Leadership
Khadija al Ramlawi
Co-founder, Advisory Board
Khadija Ramlawi is an engineer and business analyst dedicated to youth and women empowerment in Palestine. With extensive humanitarian experience in Gaza, she has helped establish over 300 micro businesses to enhance livelihoods. Her work focuses on creating opportunities and driving socio-economic development. Khadija's efforts are a testament to her commitment to fostering sustainable growth and equality.
Ateka Ali
Co-founder, Board Member
Ateka Ali brings 15+ years of expertise in learning experience design, honed through her impactful roles at Google and Meta. With a strong focus on strategic learning design, Ateka currently serves as the Head of Learning at Bonfire Women, where she develops curricula that empower women to lead and drive meaningful change in the workplace. Her commitment to mentoring educators and her dedication to social impact are at the core of her work.
James Ketterer
Board Member
James Ketterer is a Senior Fellow at Bard College's Center for Civic Engagement, where he teaches in the Master of Arts in Global Studies program. He recently served as dean of the School of Continuing Education at the American University in Cairo, overseeing public outreach and lifelong learning programs, including language education, professional development, and arts programming. Ketterer has held leadership roles at Bard College, AMIDEAST, and SUNY, and has extensive experience in international education, cultural diplomacy, and election work with organizations like the UN and OSCE. He has also served as a policy advisor in both U.S. government and international settings, with a focus on diplomacy, education, and development
Erin Keeley
Board Member
Erin Keeley, an engineer and investor, advocates for STEM education and women's economic empowerment. With two decades in Silicon Valley, she's led teams globally for IBM, Hitachi, and Western Digital. Erin holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Washington and has furthered her education at Harvard and Stanford.
Reem El-Mograby
Board Member
Reem El-Mograby, a higher education professional with 10+ years of experience, holds a BS in Computer Science and an MBA from the American University in Cairo. Committed to DEI, she champions inclusive environments and advocates for Palestinian communities in Egypt, promoting social justice and empowerment.
Yousef Hammad
Board Member
Yousef has over 5 years of investment experience, including a diverse set of roles within public equity investing, investment banking and building a successful start-up. He also spent time as an investment banker at Digital Capital Advisors where he focused on technology M&A. Yousef graduated from Michigan State University where he played lacrosse and completed his bachelor’s degree in finance.
Aliya Janjua
Board Member
With 20+ years in executive leadership, Aliya Janju focus on employee development, culture, and global team management for strategic product solutions. She drives leadership tool searches, implements career growth programs, and advocates for global educational equality. As a mentor and speaker, she supports tech careers, women leaders, and diversity through global initiatives and podcasts.
Issam AbuAqlien
Advisory Board
Issam is a dedicated Product Designer and Freelancing Consultant with over 7 years of experience. He empowers emerging tech talent through mentorship and collaboration with organizations like BTI, UN, and Mercy Corps' GazaSkyGeeks. His efforts have led to high job placement rates and income growth for thousands of professionals, reflecting his commitment to skill development and community growth in the tech industry.
Maree Caput
Advisory Board
Maree Caput, a learning strategist and designer, draws from a deep learning science background to shape her educational creations. Beginning as an ESL instructor in the San Francisco Bay Area, she has 15+ years of experience crafting training across diverse industries, now freelancing and consulting.
Muizz Rafique
Advisory Board
Muizz Rafique is a global employment lawyer with over 15 years experience advising some of the most innovative tech companies in the world, including SolarCity, Tesla and Coinbase. He is an avid snowboarder who currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and two children.
Salaeha Shariff
Advisory Board
Salaeha Shariff, a seasoned communications and marketing strategist with 15+ years' experience, specializes in nonprofits, associations, and agencies. She excels in strategic communication, outreach campaigns, branding, and digital strategy. Based in Bethesda, MD, she leads cross-functional teams to elevate brand visibility and impact.