Meet the Visionaries
Our Team
The passionate individuals who drive AAHO's mission forward, working tirelessly to create positive change in communities worldwide.
Board of Directors
Our visionary leaders who guide AAHO's strategic direction and ensure we stay true to our mission.
Mahboob Zaher Dawran
Founder & Managing Director
Mr. Mahboob Dawran is an international humanitarian activist with over 14 years of experience in humanitarian and development work. He is deeply committed to serving poor and underprivileged communities and finds his greatest motivation in improving lives and restoring dignity to those in need.Mr. Dawran brings extensive expertise in business consulting, program management, strategic development, and partnership building, with a strong focus on inclusive leadership and women’s empowerment. His humanitarian work in Afghanistan has spanned critical healthcare support, including heart health, neurological, orthopedic, gynecological, and other essential medical fields—addressing urgent needs within a severely under-resourced healthcare system.In addition to his field experience, Mr. Dawran has pursued self-directed studies in Business Analytics, Business Management, and Leadership. He possesses strong capabilities in human resources leadership, financial management, and organizational development, with a proven ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate both employees and volunteers.He is highly skilled in designing and implementing successful fundraising initiatives, donor engagement, case support, and innovative program development. His work also includes evaluating team performance, developing policies and procedures, and guiding organizations through strategic planning, vision and mission development, and performance improvement.With excellent communication skills and a results-driven mindset, Mr. Dawran continues to play a key role in advancing sustainable humanitarian impact.
Mr Wahid Zwandai
Voice Chairman
Mr. Wahid Zhowandai is a senior humanitarian activist and development professional with over 15 years of experience in the non-profit and international development sectors, and more than 20 years of global consultancy and strategic leadership experience.He brings extensive expertise in governance, program and project management, cultural and historical preservation, women’s empowerment, and international development. In addition to his humanitarian work, Mr. Zhowandai is an accomplished academic and writer, with contributions that include cultural publications and short films focused on social awareness and heritage preservation.Throughout his career, he has held leadership and advisory roles with numerous national and international organizations, including Afghan and international NGOs, multilateral institutions, and UN-affiliated programs. His work has included governance reform, anti-corruption initiatives, community development, volunteerism, and policy support for Afghanistan’s national development strategies.Mr. Zhowandai has collaborated with organizations such as GIZ, UNICEF, the United Nations, the Asian Development Bank, and several Afghan civil society and cultural institutions. He also contributed to key national initiatives, including Afghanistan’s National Human Development Report and the National Anti-Corruption Strategy process.His combined experience in humanitarian action, strategic leadership, and cultural preservation makes him a valuable asset to the non-profit and development community.
Ms Florence Patang
Secretary
Ms. Florence Patang is an exceptional humanitarian whose commitment to service is both genuine and impactful. Through her tireless volunteer work, she has supported hundreds of sick and vulnerable Afghans by raising awareness and mobilizing support through platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.Spiritually driven by compassion and justice, Ms. Patang actively engages in fundraising and advocacy for those most in need. She holds an academic background in regional urban planning, a discipline she has thoughtfully integrated into her nonprofit and humanitarian efforts. This professional foundation is reflected in her structured approach, transparency, and high standards of volunteer work.Through inspirational writing, global advocacy, and community fundraising, she consistently motivates others to take action. Known for her integrity and collaborative spirit, Ms. Patang has built a trusted online presence and a growing network of supporters who believe in the causes and projects she leads.In recognition of her dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to humanitarian values, the AAHO team proudly honors Ms. Florence Patang with the title she truly deserves.
Ms Dewa M Sheer
President for Empowerment & Education
Ms. Dewa M. Sheer serves as the Education President of AAHO and is a dedicated humanitarian, education advocate, and social impact leader. Based in the United States, she is a qualified medical sonographer who combines professional excellence with a deep commitment to humanitarian service.Ms. Sheer is a socially conscious and proactive social media activist known for connecting communities, mobilizing support, and transforming compassion into action. Rooted in her lived experience as an Afghan raised amid conflict, she possesses a strong sense of humanitarian responsibility and consistently advocates for education, empowerment, and social justice.For many years, she has actively supported vulnerable patients and communities in Afghanistan, collaborating with fellow humanitarian activists to raise awareness and mobilize resources. Recognizing the need for a centralized platform for humanitarian fundraising, she founded Afghans Helping Afghans, an initiative focused on crowdfunding campaigns to support urgent humanitarian needs.During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Sheer played a critical role in launching online fundraising initiatives in collaboration with registered charities. Through live educational sessions and awareness campaigns on social media, she helped disseminate accurate public health information and successfully raised funds to support frontline medical staff in Afghanistan.A passionate advocate for education and youth empowerment, Ms. Sheer is also the founder of AYSSR (Afghan Youth Scholarship Support and Resources), through which she has supported Afghan students in securing scholarships to pursue higher education abroad. Her leadership, commitment to education, and dedication to empowering future generations make her a vital asset to AAHO’s Empowerment and Education goals.
Mr Musa Anwari
Youth & Volunteer Engagement Director
Musa Anwar is a medical student and humanitarian activist, dedicated to social impact since 2018. He is the founder of the Foundation of Leading Youth for Unity and Peace (FLY UP) and has volunteered with several locally based charitable organizations in Afghanistan, including the Muhammad Safiullah Memorial Foundation (MSMF).Musa has represented Afghanistan on various international platforms such as Kalinka Russia, Alliance for Humanity (AH), Global Peace Institute, Hult Prize Foundation, Global Tech-In, and the Global Youth Network. In 2021, he was honored with an award from the “Football for Friendship” program, sponsored by Gazprom, in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian initiatives.Currently, he is working in Germany as a humanitarian social worker, supporting and assisting refugees and migrants.”
Behishta Anwar
Director of women Emperwerment & Refugees Advocacy
Behishta Anwar is a passionate advocate for Afghan women, refugees, and newly arrived migrants in Australia. Her commitment to equality and empowerment is deeply rooted in her lived experience, having grown up under Taliban rule in Afghanistan before seeking refuge abroad. In 1996, when the Taliban banned girls from attending school, Behishta’s education was abruptly disrupted—an experience that shaped her lifelong dedication to advocating for girls’ education and women’s rights.Drawing on her personal journey of navigating high school, employment, and community life in Australia with limited English and no formal education, Behishta is devoted to amplifying the voices of women and migrants facing similar challenges. She currently serves as President of the Afghan Women’s Federation of South Australia, where she leads initiatives that support Afghan women and strengthen community connection and resilience.Behishta volunteers extensively across community projects and civic initiatives. She serves as the Australian Lead for the Global Movement for Peace in Afghanistan and is a member of the Steering Committee of the Australian Civil Society Coalition for Women, Peace, and Security.In addition, Behishta works as a Cultural Advisor for Mosaic for Afghan Women, where she actively promotes equality, inclusion, and culturally informed approaches to women’s empowerment.
Management Team
The dedicated professionals who oversee our daily operations and ensure our programs run smoothly.
Angelica Pompili
EU Affairs & Refugees Rights Policy Director
Ms. Angelica Pompili is an EU legal and political expert specializing in migration governance, asylum policy, and human rights advocacy. Passionate about European affairs and international cooperation, she has dedicated her academic path to understanding relations between the European Union and the MENA region, with a particular focus on refugee protection and migration dynamics.She holds a Master’s degree in European Union Studies (with honors) from Paris London University, Salzburg, where her thesis analyzed how the nationality of refugees shapes EU and member state responses to migration crises. She also earned a B.A. in Applied Foreign Languages from Sorbonne University, Paris, complemented by an Erasmus year at Bamberg University, Germany.Before joining AAHO, Ms. Pompili gained professional experience with Amnesty International Italy as a face-to-face fundraiser and as a legal assistant in a legal bureau in Rome. She has also participated in multiple European human rights and asylum law programs, including the UC Louvain‘s MOOC on Asylum and Refugee Law, Justice & Peace’s “Move 4 Human Rights”, and the Union Forense per la Tutela dei Diritti Umani’s course on Human Rights Protection in Europe.Fluent in Italian and English, and proficient in French, Spanish, and German, Angelica brings a multicultural and multilingual approach to her work. At AAHO, she leads efforts to strengthen partnerships with EU institutions, promote refugee inclusion, and advocate for rights-based policy frameworks that reflect the principles of humanity, justice, and solidarity.
Ghezal Wallid
HR Manager
Ms. Ghazel Wallid is Passionate and committed with 3 years of successful experience in the program (humanitarian field). Proven success in administrative tasks, leadership, operational excellence and has strong values built around helping others as well as acts of generosity and kindness. she thrives on challenges and ambitious goals. her greatest strength is the ability to combine analytical skills with well-developed interpersonal skills.
Lina Jawabrah
Program Development Director
Ms Lina Jawabrah is an accomplished humanitarian and development professional with more than ten years of international experience in project management, monitoring & evaluation (PMEL), and peacebuilding. Currently serving as Knowledge Management and Learning Advisor at Soldiered Europe, she supports global programs across Latin America, Africa, Asia, China, and Europe, while strengthening partnerships with major international companies.Her career includes leading peacebuilding and conflict transformation projects in Jordan that empowered over 1,000 youth and women, and providing strategic advisory support to programs funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Lina is recognized for her expertise in organizational learning, capacity building, and evidence-based strategy development.Passionate about communication and leadership, she also serves as Vice President Membership at Toastmasters International in the Netherlands and is a certified Master Life Coach. Multilingual and cross-culturally skilled, Lina embodies AAHO’s mission of resilience, compassion, and global solidarity.
Tudora Rada
Human Resource Assistant
Tudora Rada is an enthusiastic humanitarian professional at the beginning of her career, bringing empathy, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills to her role as HR Assistant at the Afghan Altruistic Humanitarian Organization (AAHO). With a background in healthcare and community service, she has worked directly with elderly residents, individuals with cognitive impairments, and children with special needs, cultivating a deep sense of compassion and a proven ability to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.Her volunteer experience includes supporting inclusive community initiatives such as the Youth Library of Ottawa’s friendship companion program and promoting sustainability through the RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest Green Team. These roles reflect her dedication to social responsibility, community empowerment, and humanitarian values.Tudora aspires to grow as a humanitarian and development professional, contributing to programs that strengthen resilience, dignity, and inclusive development. Through her work at AAHO, she embodies a commitment to service, cross-cultural understanding, and the belief that every individual deserves equal opportunities to thrive.
Righa Patang
CFO
Ms. Righa has previously worked for various Dutch government organizations & private companies in office management positions and has gained sufficient experience in organizing and planning project teams and financial matters. In addition, she has an academic background in International Business and Office Management studies.Ms. Righa Patang is a social activist at heart. Exiled from war-torn Afghanistan, she Volunteer by using her knowledge of laws, regulations and financial planning, She is also an environmentalist on the ground as she believes in promoting empowerment and self-sufficient natural ecological living, permaculture and recycling against the destructive trends of overconsumption and state dependency. She has attended ecological workshops and has used her planning and financial organization skills, her excellent artistic skills to realize a beautiful inexpensive small ecological farm and natural self-sufficient home. She has plans to implement more such projects and help preserve the wildlife-friendly, self-sufficient lifestyle in Afghanistan and other poor developing countries.Ms. Patang fits beautifully within our global Afghan altruistic humanitarian organization as she loves to travel and has traveled to many countries to explore different cultures and relate to war-torn countries. She is an artist and a very creative financial planner.
Board of Advisors
Expert advisors who provide strategic guidance and expertise to help us achieve our mission.
JALIL BAREKZAI
SPORT Advisor
Syed Ahmadyar
Medical Advisor
Our Volunteers
The heart of our organization - dedicated volunteers who make our mission possible through their selfless service.
Onka Ajayebzai
Educational Support Mentor for Afghanistan
Ms. Onka Ajayebzai is appointed as Representative for AYSSR (AAHO Education Partner), on a voluntary basis. Miss Onka Ajayebzai graduated from Kandahar high School in Afghanistan and she is currently studying at AUCA (American University of Central Asia).Her major is JMC (Journalism & amp: Mass Communications) and her minor is ICP (International & Comparative Politics). She is multilingual and active in the area of journalism.As you may know AYSSR (Afghan Youth Scholarship Support and Resources) has been partnered with AAHO last year. AYSSR Founder & CEO , Mrs. Dewa M Sheer’s goal is to unite students and potential scholarship candidates by guiding them and preparing them for acceptance into their desired universities abroad.
Fayaz Safi
Education & Scholarship Support Program Officer
Mr. Fayaz Safi is an education support professional with experience working alongside multiple educational support organizations focused on expanding access to learning opportunities. He has a strong interest in contributing to initiatives that empower Afghan youth through education and skills development.At AAHO, Mr. Safi supports education programs, scholarship initiatives, and student outreach activities. His work contributes to strengthening access to educational opportunities for Afghan students, particularly those facing social and economic barriers.With a collaborative mindset and a strong commitment to youth development, Mr. Safi is dedicated to advancing AAHO’s mission of promoting education as a pathway to empowerment and long-term community resilience.
Mohammad Zekriya Rahimi
Project management Officer
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