IV Executive Team
Service to others is not only an Islamic tradition but one which is a common thread across many faiths and cultures, where the Golden Rule is a common cardinal virtue. Indeed, it was Aristotle, some 2,500 years ago, who asked, “What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.”
When the Ismaili Volunteers were formed over 100 years ago, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah said: “If you work for yourselves, you are never happy. This is not a new idea, but this is an outcome of the experience of thousands of years of history”.
IV Executive Team
Started in Paris, France when I was little and then moved to London, UK at the age of 18 where I served as a volunteer, Team Leader as well as under the Ismaili Volunteers Executive.
Today I am privileged to be the Ismaili Volunteers Executive Director for the UK & Europe. I am the founder of SAR Computing, a company in London where we help businesses with their day-to-day technology and cyber security issues.
I have been volunteering for a good many many years. I have served as a Team Leader at The Ismaili Centre, London and Ealing Jamatkhana (before it merged with West London).
I have also been heavily involved in the Golden Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee events and have enjoyed every minute. This is my third year on the Executive Team as Deputy Executive Director.
I am an IT nerd and work for a financial organisation developing and maintaining their in-house software. I am also a big Trekkie fan.
I’ve worked with AKSWB for several years on various projects, served in Baitul Ilm, IV as well and helped to initiate and run the mobility committee (providing transport for members of the Jamat who are wheelchair users).
I also own and run a children’s day nursery.
I have been part of the IV Executive Team for the past two years, leading technology enhancements and communication initiatives. My journey with IV spans over two decades, during which I’ve had the privilege of serving in various capacities, including as a Team Leader at The Ismaili Centre, London. I have also contributed to AKHB, AKEB and the Performance and Management Team.
In my current role, I focus on strengthening our technical and communication capabilities to better support the wider IV network, and also, to bring framework around training and JV development.
Professionally, I run an IT consultancy firm with Accenture.
Outside of work and service, I enjoy spending time with my family.
I am Naeema Kassam and I am responsible for all unifrom and logistics related matters for IV.
I have been a part of IV since the moment I could wear my 2 stripe tie! I’ve had the honour of being a Deputy Director in Manchester and Head of Baitul Ilm. This will be my third year serving on the IV Executive Team.
I have worked in banking for 20 years and currently work as an operations lead.
I am Zakee Bhanji and I am responsible for all Youth Development matters for IV.
My volunteer’s journey started as a Junior Volunteer helper. I remember the impact my team leader had on me as a 6 year old eager to serve at The Ismaili Centre, London. I was fortunate enough to receive the chance to steer our next generation as a Team Leader for junior volunteers.
I very much enjoyed this role and found working with our youth so rewarding. I look forward to taking my passion for working with our youth, forward into this role. I enjoy sports and meeting new people!
IV Europe
I have been a Deputy Director at West London Jamatkhana, a Team Leader at Hounslow Jamatkhana and part of the Ismaili Volunteers Liaison team for three years. In all, I have been part of IV for over 35 years including in the Special Events team during Golden Jubilee and as a member of the task force team in Diamond Jubilee for both London and Paris. I have also been part of various committees and institutions.
My hobbies include most things techy, cars and football.
I am from Berlin and have been part of IV since it was formally established in Germany around 8 years ago. I’ve been a Team Leader and Deputy Director before becoming Deputy Executive Director in 2021.
I have also been supporting AKYSB with camps and local activities I was also recently given the opportunity to work with the Global Encounters team to organise Sports and Arts Festivals in Germany and Sweden.
I study in TU Berlin and work as a seminar assistant at my university.
IV - Admin & Resources
I have previously been a team leader for 3 years and a Deputy Director for 1 year at Nottingham Jamatkhana. This will be my second year working for the IV Executive team, my role is PA to the Executive Director and Deputy Director.
I currently work for Leicester City Football Club as an HR Assistant.
I am supporting IV Executive team
IV Steering Committee
I have been part of IV over two decades and had many memorable opportunities. I have been a team leader for several years at The Ismaili Centre, London in the past. I have also had an opportunity to serve with AKHB, AKEB, Performance and Management team and TKN.
I have joined IV Executive Team to lead the technical and communication side, with the focus to improve our technical portfolio to support IV wider team.
I work with Accenture as Tech Delivery Lead and alongside that I run my offshore CRM development and consultancy firm.
Apart from work and volunteering, I like to spend time with my two little bunnies and we play indoor cricket to keep the momentum going.
IV Events
I have been a Team Leader on numerous occasions and served as Deputy Director on 2 different terms at Northwest Jamatkhana over the past 30+ years.
I was privileged to serve on the Security Response Team during Mawlana Shah Karim’s visit in 1994 and I was also a Team Lead during Golden Jubilee at The Ismaili Centre, London.
I have also served on the Northwest Central Properties Management Team for 2 years. More recently I was a Jamati Support Officer (JSO) for 3 years and this is my third year on the Executive Team as Head of Ismaili Centre & Aga Khan Centre Events.
I am a HR Manager and joined the NHS 6 weeks before Covid hit and I was redeployed into the Facilities Management Team and that is what I have been doing since.
Tamina – Looks after the AKC events.
My volunteering journey started in 2003 when I was a cadet helper. I then became a cadet and moved on to become a volunteer in 2011. I was appointed as Head Cadet Mentor for The Ismaili Centre, London in 2016 after which I went to university. I was then given the opportunity to serve on the Ismaili Centre and Aga Centre Events Team as an IV Team Lead in December 2022.
In my spare time I like to hang out with friends as well as watch football in particular my team Arsenal,