); and Black Horse Review among other publications. Her journalism appears in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Guardian, NPR and Al Jazeera among other publications.
She is a Best of the Net nominee, a Brooklyn Poets fellow, and Maynard 200 journalism fellow.
She previously published under Samira Sadeque.
Mehran Khan
Head of the BRAC Youth Platform
After graduating from the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, Mehran spent the first part of his career in Hollywood working in films in Walt Disney Studios and Warner Brothers. He was also working as a cinematographer in Bangladesh during his vacations in his homeland. During this time, Mehran also opened his own investment firm and also worked in a few startups, but as fate would have it, he ended up working for BRAC in their communications department.
After graduating from the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, Mehran spent the first part of his career in Hollywood working in films in Walt Disney Studios and Warner Brothers. He was also working as a cinematographer in Bangladesh during his vacations in his homeland. During this time, Mehran also opened his own investment firm and also worked in a few startups, but as fate would have it, he ended up working for BRAC in their communications department. After working in development communications, he was appointed as the head of the BRAC Youth Platform, teaching adolescents and youth how to be empathetic leaders and shape a better tomorrow for others.
Khan Farhana
ICT Innovation Officer, UNDP
This is Khan Farhana. Her undergraduate degree is in Computer Science and Engineering. Having always been fascinated by science and computers, She decided to study that field. She worked on Government’s ICT projects, Oxfam, and UNESCAP while in Bangladesh and experienced working as a business analyst to develop software for IoT integration.
This is Khan Farhana. Her undergraduate degree is in Computer Science and Engineering. Having always been fascinated by science and computers, She decided to study that field. She worked on Government’s ICT projects, Oxfam, and UNESCAP while in Bangladesh and experienced working as a business analyst to develop software for IoT integration.
In Bangladesh, She is successful in establishing a Largest Youth LinkedIn community (FarhanasBrainstation) that is very popular and renowned. This community allows young people to gain experience and knowledge in information technology and similar fields.
Abdullah Al Wasif
Founding Partner & CEO at Back Me Up Ventures
Abdullah Al Wasif studied LLB at the University of London, he has been working for nonprofits, startups & building multiple businesses from scratch. Established the ride-sharing industry in Bangladesh and is part of the founding team of Bangladesh's biggest tech startup Pathao, youth organization Volunteer For Bangladesh, and launched Uber in Dhaka.
Abdullah Al Wasif studied LLB at the University of London, he has been working for nonprofits, startups & building multiple businesses from scratch. Established the ride-sharing industry in Bangladesh and is part of the founding team of Bangladesh's biggest tech startup Pathao, youth organization Volunteer For Bangladesh, and launched Uber in Dhaka.
Founded Back Me UP Ventures in 2020, an investment management firm headquartered in New York with operations in the United Kingdom and Bangladesh focused on funding promising businesses, and initiatives, and backing brazen founders willing to challenge the status quo and push humanity forward
Afsara Alvee
Founder, Kandari and Assistant Editor
Afsara Tasnim Alvee is an aspiring filmmaker. She received a BA in Media Arts Production from Emerson College with a major in Post Production and a minor in Leadership & Management. She has worked on films like Morbius and Fatherhood. TV series like Star Wars- Obi-Wan Kenobi and The Muppets Mayhem series. She runs a non-profit organization in Bangladesh called Kandari, which aims to improve the livelihood and educational system in coastal areas and indigenous communities.
Afsara Tasnim Alvee is an aspiring filmmaker. She received a BA in Media Arts Production from Emerson College with a major in Post Production and a minor in Leadership & Management. She has worked on films like Morbius and Fatherhood. TV series like Star Wars- Obi-Wan Kenobi and The Muppets Mayhem series. She runs a non-profit organization in Bangladesh called Kandari, which aims to improve the livelihood and educational system in coastal areas and indigenous communities.
Kazi Farhana
Founder, WoW Bangladesh
I go by Kazi Farhana, founder, WoW Bangladesh, a platform for women vehicle drivers in Bangladesh. Other than that, I am a HR Professional. Currently working as a Team lead, People and Culture for a Swedish IT Company. Completed Bachelors from NSU and undergoing Masters in Applied Economics at BRACU.
I go by Kazi Farhana, founder, WoW Bangladesh, a platform for women vehicle drivers in Bangladesh. Other than that, I am a HR Professional. Currently working as a Team lead, People and Culture for a Swedish IT Company. Completed Bachelors from NSU and undergoing Masters in Applied Economics at BRACU.
Shehreen Ataur Khan
Assistant Professor, Jagannath University
Shehreen Ataur Khan is an Assistant Professor at the Department of English at Jagannath University, Dhaka. Her first M.A. was in English Literature from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Later she completed another M.A. in Women and Gender Studies jointly from the Central European University, Budapest and the University of Granada, Spain under the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship.
Shehreen Ataur Khan is an Assistant Professor at the Department of English at Jagannath University, Dhaka. Her first M.A. was in English Literature from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Later she completed another M.A. in Women and Gender Studies jointly from the Central European University, Budapest and the University of Granada, Spain under the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. During her under-graduation, she has represented Bangladesh in different youth leadership forums in Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Shehreen is a State Alumna and was an exchange student for the SUSI-2011 program at Oklahoma University. She has served as the Regional Focal Point for Asia of the Global Youth Coalition against Cancer, Nigeria for four years. Currently, along with her primary job in academia, Shehreen is working as a research manager and publication lead at GenLab. Her area of interest is gender studies, cultural studies, media representation and environmental justice.
Shafquat Hassan
PhD candidate at Durham
Ahmed Shafquat Hassan is a PhD candidate at Durham. He was a Research Associate at the Centre for Peace and Justice, Brac University, and the Strategic and Academic Director at Mazeltov - Innovation and Justice. Shafquat was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2018 by the honourable society of the Inner Temple, and has since been a pupil Barrister with Probir Neogi and Associates. Shafquat has a keen interest in Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Legal Theory.
Ahmed Shafquat Hassan is a PhD candidate at Durham. He was a Research Associate at the Centre for Peace and Justice, Brac University, and the Strategic and Academic Director at Mazeltov - Innovation and Justice. Shafquat was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2018 by the honourable society of the Inner Temple, and has since been a pupil Barrister with Probir Neogi and Associates. Shafquat has a keen interest in Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Legal Theory. He has been published with the Oxford Political Review, amongst other reputed journals, and writes regularly for numerous national dailies in Bangladesh. His political and legal commentary is typically well received by a global audience. Shafquat has also been featured at numerous conferences and has presented and lectured across multiple international platforms.
Kahkasan Akhi
Architect, Co-founder, Interior Design Studio based in Seattle, Washington
Kahkasan Akhi is a Bangladeshi American Muslim. Her academic background is in architecture. She completed her bachelors and masters of architecture at the University of Texas at Arlington. Her passion for design and art has led her to pursue her own business under the name IntensePursuits where she showcase her artwork and handicrafts. Her artwork appears in the HBOmax show Takeout with Lisa Ling. She has recently also co-founded an interior design studio based in Seattle, Washington where she currently live with her husband and two children.
Kahkasan Akhi is a Bangladeshi American Muslim. Her academic background is in architecture. She completed her bachelors and masters of architecture at the University of Texas at Arlington. Her passion for design and art has led her to pursue her own business under the name IntensePursuits where she showcase her artwork and handicrafts. Her artwork appears in the HBOmax show Takeout with Lisa Ling. She has recently also co-founded an interior design studio based in Seattle, Washington where she currently live with her husband and two children.
Brotee Tasnim Noorin
Head of Strategy & Content, Magnito Digital Limited, Bangladesh
Brotee is a seasoned strategist and an avid practitioner of mentor leadership, boasting over 15 years of experience in the communication sector. With 9 years of experience in program production and presentation in mass media and over 7 years in digital marketing as a strategic and content planner, she has a proven track record of success. She has supervised and delivered campaign plans and content for more than 30 renowned brands in industries such as FMCG, Telco, Lifestyle, and Construction, and has been recognized with awards for her digital campaign planning on both global and local platforms. Currently, she leads a team of 25 in the Strategy & Content division of one of Bangladesh's largest and highest-awarded marketing agencies.
Brotee is a seasoned strategist and an avid practitioner of mentor leadership, boasting over 15 years of experience in the communication sector. With 9 years of experience in program production and presentation in mass media and over 7 years in digital marketing as a strategic and content planner, she has a proven track record of success. She has supervised and delivered campaign plans and content for more than 30 renowned brands in industries such as FMCG, Telco, Lifestyle, and Construction, and has been recognized with awards for her digital campaign planning on both global and local platforms. Currently, she leads a team of 25 in the Strategy & Content division of one of Bangladesh's largest and highest-awarded marketing agencies.
Redwan Ahmed
Independent Journalist | UN Journalism Fellow
Redwan Ahmed is an award-winning Independent journalist and fact-checker covering Bangladesh with a keen interest in Human Rights, Climate Crisis and Democracies. He’s United Nations Journalism Fellow, and his works regularly appear in The Guardian, The Economist and APAC Network. His latest obsession is Podcasts. He likes to brainstorm with hyperlocal news portals and fact-checkers. Twitter: @redwanxyz
Redwan Ahmed is an award-winning Independent journalist and fact-checker covering Bangladesh with a keen interest in Human Rights, Climate Crisis and Democracies. He’s United Nations Journalism Fellow, and his works regularly appear in The Guardian, The Economist and APAC Network. His latest obsession is Podcasts. He likes to brainstorm with hyperlocal news portals and fact-checkers. Twitter: @redwanxyz
Anisha Hossain
Insurance Analyst | Business Consultant | Director at Young Women in Business, Canada
Anisha Hossain is a Canadian-Bangladeshi self-driven ambitious woman, who is the Director of Chapter Development at Young Women in Business, Canada; Licensed Insurance Advisor at TD Canada; and an Advocate for women empowerment, gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
She is the recipient of Women in Leadership MBA Award and MBA Excellence Award. She pursued an MBA from University Canada West, Canada; a Post-degree Certificate in Human Resources Management from York University, Canada; and a Bachelor of Business Administration from North South University, Bangladesh.
Anisha Hossain is a Canadian-Bangladeshi self-driven ambitious woman, who is the Director of Chapter Development at Young Women in Business, Canada; Licensed Insurance Advisor at TD Canada; and an Advocate for women empowerment, gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
She is the recipient of Women in Leadership MBA Award and MBA Excellence Award. She pursued an MBA from University Canada West, Canada; a Post-degree Certificate in Human Resources Management from York University, Canada; and a Bachelor of Business Administration from North South University, Bangladesh.
She has over 10 years of work experience in the retail, financial services, government, and education industry in Canada, United States of America, and Bangladesh.
She loves to hike and travel, socialize with people and learn about cultures. She enjoys painting, crafting, and capturing beautiful moments of nature through her lenses. She loves to meditate and read books with a cup of herbal tea.
Arpa Aishwarya
Architect, Project Researcher, Department of Architecture, University of Oulu, Finland
Arpa Aishwarya is an architect from Bangladesh and currently a project researcher in the Department of Architecture at the University of Oulu, Finland. Pursuing architecture has opened opportunities for her to travel and enrich her understanding of divergent societies and the built environment. While pursuing her masters in Finland, Arpa has developed a keen interest in social sustainability and how urban planning processes can empower its stakeholders to fight global challenges.
Arpa Aishwarya is an architect from Bangladesh and currently a project researcher in the Department of Architecture at the University of Oulu, Finland. Pursuing architecture has opened opportunities for her to travel and enrich her understanding of divergent societies and the built environment. While pursuing her masters in Finland, Arpa has developed a keen interest in social sustainability and how urban planning processes can empower its stakeholders to fight global challenges. She enjoys working in multidisciplinary teams and believes that collective design solutions will always keep the door open for her self growth as an architect. In her free time, Arpa enjoys her walk in the forests and picking wild blueberries.
Aisha Siddiqua
Coordinator, Edward M. Kennedy Center
Aisha is an aspiring developmental professional whose dream is to live in a world where there is acceptance for everyone. She likes to challenge norms and rigid social views that make a person feel less and wants to help all who want to be their own hero. Aisha is currently working at the EMK Center as a Coordinator where gets to be connected with remarkable personas and loves to learn from them all. She has extensive experience in public diplomacy programming and public speaking.
Nusrat Kabir Prova
Founder and CEO of Chondo, Business Risk Management Officer, Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh
My name is Nusrat Kabir Prova. I am the Founder and CEO of Chondo.
I am currently employed as a Business Risk Management officer at Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh. Previously, I was employed at Pathao Limited, One of the fastest growing IT startups of Bangladesh. I had years of experience in brand building at Pathao. Throughout my student life I have also worked with many local & international NGOs that are dedicated to different SDGs, mostly focusing on youth leadership, women's health & empowerment.
My name is Nusrat Kabir Prova. I am the Founder and CEO of Chondo.
I am currently employed as a Business Risk Management officer at Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh. Previously, I was employed at Pathao Limited, One of the fastest growing IT startups of Bangladesh. I had years of experience in brand building at Pathao. Throughout my student life I have also worked with many local & international NGOs that are dedicated to different SDGs, mostly focusing on youth leadership, women's health & empowerment. During that period, I have also worked with The Daily Star as a content writer.
With all my work experience, I am starting my social enterprise & platform Chondo to create awareness among women about healthcare and hygiene practices.
Dr. Nusrat Jahan
Doctor, Senior House Officer, Trauma and Orthopedics at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust.
I graduated from Sir Salimullah Medical College, one of the most reputed medical schools of Bangladesh and trained in Mitford Hospital which is one of the largest government hospitals of the country.
I have been practising in the department of internal medicine for the last 3 years in several corporate hospitals of Dhaka.
Recently, got registered with the General Medical Council of UK and is planning to do my next trainings from NHS, England.
I graduated from Sir Salimullah Medical College, one of the most reputed medical schools of Bangladesh and trained in Mitford Hospital which is one of the largest government hospitals of the country.
I have been practising in the department of internal medicine for the last 3 years in several corporate hospitals of Dhaka.
Recently, got registered with the General Medical Council of UK and is planning to do my next trainings from NHS, England.
As a practising physician, I try to identify illnesses in my patients as well as help people through difficult times. I try to bring my passion for medicine and empathy to my work in giving people an outlet through which to rest their burdens.
My passion is to help people and reach out to the society as much as I can. I believe winning starts with us beginning.
Wahid Hossain
Social Entrepreneur
Wahid Hossain is a social entrepreneur and worked as a consultant for entrepreneurship education & accelerator programs both in Bangladesh and the USA. Wahid runs an ethical fashion company named TigerBow for more than six years which has impacted over 2800+ lives till date. His company TigerBow makes bow ties using traditional Katan fabric of Bangladesh and allows underprivileged women artisans to obtain sustainable livelihoods.
Beside that Wahid is currently running two entrepreneurship education programs for the k-12 level students of Bangladesh and global.
Wahid Hossain is a social entrepreneur and worked as a consultant for entrepreneurship education & accelerator programs both in Bangladesh and the USA. Wahid runs an ethical fashion company named TigerBow for more than six years which has impacted over 2800+ lives till date. His company TigerBow makes bow ties using traditional Katan fabric of Bangladesh and allows underprivileged women artisans to obtain sustainable livelihoods.
Beside that Wahid is currently running two entrepreneurship education programs for the k-12 level students of Bangladesh and global. His first educational program BeyondGrades is an entrepreneurship education program for public school students in Bangladesh partnering with the U.S Embassy Dhaka, EMK Centre and a2i.
Wahid also leads a cross-cultural educational program named PathFinder, where international youth from Bangladesh, India, Zambia, Sweden, the Philippines and the United States learn about entrepreneurship, design thinking and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. PathFinder is supported by UNDP Accelerator Bangladesh, a2i, The Resolution Project, Peace First and 3Zero Club.
Wahid studied Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Watson Institute in Boulder, Colorado. He is a Resolution Project fellow, Unleash Talent,TEDxColoradoUniversity Speaker and has been in and around the University of Boulder Colorado/Ryerson University/Lyan University ecosystem.
Detepriya Roy
Project Lead, Online Safety for Women and Youth, Brac Youth Platform
Detepriya Roy studied business, do art for passion and communication for profession. She began her career with Advertising which allowed her to nurture her creative self. She led campaigns with prestigious brands and won awards in national and international platforms. Later she realized the importance of social and behavioural change communication and that her skill had potential in this field. She shifted to the development sector to motivate youth and adolescents to make better choices.
Detepriya Roy studied business, do art for passion and communication for profession.
She began her career with Advertising which allowed her to nurture her creative self. She led campaigns with prestigious brands and won awards in national and international platforms. Later she realized the importance of social and behavioural change communication and that her skill had potential in this field. She shifted to the development sector to motivate youth and adolescents to make better choices.
She has an art page royspencil where she experiment with mixed media artworks. She also made a short film Ja debi under the platform One Minute Films which she was a founder of.
She completed her BBA and MBA from North South University, Bangladesh.
Tahiya Islam
Director of Media and Publication at Aim Initiative Foundation
Tahiya Islam is the Director of Media and Publication at Aim Initiative Foundation, a nonprofit organization working for the underprivileged students of Dhaka, Bangladesh with its Aim School (consisting 150+ students). She is also the Teaching Fellow at Teach for Bangladesh. Shifting from the field of Pharmacy, she has developed her passion and love for community development, mental health advocacy, and qualityful academic education.
Tahiya Islam is the Director of Media and Publication at Aim Initiative Foundation, a nonprofit organization working for the underprivileged students of Dhaka, Bangladesh with its Aim School (consisting 150+ students). She is also the Teaching Fellow at Teach for Bangladesh. Shifting from the field of Pharmacy, she has developed her passion and love for community development, mental health advocacy, and qualityful academic education.
Arifa Ali
Architecture Student, City College of New York: Spitzer School of Architecture.
Arifa Ali is a Bachelor of Architecture Student. She is studing at City College of New York: Spritzer School of Architecture. While being a full time student, interning/working could be a challenge. But she strongly believe that real-life work experience is equally as important as education. On her free time, she enjoys making Bengali snacks, listening to Hindi music and spending time with her baby nephew.
Arifa Ali is a Bachelor of Architecture Student. While being a full time student, interning/working could be a challenge. But she strongly believe that real-life work experience is equally as important as education. On her free time, she enjoys making Bengali snacks, listening to Hindi music and spending time with her baby nephew.
Her leadership qualities are problem-solving, learning and being open to new changes.
Nur Munjerin Rimjhim
Artist, Post Graduate, Dhaka University | 1st Award Winner in the 24th Berger Young Painters Art Competition 2019
I am a visual artist. I have completed my post graduation in Drawing and painting Department, faculty of fine art, University of Dhaka . I work on contemporary issues, women and society have got more priority in my work. During my BFA time, I started working with perspective and buildings and with that I felt a warm connection with those subjects. By that connection, I worked on some architectural beauties of Bangladesh. I have received some awards and honors in recognition of my works. I am the 1st Award Winner in the 24th Berger Young Painters Art Competition 2019.
I am a visual artist. I have completed my post graduation in Drawing and painting Department, faculty of fine art, University of Dhaka .
I work on contemporary issues, women and society have got more priority in my work.
During my BFA time, I started working with perspective and buildings and with that I felt a warm connection with those subjects. By that connection, I worked on some architectural beauties of Bangladesh.
I have received some awards and honors in recognition of my works. I am the 1st Award Winner in the 24th Berger Young Painters Art Competition 2019.
Honorable Mention Awardee, 13th Art Exhibition &Competition Of Shilpi Rashed Smriti Parshad 2019. 2nd Prize winner in the " Express your Chiness Story by Painting" Art Competition 2019. # Artist Qayyum Chowdhury Memorial Award 2019. Recipient of Anwarul Huq Memorial Award (pencil) in 2014, Annual Exhibition Department of Drawing and Painting, University of Dhaka.
I love travelling and dancing.
Hear From Past Mentees
BRIAN BALTHAZAR
Software Engineering Intern, iCIMS New Jersey Institute of Technology
Mentorship Impacts
Mentor - Brotee Tasnim
Head of Strategy & Content, Magnito Digital Limited, Bangladesh
I can not thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to explore such an interesting role which is helping me every way to improve myself as a guide, mentor and communicator. So far among the three mentees assigned to me, Sumaiya Zaman is the most active one and we have been communicating quite regularly.
I can not thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to explore such an interesting role which is helping me every way to improve myself as a guide, mentor and communicator.
So far among the three mentees assigned to me, Sumaiya Zaman is the most active one and we have been communicating quite regularly.
I get to be a part of her journey closely, thanks to her proactiveness. She never hesitates to reach out if there is a question or challenge coming her way. We first connected on November 18 and have had four long discussions and a few quick calls till now. We shared our stories and bonded over common struggles and challenges. We started with small goals like waking up early, finishing books in stock and starting to earn by herself which she beautifully achieved. We also talked about money management, setting up priorities and finding out her areas of interest. She is still exploring what she wants to choose as her career and I think it is okay to take some time to figure that out; she is just starting her university. We discussed about extracurricular activities and their impact on our preparedness and confidence. She has been participating in a few clubs and events and doing pretty amazing there as well. We are about to finish our vision board but had a small set back as her mother is hospitalized. She asked for a bit more time to finish that.
Connecting with Marzia Yousufi has been an interesting experience for me. I am getting to know about the struggles of Afghan Girls more closely. Unfortunately we are not being able to connect as regularly as Sumaiya due to her situation over there. We only got to talk twice since 21 Dec 2022 and had to reschedule a few times due to her unavailability. Currently she is travelling to Iran and our next call is scheduled tomorrow. So far we talked about our dreams and achievements, her challenges and her plan to overcome them. She wants to pursue higher studies out of Afghanistan and we discussed how to smartly prepare for that. She is also completing her Vision Board this week and show me on our next call.
Mentor - Asif U Ahmed
Assistant Professor and Director of the MBA Program, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh
I have had the 2nd mentoring session with all 4 mentees in the last two days. It is always exciting. Despite all having bonded with me, Eti has become a source of joy for me. I met her today and she gave me more energy than I probably could have given her.
I have had the 2nd mentoring session with all 4 mentees in the last two days. It is always exciting. Despite all having bonded with me, Eti has become a source of joy for me. I met her today and she gave me more energy than I probably could have given her.
