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”.
Ismaili Volunteers Executive Directors
Started in Paris, France when I was little and then moved to London, UK at the age of 18 where I served as Volunteers, 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 am Sajad Sayani and I have been a Team Leader for The Ismaili Centre, London and Ealing Jamatkhana (before it merged with West London). I have been volunteering for a good many many years. I was also Deputy Team Leader for the IV Events Team.
I have served as a volunteer in many guises over the years and have been heavily involved in the Golden Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee events and have enjoyed every minute.
This will be my second 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 am Zia from Berlin and I am part of the 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.
Apart from that I have been supporting AKYSB with camps and local activities and recently got to work with the Global Encounters team to organise the Sports and Arts Festivals in Germany and Sweden.
I am currently studying in TU Berlin and also working as a seminar assistant in my Uni.
Ismaili Volunteers Liaison (IVL)
I’m Amin Aly, I have been in the leadership position for several years for Manchester Jamatkhana serving as Director and Team Leader. I have helped out in numerous departments at big events serving as a volunteer in Dubai, France, Portugal and Pakistan.
I work in the private healthcare industry as a healthcare adviser.
I am Sohail Ratansi, I have been a Deputy Director at West London Jamatkhana and also a Team Leader for Hounslow Jamatkhana (before the merge with Ealing). 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. This is my 3rd year as part of Ismaili Volunteer Liaison.
My hobbies include most things techy, cars and football.
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’m Shelina Jaffer. I’ve had several roles including ITREB Board member after Golden Jubilee. I’ve served in Bayt ul-Ilm, IV Executive for some time.
I work in IT as SAP Functional Department Head. Looking forward to working with you all
I’m Anisha Ladha, I’ve worked with AKSWB for several years on various projects, served in Bayt ul-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.
Technology & Communications
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.
I am Iliyan and I have been a volunteer for as long as I can remember. I have served as a Team Leader and as a Deputy Director at the Ismaili Centre, London. I have also served as a Member and Lead of the AVU as well as helping with various other projects.
I am currently studying for an Economics Degree at University.
My name is Nilouphar Tejrar. I’m the Deputy Comms Coordinator (DCC). I have been a volunteer for as long as I can remember. I’ve been a Team Leader at The Ismaili Centre, London for 3 years. Also served on AKHB and ITREB. I was a member in AVU.
For the last 2 years I have been a DCC overseeing and managing the AV and Photography teams. I am repeating this year and also supporting IV Executive Team.
I work in healthcare and have specialised in Cancer services. In my spare time, I like to cook and read books.
Learning & Development
I have been a volunteer in Hatfield for over 35 years and work in Health Services in the UK & abroad including independently as a health systems consultant.
I have a family with 5 grandchildren and love gardening, painting (Art), ,upholstering & reading.
Junior & Youth Development
I’m Shelina Vasaya and been in 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 Bayt ul-Ilm. This will be my second year of serving on the IV Executive Team.
I have worked in banking for 20 years and within that currently doing an operations lead role.
I am a Team Leader for IV Junior & Youth Development. 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!
My name is Saleena Gulamhussein, and I am part of the Junior Volunteers & Youth Development team.
I have been an IV since the age of 12 years and have grown up doing volunteering. I was the first female Director of North London Jamatkhana.
I work in Paediatrics and being in daily contact with kids, keeps me young at heart. I like to interact and motivate people.