Ms. Manizha Hamid Naweed is a dedicated medical professional and human rights advocate with over two decades of experience in healthcare, public administration, and social development. She completed her medical education at Balkh Medical University, where she earned her degree as a Medical Doctor, later specializing in Obstetrics.

Building upon her medical expertise, Ms. Naweed expanded her qualifications in Administration and Management, equipping her for broader leadership roles. Her career reflects a strong commitment to human rights, having worked as an activist for more than 20 years. She served as an Economic and Livelihood Specialist at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, contributing to vital programs aimed at improving community welfare. Additionally, she brought her analytical skills to the Government Formation Review, Reformation, and Cadre Affairs Directorate as a Formation Statistics Expert.

Currently residing in Toronto, Canada, Ms. Naweed continues her dedication to healthcare as a Pharmacy Assistant, applying her medical knowledge in a new context while remaining engaged in advocacy and community service. Her diverse professional journey demonstrates resilience, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to improving lives through medicine, policy, and human rights.

Bahram Bahir is an accomplished administrator, entrepreneur, and advocate for education and economic development. Born in 1993 in Paktia, Afghanistan, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Andhra University, India (2014) and a Master’s in Public Administration from Dunya University (2021).

Demonstrating early leadership, Mr. Bahir founded the Advance Academic Center (AAC) in 2015. By 2017, he made history as the youngest provincial director in Logar Province, overseeing Technical and Sectoral Services. His expertise later expanded to roles as Director of Statistics, Information, and Economy across multiple provinces, where he contributed to governance and development until the fall of the Afghan Republic in 2021.

Following Afghanistan’s political transition, Mr. Bahir relocated to Canada in late 2022, establishing himself in Toronto. He now channels his expertise toward economic growth initiatives while actively supporting Afghan refugees through his work with the Canada Humanitarian Initiative (CHI). His journey reflects a steadfast commitment to education, public service, and humanitarian causes, bridging his professional experience between Afghanistan and his new community in Canada.

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Freshta Mahbobi is an accomplished journalist and media professional with a strong foundation in both Afghan and international media landscapes. Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, they completed their primary and secondary education at the prestigious Malalai High School before earning a degree in Journalism from Kabul University.

Beginning their career with prominent organizations such as National Television of Afghanistan and BBC Radio, Freshta Mahbobi quickly established themself as a skilled communicator and storyteller. Their passion for global affairs led them to pursue a Master’s degree in International Relations at Khatib University in Kabul, though their academic journey was interrupted by migration.

In 2019, Freshta Mahbobi relocated to Canada, where they demonstrated resilience by re-entering the education system to obtain their Canadian high school diploma while simultaneously rebuilding their media career. Today, they contribute their expertise as a journalist at Afghanistan International and as a producer at Mowj Media, bringing nuanced perspectives on international affairs, migration, and cross-cultural communication to their work.

With a unique blend of Afghan media experience and Canadian multicultural insight, Freshta Mahbobi remains committed to ethical journalism and amplifying diverse voices in the media landscape.

Zabi Afghanzada is a seasoned professional with a diverse career spanning law enforcement, security, and real estate investment. Arriving in Canada in 1988, he began his educational journey in grade 8 and went on to earn his Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) from Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute in Toronto.

Building on this foundation, he pursued specialized training at Seneca College, graduating in 1993-94 with a diploma in Law Enforcement and Security. This led to his distinguished service with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), beginning in September 1994, where he developed strong skills in public safety and community protection.

Today, Zabi Afghanzada has successfully transitioned into the dynamic world of real estate, where he applies his sharp analytical skills and disciplined approach to buying, selling, and investing in properties across Ontario and Dubai. His unique career trajectory—from law enforcement to international real estate—demonstrates adaptability, business acumen, and a commitment to excellence in every professional endeavor.

With decades of experience navigating complex systems and markets, Zabi Afghanzada brings a valuable perspective to the real estate industry, combining his security background’s attention to detail with an investor’s strategic vision.

Mursal Noori is an accomplished academic, medical professional, and women’s rights advocate whose work bridges public policy, international development, and healthcare. With an impressive academic trajectory, she earned her Bachelor’s in Public Policy and Administration from Kabul University, followed by a Master’s in International Development and Cooperation Science from Italy’s prestigious Sapienza University of Rome. Currently pursuing her PhD in Political Science at York University (Canada), where she serves as a teaching assistant, her doctoral research examines Afghan immigrants’ integration experiences in Canada through the lenses of policy frameworks, identity formation, and community resilience.

Dr. Noori brings a distinctive interdisciplinary perspective to her scholarship, informed by her medical background as a trained physician (MD) and her frontline experience in Afghanistan’s healthcare sector. Prior to relocating to Canada in 2023, she was deeply engaged in women’s empowerment initiatives, serving as both a rights activist and educator dedicated to advancing gender equality through leadership development and community-based programs.

Her unique combination of medical expertise, policy knowledge, and grassroots activism positions her as a compelling voice in discussions about migration, global development, and gender equity. Whether in academic circles, policy forums, or community settings, Dr. Noori consistently demonstrates her commitment to creating meaningful change through evidence-based approaches and inclusive leadership.

Shirshah Sharifi is an accomplished communications specialist and public affairs professional with international experience across government, aviation, and media sectors. Born in 1992 in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Journalism from the University of Graz, Austria (2012), where he began his career working with European media and international organizations.

Returning to Afghanistan to contribute his expertise, Mr. Sharifi assumed key leadership roles including:

• Director of Public Relations at the Economic Advisory Office of the Presidential Palace (Arg)
• Spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Civil Aviation Authority, where he played a pivotal role in modernizing the nation’s aviation communications and public engagement strategies

Following Afghanistan’s 2021 political transition, Mr. Sharifi relocated to Toronto, Canada, where he continues to leverage his cross-cultural communication skills and government relations experience. His career demonstrates a consistent commitment to transparent governance, strategic public engagement, and sectoral development – qualities he now applies in his new Canadian context.