Sharmeen Lakhani

Central PLG Leader

Sharmeen Lakhani is a Plan Specialist at a prominent retirement investment firm, with more than 20 years of experience in the financial industry. She is licensed in Securities and Insurance across all 50 states, helping individuals and organizations navigate their retirement planning with confidence and clarity.

Sharmeen serves as a non-public arbitrator for FINRA, where she plays an important role in upholding integrity and fairness in the financial services industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and began her career with multinational firms in Pakistan and the United States.

Passionate about both her profession and community, Sharmeen has held numerous volunteer leadership roles within the AKDN. She notably led the design team for the Regional IMAARA in the Central U.S., allowing her to blend her professional expertise with her enduring love for architecture.

Rafia Heerji

Central Deputy PLG Leader

Rafia Heerji is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, author, and founder of HoneyLemonGinger, holistic health coaching business. Rafia helps women ages 40 and over who struggle with weight gain and low energy, by co-creating action plans and guiding them to take small steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle. As a health coach for the last 10 years, she passionately serves the community and humanity at large.

Rafia also teaches home cooking to her clients as well as to the community, through Natural Grocers, Cancer Support Community North Tx, and on YouTube. She is the author of “Energy for Life: One Body Cell at a Time!”

Mowla’s blessings, she has spent 15+ years working in different Jamati institutions and local Council and making a difference in people’s lives.

Shaun Ajani

Florida PLG Leader

Shaun Ajani is an expert at business analysis and project governance, with over a decade of consulting experience for fortune 50 companies, such as Motorola, Washington Mutual, and ABN AMRO. He has written many books and articles on business theories and global change, and appeared on television networks such as NBC, CBS, and Fox News, as well as multiple radio stations, to speak about AKF’s work. Shaun has degrees in business and international law.

Shaun has been volunteering for the Aga Khan Foundation for over 15 years. Ever since his great grandfather founded an orphanage over a 100 years ago in India, his family has been involved in charity and non-governmental organizations.

Saleemah Reshamwala

Florida Deputy PLG Leader

Saleemah Reshamwala is a State Auditor and has worked for the Florida Auditor General’s Office for over nine years. She has demonstrated exceptional skills in financial oversight and governance, ensuring accountability in State educational institutions. Saleemah holds a bachelor’s degree in public health from the University of Houston, and has a dual Master’s degree from the University of Tampa in Business Administration and Accounting.  

Playing a key role as a dedicated community leader, Saleemah has served as the Regional Chair for the Grants and Review Board for Florida, National Financial Lead for the National Task Force, and Chair of the Ismaili Professional Network for Florida. Additionally, she has contributed to the Social Welfare Board, playing an integral role in managing operations at the Religious Education Center, and served as the Principal of the Primary School.  

Firoz Rajani

Midwest PLG Leader

Firoz Rajani is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience across real estate, retail, and manufacturing. As the founder of Frame Chicago, he built a reputation for excellence grounded in quality, integrity, and a deep commitment to both craft and community. Frame Chicago serves as a vibrant gallery space that uplifts emerging and established artists of color—creating space for underrepresented voices and fostering connection through the arts.

For nearly two decades, Firoz has been deeply involved with AKF, supporting initiatives that promote cultural preservation, education, and sustainable community development. Throughout his life, Firoz has held numerous leadership roles within Jamati institutions. His Jamati service, spanning over 50 years, has taken him across continents—including Pakistan, India, Syria, and various regions in Africa—where he has contributed to transformative projects such as the Jubilee Games Monuments, Pamir Exhibitions, and the Aga Khan Schools.

Aziz Farishta

Midwest Deputy PLG Leader

Aziz Farishta is a registered CPA with the State of Illinois. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and has over 25 years of experience in his field. Aziz has worked as a Tax Auditor for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for the past 19 years. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Northeastern Illinois University.

Aziz has been a Resource Development and Fundraising volunteer with AKF USA since 2003, when he was part of the core team to bring the first partnership walk to Chicago. He has been in the Jamati Seva since the early 1990’s with different Jamati institutions.

Ramzan Keshwani

Northeast PLG Leader

Ramzan Keshwani is a businessman who operates several beauty salons in New York City and manages other real estate and retail investments. He received his undergraduate degree in Organic Chemistry and is an active member of the community, making significant contributions to multiple Jamati institutions.

Ramzan’s services includes membership on the Northeast Ismaili Council, ITREB and the Conciliation and Arbitration Board (CAB). A proud father of two, he has served as a REC teacher and on the local education board in India.

Shiraz Gillani

Northeast Deputy PLG Leader

Shiraz Gillani is the founder and owner of Atlas General Contractors, a company that provides services for government, commercial, and residential projects. With over two decades of experience, he had the honor of serving in various Jamati institutions, including the Economic Planning Board, helping to support economic development and planning within the community.

PLG is a cause that is deeply meaningful to his family—they have been actively involved since 2010. Through this initiative and the broader work of AKF, Shiraz has remained committed to improving the quality of life for communities around the world.

Suleman Daya

Southeast PLG Leader

Suleman Daya is a dedicated pharmacist who manages a family-owned community pharmacy. With over 25 years of diverse experience in hospital care, long-term care, compounding, immunizations, and medical equipment, Suleman brings a wealth of expertise to his profession.

He has made significant contributions to various Jamati institutions, including the Health Board, IHPA, ITRED, and the Social Welfare Board. Additionally, Suleman has served as a REC teacher and led the Resource Mobilization Team (RMT). His commitment extended further as a la minister for the Atlanta NW JK for four years during the Diamond Jubilee.

Shaukat Dharani

Southeast Deputy PLG Leader

Shaukat Dharani is CEO and Chairman of the Board at Earthstar Enterprises, where he blends systems engineering expertise with strategic marketing to craft innovative solutions that align seamlessly with corporate objectives. With over 19 years of executive leadership, he drives growth, enhances profitability, and refines business operations through a synergy of the manufacturing process optimization and data-driven analysis.

Over the last six years, Shaukat has served as a National Member, Special Projects, Quality of Life for the Aga Khan Council for USA and as both a Project Manager and Regional Lead for the Aga Khan Council for the Southeastern USA.

Laila Bandali

Southwest PLG Leader

Laila Bandali is a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned executive with nearly 25 years of leadership in early childhood education and a strong foundation in engineering and operational excellence. She is the co-founder of Ivy Kids Early Learning Centers, a premier early education provider with over 20 locations across Texas.

Before transitioning to education, Laila held senior positions in the oil and gas sector, where she specialized in process optimization and large-scale operational management. Her engineering background continues to inform her data-driven and systems-oriented approach to education.

Deeply committed to community development and equity in education, she has served on the boards of multiple organizations, contributing her expertise to initiatives that empower children and families.

Zulfikarali Maknojia

Southwest Deputy PLG Leader

Zulfikarali Maknojia is a business professional who runs family-owned businesses in fuel, real estate, hospitality, and retail in the greater Houston, Texas area. He earned his bachelor’s in engineering in India.

Zulfikarali has a long history of community service amongst various Ismaili Institutions. These include serving as a Safety/Security volunteer and later Mukhi Saheb for the Spring Houston Jamat. He also volunteered with the Resource Mobilization Team and was an ART lead around the time of Diamond Jubilee. Additionally, he served as the GHRA Trade Associate Director.

Throughout the course of his volunteer history, he has been fueled by his passion for increasing accessibility of resources to the Jamat.

Sadiq Karmali

West PLG Leader

Sadiq Karmali is an entrepreneur with multiple successful businesses in retail, construction, franchising, and hospitality around the Seattle, Washington area. He has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University (Canada) majoring in marketing and finance.

Sadiq is passionate about community service and has been involved with several roles with Rotary, Gift of Adoption, Toastmasters, Ismaili Religion Teacher, REC Principal, and uniformed volunteer. Previously he served AKF as PLG West deputy.

Shamsha Jivani

West Deputy Leader

Shamsha Jivani is a seasoned professional in Early Childhood Education, with over 35 years of experience in educational development. She holds credentials in Early Childhood Education from the University of British Columbia. Throughout her career, Shamsha has served as a teacher, curriculum developer, and director of Montessori and preparatory schools.

Within the Jamat, Shamsha has been involved in the Early Childhood Development (ECD) program since its inception in 1988. She has contributed as a program coordinator, curriculum developer, national trainer, and most recently completed two terms as a National ITREB Member for ECD. She has held numerous leadership roles in the Religious Education Centre (REC) in both Canada and the United States, including Principal, Head of Instruction, mentor, and currently, ECD & Primary Teacher Educator. Shamsha was part of the leadership team that launched the first AKF USA Partnership Walk in Los Angeles.

Farrukh Valliani

National Leader

Farrukh Valliani has served as National Leader of AKF USA’s Planned & Legacy Giving Program since 2019. He has over 25 years of experience in the telecommunication industry and is currently the Head of Nokia Enterprise Campus Edge, Pricing Management for Americas. He has also been involved in various leadership roles within the Ismaili community, including serving as President of the Ismaili Councils for Central USA and Northern Texas, and as a member of the National Council for the USA.

Hadi Lalani

National Deputy Leader

Hadi Lalani is an engineer with more than three decades of experience in design and development of automation systems for aerospace and medical device industries with an emphasis on laser technology, vision systems, and smart machines for industrial leader in these fields. He graduated from University of Southern California with a Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering.

Hadi first volunteered with AKF through Partnership Walk and then the PLG program. He served as Chairman for ITREB for Western USA and has also served as REC principal and teacher for over two decades.

Anwar Mohammed

Strategy Advisor

Anwar Mohammed is a seasoned and visionary operations executive with proven leadership in global manufacturing, AI/ML, automation, and advanced technology development. Anwar has a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana Institute of Technology, an MBA from St. Edward’s University, a Master’s of Science from San Jose State University, a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, and a Stanford Advanced Project Management Certification from Standford University.

Karim Juma

Member at Large

Roshan Ajanee

Training & Development

Roshan is a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner at Raymond James and has been working in the financial services industry since 1999. He focuses on assisting first-generation entrepreneurs as they work to pursue their financial wants and needs. Acting as a trusted resource, Roshan aims to make a positive impact in the lives of each client he serves.

Roshan earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in commerce from Kanpur University and an Executive Certificate in Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. He is a member of the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, the Texas Society of CPAs, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Outside of the office, Roshan serves his community as a board member for Transformance, which helps financially distressed families, and as a board chairperson for the Consumer Credit Counseling Service. Roshan has also served as a board member with the Aga Khan Council for Northern Texas, as a founding board secretary for the North Texas Business Alliance, and as second vice president of the Texas Society of Enrolled Agents.

Shaneil Charania

Financial Planning

Shaneil Charania is Managing Partner and Founder of Aspire CPA Group, where he provides tax planning, tax strategies, compliance, asset protection, and financial planning services to businesses and individuals. Shaneil holds a Georgia CPA license and Insurance Licenses and is a member of the AICPA PFS (personal financial specialist) group.

Shaneil started his career at Ernst & Young, LLP and has worked with industry experts at CPA firms to help his clients preserve wealth with tax strategies and grow wealth with solid financial planning. He is a speaker and educator at many trade organizations in the Atlanta area. Shaneil holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master’s degrees from the University of Georgia.

In his free time, Shaneil enjoys actively volunteering in his community as a teacher and mentor. He also serves as an advisory Board Member on multiple nonprofit boards.

Mehmood Daya

Insurance

Mehmood Daya has spent 32 years growing from a Partner to Senior Partner and Executive Partner of a major life insurance company. His office was recognized as the Master Agency Award winner in 2022. As a strong believer in pluralism and gender equality, Mehmood hired and developed over a hundred life insurance agents in Texas from diverse backgrounds.

Mehmood has worked with national ITREB, Council for Southwest United States, and as a Board Member of Focus USA. He serves AKF’s Planned and Legacy Giving efforts as the Advisory Member for Life Insurance.

Malik Jaffer

Marketing Strategy

Malik Jaffer is an accomplished international development executive with over two decades of experience in governance, strategy, program management, grant-making across civil society, government, and private sectors in over 50 countries. His work experience includes management positions within AKF, the American Red Cross, USAID, as well as with numerous NGOs and private companies. Malik has started numerous companies focused on investment and marketing.

He holds a Master of Public Health from Boston University and professional certifications from Harvard University, all focusing on international development, human resources, and program management. Malik has supported the AKF PLG National Committee since 2000, working on strategic planning, donor relation, and training. Malik combines strategic leadership with a deep commitment to capacity building, leveraging his expertise to advance sustainable development initiatives worldwide.

Imtiaz Jindani

Estate & Probate Law

Imtiaz Jindani is currently Senior Counsel within the Legal Department of PNC Bank, N.A. He supports PNC Bank’s Asset Management Group with an emphasis on fiduciary trust administration and fiduciary investment management. He previously held a similar role at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. supporting their Investment and Fiduciary Services line of business.

Prior to joining Wells Fargo, Imtiaz was in practice in Baltimore, Maryland providing legal services in the areas of Estate Planning, Elder Law, and Corporate Law. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech).

Ismat Khimani

Retirement Services

Ismat Khimani is a Resident Director and Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where she focuses on designing flexible strategies tailored to each client with cognizance of the dynamic changes in today’s market conditions. She was recently awarded national recognition on the 2024 and 2023 Forbes “Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” list. (Published annually in February. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year).*

Ismat has a Bachelor’s degree from Benedictine University and has completed Accredited Certificate Programs at Georgetown and Dartmouth Universities. Her certifications include Certified Financial Planner®, Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor®, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™.

Outside of work, Ismat is deeply involved in the local running community. Through 11 marathons, her love for running has strengthened her connection to herself and the world around her. With a place in her heart for serving others, she maintains an active volunteer role with AKF.

Zeeshan Rehmani

Actuarial Services

Zeeshan is an innovation leader and Partner at KPMG, where he focuses on the financial services sector. Zeeshan has experience in financial services, insurance, textiles, telecommunications, and green energy. His area of expertise includes corporate development, finance, risk, actuarial, impact investments, technology, and operations. He is an entrepreneur with three start-ups and has corporate experience with KPMG and AIG. Zeeshan is a Fellow of Society of Actuaries and has MBA from the University of Oxford.