AMMWEC’s board is comprised of philanthropists, businesswomen, physicians, entrepreneurs, and homemakers. We unite to strengthen our community, confront bigotry in all its forms, celebrate cultural heritage, and build enduring bonds with fellow Americans of all faiths.
Board Chair & President
A native of Pakistan, Ali is a retired California public school teacher, Muslim philanthropist, author, and women rights advocate. A centrist Democrat, Ali served as a delegate to the 2012 and 2016 Democratic National Conventions. She is a co-founder of the Irvine Pakistani Parents Foundation and CalPak Educational Services. In 2015 she presented at the Obama White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism. For more information on her biography and leadership work, see www.AnilaAli.com.
Executive Board Member
Farhana Khorshed, an interpreter, community leader, and advocate for social and women’s rights, is dedicated to supporting minorities, with a primary focus on the Southeast Asian community in New England. Continuously engaged in various projects, she seizes opportunities to make a positive impact whenever they arise.
Farhana’s career trajectory commenced as a makeup artist at Chanel, where she discovered the profound potential of inner beauty, strength, and the intricate stories that define individuals. In the pivotal year 2000, she made a career shift, becoming an interpreter and counselor to actively contribute to the well-being of women, families, and the community. Her role enables her to empower individuals by recognizing and nurturing their inherent strengths and abilities.
In 2006, Farhana joined Nebaf Inc. (New England Bangladeshi American Foundation) to gain a deeper understanding of the entrenched challenges faced by families in the community. Working directly with people, she addresses issues and advocates for support and resources. Her efforts extend to facilitating the integration of new and existing immigrants, helping them navigate their surroundings and access social services.
Broadening her commitment, Farhana actively supports domestic violence victims, collaborating with various nonprofit coalitions in Massachusetts to meet the diverse needs of women in the community. Her overarching objective remains consistent — to provide aid in any conceivable way, bridging the gaps between communities and enabling everyone to embark on a new beginning, unified as an integral part of society.
Farhana Khorshed
Executive Director
Nebaf INC.
Farhanakhorshed@gmail.com
Executive Board Member
Prof.Seemab Asif positive and outgoing personality is a valuable asset, making her an ideal candidate to work with educational institutions and the corporate sector. Committed to contributing to the betterment of our nation, she is dedicated to enhancing critical thinking, awareness, sensibility, and rational judgment among students. With a passion for education, [Her Name] brings a wealth of skills and expertise that align with the organizational goals and values.
Board Member
Frieden is Chair of the Irvine Democratic Party and has previously served on community boards for the Irvine Unified School District/Budget Commission and the Red Cross. Retired after a career in retail management and design, Frieden speaks to interfaith audiences and helps AMMWEC recruit young women for law enforcement internships.
Board Member
Regional Director California Democratic Party. Deborah was a delegate at the 2012 and 2016 Democratic National Convention.
Executive Board Member
Zebunnesa graduated from the Claire Trevor School of Art at the University of California, Irvine. Born in raised in Bangladesh, she continues to help her native village of Gazipur improve educational, environmental, and social services.
Advisory Board Member
Khan works with the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a Victim Assistance Agent.
Advisory Board Member
Recognized as a woman of influence and a servant leader, Dr. Gwen Hecht, Ph.D., MFT, CT is an author, philanthropist, non-profit founder, and retired marriage and family therapist. She began her career over 35 years ago, as one of the founders of a rape crisis center. Dr. Hecht has always believed in making a difference and giving back, thus she has founded several non-profits committed to global education, interfaith, and trauma-informed initiatives.
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Shareef is the Imam of the historic, Nation’s Mosque, Masjid Muhammad, in D.C. He is a retired U.S. Air Force member with a Doctorate Degree from the Global Oved Dei Seminary and University. He was honored by President Obama at the White House in recognition of his service. He co-initiated the U.S. Military commissioning its first Islamic Chaplain in 1993 and he was the first Imam with military service to open a session of the U.S. Congress as the guest Chaplain.
Executive Board Member
Kelly Herman has been a practicing attorney based in Washington D.C for over 20 years. She is currently corporate counsel export/import law at Northrop Grumman Corp. She previously served as a Commissioner on the Arts for the City of Fairfax, VA, and currently serves as the President of Echo Resource Development, Inc.’s Executive Board based in Baltimore, MD. As a Jewish woman with a keen interest in religious synergies, Kelly has been in the continual pursuit of creating opportunities for women’s empowerment and religious interconnectivity.
Advisory Board Member
A native of Pakistan, Karimi is a successful businesswoman and advocate for women’s empowerment.
Advisory Board Member
Eifer Lyddane is the Founder & CEO of In Good Company Wellness a provider of health and wellness services to help communities thrive. She is an outspoken advocate for innovative health and wellness initiatives and believes a more supportive environment with a long-term outlook can lead to greater work-life balance and better economic and social well-being for all.
Advisory Board Member
Simran Stuelpnagel is a Human Rights Advocate, Community Organizer, Sikh Minister, Management Consultant, and VP of the IRF Secretariat who works for religious inclusion and freedom of conscience issues domestically and around the world. He was the Senior VP of Akal Global, a Sikh nonprofit-owned security firm that deployed top secret cleared Americans to over 120 countries.
Executive Board Member
Soraya is an award-winning Muslim feminist activist, community organizer, motivational speaker, corporate trainer, lawyer & founder of the Muslim Women Speakers. Her work prioritizes organizing women for public leadership, religious freedom, and gender equality while providing them the tools they need to fight for justice and dignity. She is the Co-Chair of the IRF Women’s Working Group.
Media Advisor
Jahanzaib Ali is an experienced multimedia journalist who has specialized in international politics and foreign policy. A native of Pakistan, he offers keen insights into the relationship between both countries, specifically how Pakistan continuess to bear significant consequences as a result of the “War on Terror” that changed Middle Eastern diplomacy forever.