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.
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In 2007, Salina began volunteering with the American Muslim Women’s Association (AMWA). Serving refugees and underserved populations during this time, Salina recognized the significant need for support within the local underprivileged community in Arizona. Motivated by this realization, Salina determined to uplift and empower those around her, ultimately transitioned her career from the corporate to the non-profit world.
In 2016, Salina was hired as the Area Manager for ICNA Relief, where she played an instrumental role in launching the Arizona chapter. She successfully established an on-site food pantry, coordinated 12 mobile food distributions each month, set up a donation center, and created a free health clinic. She also secured a house for transitional housing program from the City of Tempe to serve the homeless women and children.
Throughout her career, Salina demonstrated, recognized and was awarded for her exceptional proficiency in case management, counseling, and community outreach. She had earned prestigious awards, including the 38th Don Carlos Humanitarian Impact Award for ICNA Relief by the City of Tempe, an Award from LISC Phoenix, an Award from American Muslim Alliance, as well as multiple recognition for Sahara Domestic Violence Shelter from the City of Chandler and Pan Asian Community Alliance in Tucson.
Throughout her career she felt and identified the real need for free health clinics and domestic violence shelters for the community of the marginalized population. So, in 2023, she has founded a Non-Profit 501(C)3 organization named “Sahara Programs”. With the support of generous donors all around the valley, substantial donors in the healthcare industries, charitable support of a financial lender, and most importantly with the profound and extensive support of Dr. Naved Khan, and the entire Khan family, Salina was able to purchase a Sahara Domestic Violence shelter, launch a free Sahara Health Clinic. Sahara Health Clinic which includes Sahara Mobile Clinic, Sahara Learning Center for refugees and new immigrant population for both children and adults in Arizona. Her ongoing mission is to continue expanding Sahara Programs, creating a lasting and meaningful impact on the local Arizona community and underprivileged communities nationwide.
In addition to her work at Sahara Programs, Salina has been serving as a Governing Council member for Valleywise Hospital since 2020, as a Commissioner for the City of Chandler’s Domestic Violence Committee since 2023, as the Refugee Chair for the Phoenix Lions Club from 2016, and as a member of Lions Club Without Border since 2023. Through all her efforts, Salina remains deeply committed to making a positive impact on the local Arizona community and continues to inspire others with her dedication and vision.
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.
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
Niaz Khan: Board Member, Treasurer
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 new product 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 Treasurer, ensuring the financial stability and transparency of our organization. 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 detail, and experience with budgets, and execution, will be a valuable asset to our organization. He is dedicated to the proper handling of all funds and ensuring our organization is in good financial standing
LATISHA CODKIND: Strategic Program Director
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
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: Program Director
Counselor | Emotional Agility Coach | Biology of Trauma Professional
🌐 www.sadafkhwajaconsulting.com
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.
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)
