YCL Advisory
Committee

Anass Hanafi, an Afro-European specialising in space law, is dedicated to societal enhancement through advocacy and creating bridges between diverse populations. As the founder and president of NILI, supported by the German Marshall Fund of the United States, he promotes leadership among minorities. He also established student think tanks, Campus 4.0 and OIPI, to explore the intersection of technology and societal futures. Hanafi is a Fellow of the Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network and a member of the Common Futures Conversation of Chatham House. His work earned him the IVLP Alumni Award for Social Innovation and Change from the US Department of State in 2023. Hanafi's commitment to inclusive leadership and social innovation marks him as a pivotal figure in promoting equity and collaboration across various sectors and communities. Anass is an alum of the inaugural YCL Fellowship of 2023.

Dr. Hassan Abedin is a political advisor and consultant with a focus on international mediation and conflict resolution. As Senior Advisor to Unitas Communications, he manages partnerships across corporate, government, international, and non-profit sectors. Previously, Dr. Abedin was a senior advisor to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, collaborating with ASEAN, the EU, and the UN. He has also served as political counsel for cases at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Dr. Abedin's academic and administrative roles at the University of Oxford have enriched his expertise in theology, politics, and international relations, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. His dedication to institutional development and fundraising for academic programmes underscores his commitment to fostering global understanding and cooperation.

Dr. Suzy Ismail is the Founding Director of Cornerstone, a nonprofit communication intervention organisation. She is an acclaimed author and expert in education, faith, communication, and culture, focusing on empowering women, youth, and vulnerable populations. Dr. Ismail has presented extensively on these topics and served as a student advisor, teacher, and board member at a private school. Currently, she hosts "Balancing Deen & Dunya" on ITVUSA. Dr. Ismail's work in refugee emotional resilience and alternative therapeutic interventions has taken her to Syrian refugee camps, where she provides critical integration support. Her contributions have earned her several awards. Dr. Ismail holds an MA in Communication and Human Services and a PhD in Family Studies & Intervention Strategies, residing in Princeton, New Jersey, with her husband and three children.

Dr. Isam Vaid is a Health Scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, focusing on heart disease and stroke prevention. He also serves as co-chair of the Workgroup on the Health of Muslim Populations and chair of the collaborations sub-committee for all Science Workgroups. Concurrently, Dr. Vaid works at the intersection of public health and faith includes board roles with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light and Interfaith Community Initiatives, which address climate change and promote peaceful, diverse communities. Dr. Vaid's efforts exemplify his commitment to public health, interfaith dialogue, and environmental justice.

Maysoun Douas is a Madrid City Councilor with a PhD in physics, renowned for her focus on innovation, employment, entrepreneurship, diversity management, and social justice. As an evaluator for the European Commission, she has influenced policies driving international progress. Maysoun's contributions have earned her recognition as one of Spain's Top 100 Female Leaders in 2021. An alumna of the German Marshall Fund, she is part of a global network fostering transatlantic cooperation. She co-founded #EntierroDigno, advocating for dignified burial rights for Muslims. Her dedication to social equity is further reflected in her promotion of the New Social Contract for the Twenty-First Century talk series with the Common Action Forum Foundation. Maysoun’s visionary leadership continues to shape a more just society.

Dr. Nuzhat Sarfraz, a British Pakistani doctor, works as a General Practitioner in the NHS. Her diverse career includes roles as a police doctor, clinical director, and chair of a GP federation. Nuzhat's educational pursuits span a medical degree, a law degree, and various diplomas. She has managed her practice single-handedly for 16 years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, she works as a locum and medical examiner while nurturing her literary aspirations. Nuzhat's multifaceted career reflects her passion for education and community service, alongside a loving family with her husband and five children. Her contributions to healthcare and community resilience underscore her commitment to making a positive impact in society.

Burcu Arslan is an Account Director at LinkedIn based in Berlin, where she excels in helping organizations develop, engage, and retain talent. With a diverse international background, Burcu crafts holistic and digital strategies for Talent Management, specifically targeting the public sector in the DACH region. Her strategies emphasize skills-based recruitment, upskilling, internal mobility, and learning. Burcu graduated with an MBA from WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, earning an award for her outstanding thesis. As a dedicated lifelong learner, she is deeply committed to promoting equal education opportunities and supporting personal growth, especially for those from disenfranchised backgrounds. This commitment is a cornerstone of her professional and personal life. Moreover, Burcu is an alum of the inaugural YCL Fellowship of 2023.

Raseema Alam is a retired Canadian diplomat with over 20 years of experience in public and international sectors. Currently a Policy Manager at the Financial Services regulator in Ontario, Raseema has worked with the United Nations, the Government of Canada, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She has served in six countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States. Raseema's accolades include the Operational Service Medal for her service in Afghanistan and the Wolf Wilkinson Peace Award for her work in eradicating polio. She holds a Master's degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a Bachelor's degree from Western University. Raseema's extensive experience and commitment to global service highlight her dedication to public policy and international development.

Umar Carter is a Certified Chief Information Security Officer and Cyber Risk Advisor, providing strategic counsel in cybersecurity domains. Formerly VP of Cyber Analytics at Zurich Insurance, he has led complex information security programs and held CFO positions at multinational corporations. Umar holds a Cyber Policy certification from Harvard University and various industry certifications, alongside academic credentials in Finance, Economics, and Information Systems. He hosts a podcast, chairs the board at the Inner-city Muslim Action Network, and advises tech startups. Umar's diverse expertise and dedication to cybersecurity and community involvement make him an influential figure in both fields. His commitment to innovation and social impact underscores his role as a leader and mentor.

Tasneem Chopra OAM is a Cross-cultural Consultant who addresses equity and belonging through an intersectional lens in leadership across government, corporate, arts, and community sectors. She assists clients in developing and reviewing diversity and inclusion policies, executing programs, curating exhibitions, and delivering presentations. Tasneem's efforts have earned her the inaugural Ambassador for Women of Colour, Australia, and recognition as an Anti-Racism Champion for the Australian Human Rights Commission. She is a Strategic Advisor to the Victorian Public Service Commission and Fire Rescue Victoria and a former Director of the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. A TEDxMelbourne presenter and writer, Tasneem is an Adjunct Fellow at Victoria University and has been featured in various media platforms, including The Guardian and BBC.