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About Us

Meet Our Team

Behind every program is a team of passionate changemakers. Get to know the leadership driving Generation of Thinkers.

Portrait of Israr Ahmad Arghandiwal, Founder & CEO

Israr Ahmad Arghandiwal

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Published AuthorYouth Leadership AdvocateSocial EntrepreneurDoha Debates AmbassadorTechnology & AI AdvocateProject Manager

Founder Biography

Chief Executive Officer & Founder

Founder of Generation of Thinkers, Israr Ahmad Arghandiwal has been leading and serving communities for over a decade, beginning his journey in youth leadership at just 12 years old. Guided by a strong belief in the power of education, innovation, and collaboration, he has dedicated his life to creating opportunities for young people to learn, connect, and lead.

On January 1, 2019, Israr officially established Generation of Thinkers as a platform to empower youth through education, leadership development, technology, and social impact. Under his leadership, the organization has grown from a local initiative in Afghanistan to a global movement connecting changemakers from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Beyond his non-profit work, Israr is the visionary behind two innovative ventures: Chakar, a platform revolutionizing travel and tourism by simplifying bus and flight bookings, and Bekahr, an initiative focused on connecting job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities while promoting economic growth.

As a licensed TEDx Organizer and writer, Israr uses the power of storytelling and curated events to amplify ideas, spark dialogue, and inspire communities to take meaningful action. His writing and speaking work reflect his deep commitment to fostering awareness, encouraging innovation, and driving social change.

Throughout his journey, Israr has served as a mentor, project organizer, and public speaker in both national and international programs, earning recognition for his dedication to youth empowerment, gender equality, digital innovation, and sustainable development.

With a leadership style rooted in integrity, empathy, and creativity, Israr continues to inspire others to take action, challenge limitations, and contribute to building a more inclusive, connected, and forward-thinking world.

Co-Founder

Co-Founder & Chief Administrative Officer

Madiha Safi is a community leader, published author, and dedicated volunteer focused on advancing education and empowerment for Afghan girls. Since beginning her volunteer journey in 2019, she has actively contributed to initiatives that strengthen leadership, expand access to learning, and support the development of practical skills among young people.

She is the Co-Founder and Chief Administrative Officer of Generation of Thinkers, where she leads organizational strategy, program coordination, and community-driven initiatives aimed at equipping youth, particularly girls, with the tools and confidence to grow. Her leadership reflects a consistent commitment to creating inclusive spaces for learning, dialogue, and personal development.

Madiha has also served as a Community Manager at the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO), where she supported engagement efforts and initiatives promoting women’s economic participation. In addition, she is an ambassador for Doha Debates, an initiative focused on fostering negotiation skills, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution among young leaders.

Through her work, writing, and leadership roles, Madiha continues to contribute to efforts that address the challenges faced by Afghan girls, with a focus on education, empowerment, and long-term social impact.

Portrait of Madiha Safi, Co-Founder & Chief Administrative Officer

Madiha Safi

Co-Founder & Chief Administrative Officer

Published AuthorYouth Leadership AdvocateDoha Debates Ambassador

Leadership

Our Board

The people guiding Generation of Thinkers — combining vision, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to opportunity for all.

Portrait of Ali Zafar Zafar, Board Member & Technical Lead

Ali Zafar Zafar

Board Member & Technical Lead

Software EngineerEducator7 LanguagesAI EngineerData ScientistTech LeaderMachine Learning EngineerWebsite Developer

Ali Zafar Zafar is a software engineer and technology leader who builds practical, mission-driven technology for communities that are too often overlooked. Originally from Afghanistan and now based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, he calls himself “a builder between cultures” — and has shipped 50+ projects across healthcare, fintech, and education.

With 5 years of hands-on practical experience and 10 years in the IT industry, his work includes Noskhe Zafar, a doctor prescription system used by 1,000+ doctors across Afghanistan, alongside pharmacy management, ISP management (ISP Pro), print house management, and business ERP platforms serving clinics, businesses, and service providers.

As Technical Lead for Generation of Thinkers, Ali architects and maintains the organization’s digital platforms on a pro-bono basis, keeping them fast, secure, and accessible to learners around the world. He holds a Master’s in Management of Information Systems and a distinction-awarded (Red Diploma) Bachelor’s in Information Systems, and has led senior IT and database teams.

Fluent in seven languages, Ali brings a global, deeply human perspective to the GOT board.

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Portrait of Sadaf Ghawsi, Board Member

Sadaf Ghawsi

Board Member

Public HealthManagement & HRSafeguarding & LeadershipOMLAS Fellow

Sadaf Ghawsi is a dedicated public health and management professional with an academic background in Public Health from Kabul Medical University and ongoing studies in Banking and Financial Services at ALL Care University, Canada.

She brings strong professional experience in leadership, organizational management, human resources, safeguarding, and health programs. Her work focuses on strengthening institutional systems, improving accountability and compliance, and supporting capacity-building initiatives.

Her expertise includes strategic management, staff development, safeguarding and protection systems, policy implementation, and building inclusive and efficient work environments.

Throughout her career, she has shown strong leadership in social development, especially in women’s empowerment, organizational growth, and community well-being. She is also recognized for her communication, problem-solving, and team leadership skills.

Sadaf is an OMLAS (One Million Leaders Asia) Fellow, reflecting her commitment to leadership, innovation, and social impact. As a Board Member, she is dedicated to supporting sustainable development and strengthening community-focused initiatives.

Illustrated avatar of Hena Omari

Hena Omari

Board Member

JournalistYouth Development AdvocateProject Manager

Hena Omari is an Afghan journalist, communications leader, project manager, and youth development advocate with over six years of experience in media, education, leadership, and organizational development.

She is currently pursuing Journalism studies at the University of the People (UoPeople) and Zan Online University while expanding her expertise through international training in leadership, communication, project management, digital technology, and public health.

Hena has worked with national and international organizations, including Generation of Thinkers (GOT), Eagle Online Academy, Rastin Times, and Zan Rise Educational Center. She is also the founder of Etemad Educational Academy, a free online initiative dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for Afghan women and girls.

She currently serves as a Board Member at Generation of Thinkers, contributing to organizational strategy, communications, and youth empowerment initiatives. Passionate about education, leadership, and social impact, Hena is committed to creating opportunities for young people and using communication as a force for positive change.

Illustrated avatar of Rohina Ghafori

Rohina Ghafori

Board Member

Solar Energy EngineerHumanitarian ProfessionalUNDP AfghanistanCivil EngineerSocial Impact Leader

Rohina Ghafori is a Civil Engineer, humanitarian professional, and sustainability advocate dedicated to community development and renewable energy in Afghanistan. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Industrial Construction Engineering and is currently pursuing an MBA in General Management at Anna University, India, under the prestigious ICCR Scholarship.

Rohina has worked with leading international organizations, including UNDP Afghanistan and the International Labour Organization (ILO), contributing to renewable energy, infrastructure, livelihoods, and humanitarian development projects. She currently serves as a Solar Energy Engineer at UNDP Afghanistan, supporting sustainable energy initiatives and climate resilience.

Beyond her professional career, Rohina is actively engaged in women’s empowerment, youth leadership, and sustainable development. She was recognized as the “Most Sustainable Initiatives Leader in Afghanistan 2025” by APAC Insider for her contributions to social innovation and community impact.

Our Team

Department Directors

The directors leading each department — turning our mission into programs, projects, and real opportunity for youth and women.

Portrait of Karima Noori, Director of Education & Talent Development

Karima Noori

Director of Education & Talent Development

Education LeaderYouth DevelopmentProject ManagementAI

Karima Noori serves as the Director of Education & Talent Development at Generation of Thinkers, where she leads educational initiatives, develops talent, and designs programs that empower young people through learning, leadership, and skills development. Passionate about education and innovation, she has completed professional training in Project Management and Artificial Intelligence (AI), continuously expanding her expertise in educational leadership, technology, and program development.

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Karima Noori serves as the Director of Education & Talent Development at Generation of Thinkers, where she leads educational initiatives, develops talent, and designs programs that empower young people through learning, leadership, and skills development. Passionate about education and innovation, she has completed professional training in Project Management and Artificial Intelligence (AI), continuously expanding her expertise in educational leadership, technology, and program development.

Karima has actively volunteered with both local and international organizations, including the UNICEF Provincial Youth Network, ACTED, and Generation of Thinkers (GOT). Her experience includes youth engagement, environmental advocacy, and providing free Mathematics and English tutoring to underserved students. Fluent in three languages, she works effectively across diverse communities and cultural backgrounds.

Portrait of Adib Ishanzada, Director of Emerging Technologies & Innovation

Adib Ishanzada

Director of Emerging Technologies & Innovation

Robotics EngineerInnovatorSTEM AdvocateSmart Systems

Adib Ishanzada is a fourth-semester Electrical Engineering student at Kabul Polytechnic University with over five years of experience in robotics and innovation. His work focuses on building practical technologies that solve real-world problems and create meaningful impact in society. He has developed multiple smart systems, including a Smart Glasses for Drivers designed to reduce traffic accidents and a Smart Water Monitoring System aimed at improving water management and reducing waste.

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Adib Ishanzada is a fourth-semester Electrical Engineering student at Kabul Polytechnic University with over five years of experience in robotics and innovation. His work focuses on building practical technologies that solve real-world problems and create meaningful impact in society. He has developed multiple smart systems, including a Smart Glasses for Drivers designed to reduce traffic accidents and a Smart Water Monitoring System aimed at improving water management and reducing waste.

Beyond his technical projects, he is the first organizer of robotics workshops in private schools across Afghanistan. Through these three-week training programs, he has introduced students to robotics and emerging technologies, helping them gain hands-on experience and develop problem-solving skills.

As Director of Emerging Technologies & Innovation at Generation of Thinkers, he is dedicated to advancing innovation, supporting tech-driven solutions, and empowering young people to shape the future through technology.

Portrait of Jawid Ahmad Ahmadi, Director of Communications & Publications

Jawid Ahmad Ahmadi

Director of Communications & Publications

PhotographerVideographerEditorAI Content Creator

Jawid Ahmad Ahmadi is a professional photographer and videographer specializing in fashion, portrait, and commercial promotional content. He combines creative storytelling with technical skills to produce high-quality visual work. He also uses AI tools to create innovative digital content and explores modern approaches in media production.

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Jawid Ahmad Ahmadi is a professional photographer and videographer specializing in fashion, portrait, and commercial promotional content. He combines creative storytelling with technical skills to produce high-quality visual work. He also uses AI tools to create innovative digital content and explores modern approaches in media production.

He has collaborated with the TEDx Darulaman media team and runs his personal brand Jawid 610, focused on videography, editing, and promotional work. Through his YouTube channel, he offers a free step-by-step video editing course for beginners, and on Instagram he shares tips to help creators improve their content quality. He also works with the local brand Tanin, promoting filmmaking and photography equipment.

As Director of Communications & Publications, his goal is to empower young creators and build opportunities in the digital media field.

Portrait of Nastaran Saleh, Director of Operations & Administration

Nastaran Saleh

Director of Operations & Administration

Operations LeaderYouth DevelopmentAI Automation4 Languages

Nastaran Saleh serves as the Director of Operations & Administration at Generation of Thinkers, where she oversees organizational operations, coordinates the Global Youth Empowerment Program, and leads the Green Generation Campaign, a youth-led initiative focused on raising awareness about air pollution and environmental sustainability.

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Nastaran Saleh serves as the Director of Operations & Administration at Generation of Thinkers, where she oversees organizational operations, coordinates the Global Youth Empowerment Program, and leads the Green Generation Campaign, a youth-led initiative focused on raising awareness about air pollution and environmental sustainability.

She is currently pursuing a vocational qualification in Youth Work and Education in Finland and plans to continue her studies in Financial Technology (FinTech). Alongside her academic journey, she is developing expertise in AI automation and workflow design, exploring how technology can improve organizational efficiency and innovation.

Nastaran has volunteered with local and international initiatives, contributing to youth empowerment, community development, and advocacy for immigrant rights and anti-racism. She is fluent in four languages and continues to expand her linguistic skills.

Beyond her operational leadership, she enjoys writing on psychology, philosophy, and technology, with a particular interest in understanding how people learn, adapt, and grow. Through her work, she is committed to building inclusive, innovative, and impact-driven organizations.

Illustrated avatar of Zainab Haya Khairandish

Zainab Haya Khairandish

Director of Membership, Alumni & Community Engagement

Health Science StudentCommunity BuilderGirls’ Empowerment

Zainab Haya Khairandish is a Health Science student at the University of the People with a strong focus on leadership, communication, and personal development. She is also building skills in business fundamentals and digital marketing to connect academic knowledge with practical impact.

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Zainab Haya Khairandish is a Health Science student at the University of the People with a strong focus on leadership, communication, and personal development. She is also building skills in business fundamentals and digital marketing to connect academic knowledge with practical impact.

She serves as Director of Membership, Alumni & Community Engagement at Generation of Thinkers, where she works to strengthen community connections, support alumni relations, and grow active engagement across members, ambassadors, and clubs.

Her core mission is empowering girls in Afghanistan through education, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities.

Portrait of Raihana Shams, Director of Green Generation & Sustainable Future

Raihana Shams

Director of Green Generation & Sustainable Future

Youth LeaderArtistHundrED Ambassador

Raihana Shams is an Afghan youth leader, artist, and education advocate committed to empowering young people through education, leadership, and international collaboration. As Director of the Green Generation & Sustainable Future Department at Generation of Thinkers, she promotes youth-led initiatives focused on sustainability, innovation, and community impact.

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Raihana Shams is an Afghan youth leader, artist, and education advocate committed to empowering young people through education, leadership, and international collaboration. As Director of the Green Generation & Sustainable Future Department at Generation of Thinkers, she promotes youth-led initiatives focused on sustainability, innovation, and community impact.

Beyond her role at Generation of Thinkers, Raihana is the Founder and Executive Director of Global Youth Empowerment (GYE), a HundrED Youth Ambassador, and Assistant Head of the Climate Action & Sustainability Department at Women Ascension. Alongside her leadership work, she is passionate about the arts, creating handcrafted wood artwork and marquetry pieces, as well as expressing creativity through painting.

Our team is growing

Generation of Thinkers is powered by 500+ volunteers, country directors, and campus leaders worldwide. More team profiles will be added here soon.

Join the team

Be part of the movement

Whether you are an organization, a volunteer, or a donor — you can help turn ideas into action.