Board of Directors
Areesha Shahab
Director
Leadership Team
Sukaina Himmati
Shewar Ibadat
Divya Gumudavelly
Zara Hashmi
Sonny is a first-generation college student with roots from rural Pakistan. He is a 2020 candidate for a Bachelor’s of Business Administration and a minor in science, technology, and society (STS) as well as public health from the University of Michigan. He has worked for and founded multiple initiatives, giving him a well-rounded background in leadership, marketing, technology, and operations. He has a strong commitment to service, for which he has received various accolades, including the Governor of Michigan’s volunteer service award, 2019 University of Michigan Student of the Year, and is a Gates Millennium Scholarship recipient. In his free time, he enjoys supporting Lakers basketball, watching 90s sitcoms, and perusing through Apple Music.
Executive Director in Finance, Founder
Arhum attained his bachelors 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. He currently resides in Arlington, VA where he is a business technology analyst for Accenture Federal Services. Leveraging his extensive background in business analysis, he spearheaded much of Paani’s initial strategic design and partnership building upon the founding of the organization. He continues to primarily manage Paani’s finances and guide operations. Recent accomplishments include procurement of a $10k/monthly Google Grant for Nonprofits. In his free time, he enjoys community building, traveling, and sports television.
Omar Ilyas
Executive Director of Public Health, Founder
Omar Ilyas is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health, specializing in international health care policy. He has previously published in several international healthcare journals, and has spearheaded initiatives for the betterment of disenfranchised communities including refugees and those formerly incarcerated. He is particularly invested in health care development within Pakistan. His work has awarded him the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award at the University of Michigan as well as a recognition for his commitment to service by the University of Michigan School of Public Health. He has further worked in Pakistan as a research analyst for the National Rural Support Programme (NRSP), studying correlations between water contamination, climate change, and health outcomes in rural Pakistan. He is currently working as a United Nations Team Member Representative through the American Pakistan Foundation.
Areesha Shahab
Director of Innovation
Areesha is a senior at the University of Michigan, pursuing a degree in Sociology with a minor in Biology.
Essam Al-Snayyan
Executive Director in Education & Water Sanitation
Essam Al-Snayyan holds bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Biomolecular Science from the University of Michigan. During his work in research with the Radiation Oncology department, he patented a medical device and submitted a manuscript for publication. By utilizing campus resources, he was able to secure nearly $30,000 in funding to implement various projects. He is currently a graduate student in Public Health at the University of Michigan School of Public Health with a focus on Epidemiology. Outside of academics, his experience in working with local and international nonprofits in education and health make him a suitable adviser. In total, he has assisted with securing more than $100k in donations. Currently, he is an intern at the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) where he is working on the standardization of international surveys. In his free time, he enjoys watching UFC, traveling, staying up late, and nature.
Taha Syed
Director of Fundraising
Taha Syed is a senior at the University of Michigan and is majoring in economics. Growing up in the Middle East, he made frequent visits to Pakistan, where the dire situation caused by the ongoing water crisis inspired him to take action. In his time with Paani, Taha has served to expand Paani’s mission across many university campuses and to build Paani’s media presence. He is currently leading fundraising efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outside of Paani, Taha works for Salesforce.org, where he assists non-profits in harnessing cloud computing to drive greater impact.
Creative Director
Shayaan is a first-year U-M student exploring Business, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences.
Umaima Abbasi
Director of Advocacy
Umaima is a senior at the University of Michigan, pursuing a degree in Community and Global Public Health with a minor in Public Policy.
Shewar Ibadat
Director of Finance
Shewar is a sophomore at the University of Michigan, pursuing a degree in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience, with a minor in Water and the Environment.
Aakash Ray
Volunteer Coordinator
Aakash is a senior at the University of Michigan, pursuing a degree in Neuroscience.
Zara Hashmi
Social Media Chair
Zara is a sophomore at the University of Michigan studying Gender & Health and Social Class & Inequality Studies.
