Our Team

Board Members

Connie Daya

Co-Founder and CFO

Kamal Daya

Co-Founder and CEO

Sadiq Ali

Advisor for Projects in Tajikistan and India

Amin Chagani

Advisor for Pakistan Projects

WEF Management Team

Farkhanda Ahmed

Operations Manager – WEF
Ex Officio Board Member

Sanam Gul

Communication Coordinator
WEF

Chitral Team

Samina Hussain

Program Manager

Rashida Banu

ECD Coordinator

Asif Ullah Shakir
Asif Ullah​

Administrative and Scholarship Assistant

Syeda Tul Kubra

Language Facilitator

Mubashira Jaffery

Language Facilitator

Fahima Akhtar

ECD Teacher

Fariha Afsar​

Language Facilitator

Zishana Nisar

ECD Teacher

Kalsum Bibi

ECD Teacher

Amina Gul

ECD Teacher

Fahima Shahzadi

ECD Teacher

Tasneem Faraz

ECD Teacher

Muhsina Inayat

ECD Teacher

Collaborating Partners

Saadia Sabir

Founder – Foundation to Empower Students Pakistan

Abdul Ali H. Remtulla

Advisor on International Grants – WEF

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Connie Daya

Co-Founder & CFO​

Connie Daya, Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer at the Worldwide Education Fund (WEF) of The Dallas Foundation, is a seasoned financial accountant and cost analyst. Holding an MBA in Healthcare Fiscal Management from the University of Wisconsin, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. Connie’s financial expertise was evident during her tenure as the Office Controller at Kamal Daya & Associates, where she managed the operations of a successful life insurance sales practice, focusing on high net worth prospects.

Since co-founding WEF in 2009, Connie has played a crucial role as CFO, overseeing all financial affairs and administrative responsibilities. WEF’s mission is to enhance education for underprivileged children globally, impacting over 10,000 lives. Connie’s commitment extends beyond finance, as she actively participates in community activism, volunteering for initiatives like the Aga Khan Partnership Walk and serving as a Dallas Jamat Tax Volunteer. Her dedication to philanthropy is deeply rooted in her family’s values, emphasizing proactive problem-solving and the generous use of time, assets, and spirit.

Connie’s philosophy revolves around the belief that actions matter in life, urging individuals to use their talents and resources for the betterment of the world. Her commitment to financial excellence and philanthropy significantly contributes to WEF’s success, embodying a proactive and generous approach to making a positive impact on the lives of underprivileged children and youth globally.

Kamal Daya

Co-Founder & CEO​

 

Kamal Daya, the driving force behind the success of the Worldwide Education Fund (WEF) at the Dallas Foundation, boasts a diverse educational background and extensive financial industry experience. Holding qualifications such as Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant, Kamal combines financial expertise with a passion for philanthropy, particularly in education. With a career spanning over four decades at New York Life Insurance Company, he spearheaded transformative programs, consistently ranking among the top 50 advisors for over 35 years.

In 2009, Kamal co-founded WEF and has since served as its dedicated CEO. Under his leadership, WEF has impacted over 10,000 children and youth across multiple countries, focusing on English language skills, technology development, coaching, mentoring, and educational scholarships. Beyond WEF, Kamal actively engages in community activism, contributing to initiatives like the Aga Khan Foundation Planned Legacy Giving Team and the International Philanthropy Group, reflecting his commitment to building civil societies globally.

Kamal’s deep-seated passion for empowering underprivileged children stems from a transformative trip to India in 2004, where he witnessed the disparity in educational opportunities. Since then, WEF has grown exponentially, touching the lives of over 20,000 children and young adults through Kamal’s leadership and the collective efforts of volunteers, supporters, and partners.

Sadiq Ali

Sadiq Ali is a compassionate philanthropist, accomplished entrepreneur, and investor with extensive experience in commercial real estate, property development, and community engagement. Starting in the convenience store business with a single location in Sanford, Florida, Sadiq has expanded his operations to over 55 stores across Arkansas, partnering with major fuel brands like Shell and Exxon, and food franchises such as Subway and Popeyes. His business ventures also include hotel and wholesale partnerships with brands like Holiday Inn and Marriott.

Beyond his business success, Sadiq is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and community development. As a cultural strategist and youth voice advocate in Little Rock, Arkansas, he delivers impactful keynotes, training sessions, and strategic guidance. He serves on the board of the Arkansas Business Alliance, fostering growth for small retail businesses, and is a board member of the Worldwide Education Fund of The Dallas Foundation. Together with his family, Sadiq established the AISA Fund, providing educational opportunities for students from Tajikistan. Through his work, Sadiq continues to empower communities and drive global educational initiatives.

Amin Chagani

Board Member

Amin Chagani, is the President of Global Financial & Insurance Services, Inc. based in Irving, Texas. Amin, a finance graduate from The University of North Texas in 1997, is a seasoned leader in the insurance industry.

Fueled by a vision to redefine insurance solutions, Amin founded Global Financial & Insurance Services. Beyond his impactful role in the financial sector, he serves as a dedicated Board Member of the Worldwide Education Fund at the Dallas Foundation, USA, actively contributing to transformative education initiatives and he is advisor for Pakistan projects under WEF.

Farkhanda Ahmed 

Operations Manager

Farkhanda Ahmad is the Operations Manager at the Worldwide Education Fund of The Dallas Foundation (WEF), based in the USA. With two master degrees and 5 years of experience in the development sector, she currently pursuing a third master degree in Global Development from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England.

As a dedicated development practitioner, her focus has been on poverty alleviation through education and skills development.

“I find purpose in addressing the evolving development needs of my country, particularly in Chitral, where the anticipated impact of natural disasters and economic changes necessitates adaptive leadership.”

Recognizing the importance of being robust learners and innovators in navigating complex development scenarios, Farkhanda Ahmad is committed to staying at the forefront of knowledge and expertise.

Sanam Gul

Communication Coordinator

Sanam Gul, is the Communication Coordinator at WEF. She is a graduate in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the Asian University for Women, Bangladesh.

With over 5 years of diverse professional experience, Sanam has excelled in various roles spanning research, content creation, public relations, training, communications, and marketing. Her multidimensional expertise brings a dynamic perspective to our communication strategies.

She seamlessly weaves her expertise into our dynamic communication strategies with a blend of creativity and strategic acumen, contributing to the global impact of our educational initiatives.

Samina Hussain 

Program Manager Chitral Operations 

Samina Hussain, is the Program Manager overseeing Chitral Operations. Samina earned her BS in English Literature from Islamia College, Pakistan, and pursued her passion for cultural studies with an M.A in Muslim Cultures from the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations, Aga Khan University International, UK.

Currently, Samina serves as a dedicated Project Coordinator at WEF/FES, where her responsibilities revolve around the seamless execution of Chitral Operations. Her adept project management skills, coupled with a deep understanding of diverse cultures, form the backbone of her impactful contributions.

Rashida Bano

ECD Coordinator

Rashida Banu is a dedicated educator with over three years of experience in early childhood education. As the Early Childhood Coordinator at the Worldwide Education Fund (WEF), she plays a pivotal role in observing teachers and providing targeted training to enhance their teaching skills. Rashida holds a Master’s degree in Education and a Montessori diploma with a focus on early childhood education.

Rashida holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Jinnah University for Women, Karachi, and has completed a one-year Montessori diploma from the Pakistan Montessori Council. Her passion lies in fostering nurturing learning environments and supporting the professional growth of educators, ensuring that children receive a high-quality, enriching educational experience.

Asif Ullah Shakir

Asif Ullah Shakir

Administrative Assistant and Scholarship Coordinator

Asif Ullah Shakir is an accomplished graduate in English Linguistics and Literature from the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad, bringing a unique blend of academic expertise and practical experience. With four years of administrative experience in diverse multinational companies, he has developed strong organizational and communication skills that enhance team productivity and efficiency.

In addition to his administrative roles, Asif has dedicated a year to teaching, where he cultivated a love for language among his students. Currently, he serves as an Administrative Assistant and Scholarship Coordinator at the Worldwide Education Fund (WEF), where he is responsible for streamlining administrative processes and managing scholarship programs to support students in their educational journeys.