Leadership

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors serves as the governing body of NEDA and provides strategic oversight, fiduciary responsibility, and policy guidance. The Board ensures that the organization operates in accordance with its mission, legal obligations, and ethical standards.

Qasem Zafar

Chair of the Board

Qasem Zafar is an entrepreneur and former public official with extensive experience in infrastructure development, public administration, and business leadership. From 2003 to 2006, he served as Head of the National Rural Support Organization (NRSO), overseeing community development projects across several provinces of Afghanistan, including the construction of schools, clinics, bridges, water wells, and libraries.
Between 2006 and 2014, he held a deputy-level position in a provincial government administration, contributing to regional governance and development coordination. He also founded BEHPAK, a private organization that implemented a major fiber-optic infrastructure project connecting Parwan Province to Nili, the capital of Daikundi.
Since 2016, Mr. Zafar has been active as an entrepreneur, establishing and managing multiple businesses in trade and services, with a focus on sustainable business development and infrastructure growth.

Zahra Mohammadiyan

Board member

Zahra Mohammadiyan is a university lecturer and researcher with nearly seven years of academic experience, specializing in Afghanistan history, world history, and thesis methodology. She holds a Master’s degree in World Public History and has taught at several higher education institutions, where she was honored as an Outstanding University Professor by three different universities for her excellence in teaching and research.
Her academic career in Afghanistan shaped her deep understanding of social development, youth empowerment, and community resilience. This foundation became the bridge to her humanitarian work in the United States. Drawing on her years of teaching, mentoring, and supporting students, Zahra transitioned into youth‑focused and community‑support roles after resettling in the U.S.
She served with YMCA International as a Youth Case Manager, where she applied her academic and mentoring experience to support immigrant youth from diverse backgrounds as they navigated new educational and social systems. Zahra later worked as a Peer Support Specialist with Cherokee Federal, helping Afghan refugee families build financial literacy and stability.

Louis Marcel Penda

Board member

Mr. Penda is a distinguished community leader, educator, engineer, and real estate professional with extensive experience in engineering, business, education, and community development. He currently serves as a Real Estate Agent with Samson Properties, helping clients achieve homeownership and long-term financial success.

Prior to his real estate career, Mr. Penda worked as an Electrical Engineer for major U.S. corporations, contributing to complex technical projects and organizational initiatives. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Business Administration, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence and lifelong learning.

In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Penda has served as an educator and mentor, providing instruction in Mathematics, Physics, and French. He is also actively involved in community service, supporting immigrants, refugees, and underserved populations through educational, mentorship, and integration programs.

Recognized for his leadership, integrity, and dedication to empowering others, Mr. Penda continues to make a meaningful impact through his professional expertise and commitment to community advancement.

Mohammad Qaseem Haidari

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Mohammad Qaseem Haidari is an international humanitarian leader and Emergency & Disaster Management specialist with more than a decade of experience in crisis response, humanitarian coordination, and public policy. A Georgetown University alumnus, he has worked at the intersection of government institutions, United Nations agencies, and international NGOs to strengthen disaster preparedness, coordinate large-scale humanitarian responses, and support vulnerable populations affected by crises.

Throughout his career, Haidari has led and advised multi-stakeholder initiatives focused on disaster risk reduction, emergency response, and humanitarian program development. His work has included designing and managing complex humanitarian projects, developing strategic policy frameworks, and facilitating collaboration between governments, international organizations, and civil society actors.

In addition to his humanitarian leadership, Haidari has served in senior policy-making roles within government systems, contributing to national strategies and institutional reforms in disaster management and humanitarian affairs. His leadership is defined by a commitment to effective crisis governance, resilient institutions, and sustainable solutions for communities facing conflict, disasters, and humanitarian challenges.

Bojana Ilić

General program Director

Bojana Ilić is a dedicated human rights advocate and project manager with more than 20 years of experience leading regional and international initiatives. She specialises in humanitarian and crisis response, advancing human rights through advocacy, research, and capacity-building, with particular focus on vulnerable and marginalized groups. She has collaborated with leading organizations such as the World Bank, UNDP, the Swiss Red Cross, the Nordic Institute, and other international NGOs. Bojana holds a master’s degree in international leadership from the University of Stavanger in Norway, a specialization in Development Management for INGOs from the International People’s College in Denmark, and studies in law and human rights at Washington College of Law. Her work bridges partnerships with UN agencies, EU institutions, and civil society organizations to promote inclusive policies — with a particular emphasis on childcare reform and women’s empowerment.