Meet the Team

Our work would be impossible without the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to make our vision of a world without water scarcity a reality. 

Sikander ‘Sonny’ Khan
Muhammad Bozdar
Shayaan Aqil
Shewar Ibadat
Areesha Shahab
Taha Syed
Sukaina Himmati
Omar Ilyas
Nauman Khan
Arhum Arshad

The Movement

We are the children of immigrants, who left their beloved homeland in hopes for better opportunities for their children. Although Paani started as a nonprofit dedicated to giving back to those from disenfranchised communities in Pakistan, it has evolved into a movement. A movement that hopes to inspire others to invest their time and resources into creating a better future. Paani aims to ingrain this responsibility of community service in children of diaspora. We all can work today for a better tomorrow,

CEO, Co-founder

Sonny is a first-generation college graduate with roots from rural Pakistan currently working at Microsoft. He attained a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. Previous honors he received include being featured in the TIME 100 Rising Stars Program, University of Michigan Student of the Year, and Gates Millennium Scholarship.

Program Manager

Muhammad manages Paani’s teams on the ground in Pakistan to ensure projects are being executed and being our standards.

Creative Director

Shayaan is a sophomore at the University of Michigan, majoring in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience. Currently, he is on a pre-med track with hopes of becoming a neurologist.

Grant Writer

Shewar is currently majoring in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience as a junior at the University of Michigan. With plans to attend medical school, he hopes to specialize in pediatric cardiology.

Areesha is a senior at the University of Michigan studying sociology with a minor in biology. With a passion for outreach, she has spread awareness for underserved Pakistani communities through various outlets. Since then, she has continued to manage and oversee multiple established and developing projects within Paani. Through her time at Paani, leading the University of Michigan’s Student Health Advisory Council, her research in lifestyle interventions for fatty liver disease at the U-M hospital, Areesha has found her primary interests in community health and wellness, specifically for those in need. She hopes to one day become a physician for underserved communities in and outside of the U.S.

Fundraiser Director, Webmaster

Taha is a senior at the University of Michigan and is majoring in Economics. Upon graduating, Taha plans to join Google, where he will help nonprofits and businesses leverage technology to achieve their goals.

Sukaina is a junior at the University of Michigan and is currently pursuing a degree in Neuroscience. After graduation, she aspires to attend medical school with a keen focus on neonatal intensive care.

Spokesperson

Omar Ilyas is a Master’s candidate at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, specializing in global epidemiology. He has previously published in several international healthcare journals and spearheaded initiatives for the betterment of disenfranchised communities including refugees and those formerly incarcerated. He has also worked in Pakistan on a research fellowship to analyze correlations between water contamination, physical infrastructure, and health outcomes. As one of the founders, Omar is particularly invested in health care development within Pakistan.

Nauman is a Michigan graduate.

Wire Transfer Specialist

Arhum attained his bachelor’s in economics from the University of Michigan. He has extensive experience in finance and has previously worked for various corporations as a tax and credit analyst. Currently working as a Senior Analyst at Accenture Federal Services.

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