Salina Imam: Founder and Executive Director
Salina Imam is a dedicated and compassionate social worker with a profound commitment to fostering positive change in individuals and communities. With a Bachelor of Science degree and over a decade of hands-on experience, Salina has honed her skills in addressing complex social issues and providing support to those in need. Her passion for social justice and advocacy is evident in her tireless efforts to empower marginalized populations and promote inclusivity.
Being born and raised in Bangladesh, she observed the extensive social issues and injustice which needed to be addressed from a very young age. After moving to the United States in early 2000 with her spouse, she embarked herself in the new world. In the beginning of her journey in the United States she began her career at Wells Fargo Bank in Arizona to survive. She quickly became an outstanding employee at her job and was ranked as the “Top Performer” among 750 branches in the valley. She later transitioned into the mortgage industry and successfully ran multiple businesses. Despite her professional success, Salina’s true passion remained focused on supporting the concept of addressing social issues.
Dr Naved Khan: Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Naved Khan is a dedicated physician, co-founder of Sahara Programs and a medical officer for Sahara Free Health Clinic. His commitment to healthcare and the community is evident in his work, where he tirelessly dedicates his time and expertise to serving the uninsured population. Through Sahara Programs, Dr. Khan plays a vital role in improving access to medical care, particularly for those who are often overlooked by traditional healthcare systems.
In addition to his work at Sahara Free Clinic, Dr. Khan has served as a hospitalist at Banner Hospitals and Dignity Hospitals, where he provided exceptional care to patients in various hospital settings. He has also volunteered at the Free Clinic at Cultural Cup Food Bank and with the APPNA (Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America), offering guidance on preventive medicine and addressing medical needs within underserved communities.
Outside of his medical career, Dr. Khan is actively involved in charitable work. He raises farm animals at home, many of which have been rescued through animal rescue efforts. He also partners with Liberty Wildlife Rescue to save and rehabilitate birds with his daughter. His volunteer efforts extend to Habitat for Humanity, where he organized items for families in need, and the American Muslim Women’s Association, where he worked with his wife to distribute household items to newly arrived refugees. Currently, Dr. Khan is an active member of the Phoenix Lions Without Boarder, volunteering for medical missions to continue making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Fazal Mumtaz: COO
Mr. Fazal Wahab Mumtaz is a seasoned senior executive with nearly a decade of experience across national, international, public, and private sectors. Renowned for initiating and maintaining effective communication between stakeholders, organizations, and clients, he excels at driving complex assignments to successful completion.
Throughout his career, Mr. Mumtaz has held several key leadership roles, including:
Chief Risk Officer at the National Bank of Afghanistan
Regional Operations Manager for a World Bank Project
Senior Advisor and Director for Security Sector & Public Expenditure Review at the Ministry of Finance
National Project Manager for the Refugees’ Facilitation Project with ICNA Relief USA
Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Sahara Programs USA
Among his notable achievements, Mr. Mumtaz led the implementation of Afghanistan’s national-level Public Expenditure Review, which contributed to $330 million in government expenditure savings. He has also served as a board member for state-owned companies and as a member of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Steering Committee.
He holds a Master’s degree in Economics.
Dr Safdar Chaudhry: Board Chair
Dr Safdar Chaudhary is a graduate of Nishtar Medical College, Multan, Pakistan and completed his residency training at St. Francis Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA in 1990. He is Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology in General Adult Psychiatry. He was selected “A Dozen Making a Difference” by Pittsburgh Post Gazette for the year 2003.
He has been practicing psychiatry for the past 30 years treating all types of psychiatric disorders and alcohol & substance abuse problems. In addition to an active clinical practice, Dr. Chaudhary has been involved in providing extensive training, supervisions and consultation to treatment providers affiliated with large public sector systems in the implementation of mindfulness-based treatments. Dr. Chaudhary has served as associate editor of Bulletin, a periodical for Allegheny County Medical Society serving 3,000 physician members, since 1998 and Medical Editor for this monthly periodical for 6 years. He enjoys music, art, culture, biking, traveling, reading, swimming, nature and listening and learning.
Danielle Luna: Board Vice Chair
Danielle Luna is an experienced entrepreneur, certified financial coach, and Economic Development Business Consultant with the City of Phoenix who is deeply committed to connecting people and ideas through the development of strategic partnerships, equity-centered programming, and inclusive economic opportunities that enhance local communities.
Danielle has worked to assist with the launch and expansion of over 250 small businesses, in addition to securing over $2M in capital and grant funding opportunities to benefit low-to-moderate income communities, while serving as a planning chair for local diversity initiatives including The Global Market, Global Village Fest, and World Bazaar PHX, an award-winning placemaking collaborative between the City and several local partners, serving as an incubator space for over 65+ newly launched immigrant and refugee owned businesses representing more than 25 different countries.
Danielle is a Phoenix native driven by worldly curiosity and enjoys traveling whenever given the opportunity. She holds a Master of Education in Global Training and Development with a dual bachelor’s degree in journalism and political Science from Northern Arizona University
Zeenat Hasan: Board Member, Secretary
Zeenat Hasan is an adaptable and process-oriented professional with extensive experience in grassroots racial equity, collective impact, and community development. With a background in social science and participatory action research, she specializes in coalition building, network development, and strategic leadership
LATISHA CODKIND: Treasurer
LaTisha is an accomplished Program Director and strategic leader with proven track record in driving business transformation, operational excellence, and global program execution. With over 21 years of experience in the Supply Chain Industry, Lean Six Sigma, and Customer Experience. LaTisha specialized in program governance, risk management, and cross functional collaboration to drive and deliver sustainable impact. Her guiding principle is leading with both empathy, inclusivity, and authenticity. Currently serving as a Customer Experience Strategy Director at Brambles, LaTisha leads multi-million-dollar enterprise programs, focused on delivering an improved CX via global process improvements and digital transformation, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and customer expectations. Her leadership has resulted in enhanced customer experiences, increased revenue, and sustainable business growth. Beyond her corporate achievements, LaTisha is deeply committed to community service and social impact particularly domestic violence awareness and survivor advocacy. She serves as a Chair of the City of Chandler Domestic Violence Commission, former Programs Director for ‘For His Glory ministries’, and former Chief Financial Officer of Black Women that Rock. Her work Is focused on supporting survivors, policy reform and educational initiatives that drive systemic changes. LaTisha’s background is a BSBA in Accounting from the University of Central Florida and Masters in Business Administration from Nova Southern University and a certified Lead Six Sigma Blackbelt. LaTisha is a wife and bonus mother to two beautiful women of color. LaTisha is dedicated to mentoring emerging leaders, fostering innovation, and advocating for diversity and inclusion on all spaces. Whither leading global scale corporate initiatives or championing domestic violence awareness, she remains committed to driving positive Chane through strategic leadership, advocacy and community service
Niaz Khan: Board Member
Niaz brings a wealth of experience to his role as Treasurer. He holds Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science (MS) degrees in Electrical Engineering from Southern Illinois University. For over 30 years, he contributed to Fortune 500 Tech companies, including holding a director-level position at Intel Corporation where he led cross-functional product development and support teams globally. His expertise includes feasibility planning, budgeting, marketing and execution—skills that are invaluable to the financial stewardship of Sahara. Now retired, he dedicates his time and expertise to serving our organization.
A 30-year resident of Arizona, Niaz has witnessed the state’s remarkable growth and deeply appreciates its cultural diversity. He is committed to serving the community through his role as a member of Sahara Marketing WG. Beyond his professional contributions, Niaz is a passionate gardener, enjoys hiking, finds joy in cooking, and also has a deep appreciation for experiencing new cultures through travel. His attention to details, and experience in Planning, Marketing and program management will be a valuable asset to our organization.
Asif Majeed: Director
Asif holds BS- Civil Engineering, MS- Environmental Engineering, MBA- Master of Business Administration degrees.
Asif is Co-Founder of Self Development Academy schools in Phoenix and Mesa operating since 2000. He also Co-Founded Self Development Preschool in Mesa, AZ operating since 1988.
Prior, Asif managed a chemical production company, operation, management and regulatory compliance.
He managed the Groundwater Protection Unit responsible for protection of the harmful discharges form Wastewater Treatment Plants. All such facilities had to obtain permits for discharge of with compliance requires for monitoring and reporting that groundwater has not been impacted by such discharges.
Sadaf Khwaja
Counselor | Emotional Agility Coach | Biology of Trauma Professional.
Sadaf Khwaja is a dedicated counselor and emotional agility coach with over 20 years of experience in mental and emotional resilience, trauma healing, and holistic well-being. Holding a master’s in counseling and an MBA in Marketing, she is also an ACC-ICF life coach and a certified professional in the Biology of Trauma.
Sadaf specializes in supporting adolescents, teens, and women who struggle with balancing multiple roles, leading to emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and chronic stress. She integrates diverse therapeutic modalities, including Parts Work, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Theory, and mindfulness-based techniques. Her approach acknowledges the deep connection between the mind, body, and nervous system, ensuring a comprehensive and compassionate healing process.
Through personalized coaching, trauma-informed therapies, and educational workshops, Sadaf empowers clients to understand and address the root causes of their pain and suffering. She fosters a sense of safety and support, equipping individuals with tools to restore nervous system regulation, emotional balance, and a renewed sense of purpose
Lubna Tabassum: Director
Ms. Tabassum is a multilingual public safety professional with more than two decades of work experience in the areas of Gender Violence, Behavioral Health Contract Compliance, and Project Management.
Her graduate degrees from Northern Arizona University in Social-Behavioral Health and in Applied Sociology enhance her advocacy expertise at the city of Mesa Police Department.
She also takes pride in serving on the Mesa P.D. De-escalation of Force Committee, and the Arizona Muslim Police Advisory Board, Recruiting and Training Team. Her professional duties and committee participation have fueled her commitment to increasing citizen trust in Law Enforcement. She sees De-escalation of Force as not just a policy but as a call to action. She has seen first-hand how De-escalation of Force success has increased effective empathy-based, trauma-informed law enforcement call responses, and has helped break the cycle of mistrust, strengthening community policing.
As a world traveler who has lived on four continents, Ms. Tabassum has become well versed in cultural assimilation and global issues.
Dr. Shakoor: Senior Advisor
Dr. Shakoor is a distinguished Interventional Cardiologist with over three decades of experience in medicine, research, and academic leadership. Currently serving at Chandler Cardiology Associates, he is affiliated with Chandler Regional Medical Center, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Desert Banner Medical Center, and Arizona General Hospital. A graduate of Rawalpindi Medical College, Pakistan, he completed his postgraduate training at the University of South Alabama Medical Center and the Arizona Heart Institute, later serving as Assistant Professor of Cardiology/Internal Medicine. Over the years, he has held notable leadership positions including Chairman of Internal Medicine at Arizona General Hospital and Chairman of Cardiology at CRMC and MGMC.
Board-certified in Interventional Cardiology and Cardiovascular Diseases, Dr. Shakoor has authored numerous publications, led clinical trials, and presented pioneering research in cardiovascular health. His dedication to advancing patient care, medical innovation, and community service has earned him recognition and honors throughout his career.
By joining Sahara Programs as Senior Advisor, Dr. Shakoor brings invaluable expertise, vision, and commitment to our mission of empowering lives and strengthening families. We are truly excited to have him as part of our leadership team and look forward to the impact his guidance will bring to our programs and the communities we serve.
Ustadha Madeha Baqai: Advisory Board member
A dynamic Islamic Scholar and Teacher who beautifully brings out the connections between ourselves and the Quran. Ustadha Madeha Baqai holds an Alimah (Islamic Scholar) degree and is also a seasoned chemical and biomolecular engineer with over 15 years of experience. She currently works as a Lead Technical Sales Manager in the field of Jet and Diesel Fuel production. With a passion for Islamic studies and community education, she has taught Quran and Tafsir classes all over Northeast region, holding Workshops, Retreats and Lectures for various Islamic organizations such as Sahara, ICNA, ADAMS etc. Her work reflects a deep commitment to empowering others spiritually and professionally.
Qasim Hussain – Member of Board of Directors
A serial entrepreneur known for his expertise in scaling businesses, has a keen interest in technology, medicine and real estate investments. Proficient in asset acquisition and capital raising, he has amassed a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio spanning TX, SC, FL, and VA. Additionally, Mr. Hussain is deeply involved in the tech startup scene, having successfully founded, expanded, and divested GreenZone Solutions, a tech consulting firm boasting over 200 employees and $50 million in annual revenue. Prior to his entrepreneurial ventures, he held leadership roles at Marriott International and various consulting firms.
A finance graduate from George Washington University, Mr. Hussain resides in Oakton, VA with his wife and four children.
Beyond his professional pursuits. he enjoys golfing and mentors soccer players in Vienna. Actively engaged in his community, he participates in numerous charitable ventures.
Health Services Advisor Board
- Dr. Imraan Bhatti (Anesthesiologist)
- Dr. Safdar Chaudhury (Psychiatrist)
- Dr. Asad Chaudhury (Internist)
- Dr. Mustafa Hazin (DO)
- Dr. Tariq Khalil (Internist)
- Dr. Mohammad Babar Khan (Neurologist)
- Dr. Mohammad Ali Khan (Internist)
- Dr. Masood Kisana (Palliative Care)
- Dr. Saba Moizuddin (Internist)
- Dr. Abdul Nader (Gastrologist)
- Dr. Zubair Qureshi (Internist)
- Dr. Chalat Rajaram (Internist)
- Dr. Fauzia Shuja (Internist)
- Dr. Iqbal Uddin (Physical medicine & Rehab)
