Our Members
Meet the Team
Each member brings unique expertise and deep commitment to our shared mission of justice, education, and community service.
Ahmed Lateef
PresidentFounder
Ahmed Lateef was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and earned degrees in Translation and Law before working as an English teacher and attorney in his home country. A pivotal experience was serving with the USAID Access to Justice Program, where he led campaigns supporting vulnerable wives and aided those displaced by conflict. After relocating to the U.S., Ahmed Lateef obtained a Master's in American Legal Studies (LLM). Inspired by the teachings of Imam Hussein (AS) on justice and protecting the vulnerable, he founded The Voice of Lady Zainab Foundation in 2022. Officially registered in 2024, the foundation upholds its commitment to peace, human rights, and humanitarian causes.
Kawther Hashim
Executive DirectorLeadership & Operations
Kawther Hashim is an undergraduate student at the University of Vermont majoring in global studies with a passion for leadership, advocacy, and global issues. Fluent in Arabic and English, Kawther combines technical skills with project management and event planning experience. As a high school Club Leader, she organized impactful events including a Yemen crisis fundraiser and a climate change presentation earning awards like the Paji Wadley-Bailey Leadership and HERO Opportunity awards. Currently, Kawther supports students at UVM's Tutoring Center, dedicated to making a positive impact through education and advocacy.
Abeer Alzubaidy
TrusteeEnglish Language Advisor
Abeer Alzubaidy was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq. She earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics from Baghdad University. Abeer has been working in the Winooski School District since 2014 as a district liaison helping students reach their goals. She has been Vermont Leadership Institute certified since 2021, has served on the Winooski Housing Board since 2022, and has been a CHIC (Community Health Investment Committee) member since 2022. A mother of 5 accomplished daughters, Abeer values the power of teamwork and leadership to accomplish a common goal.
Shaykh Daniel Al-Ja'fari
TrusteeReligious Scholar
Shaykh Abu Fatima Daniel al-Ja'fari is a religious scholar educated in the Islamic seminary of Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Taqi al-Modarresi in the holy city of Karbala. He also works as a psychotherapist and earned his master's degree in clinical social work from Columbia University. Born and raised in South Burlington, Vermont, the Shaykh has authored several books, most recently "The True Faith of the Saved Sect: An Introduction to Islamic Doctrine and the Beliefs of the Imami Shi'a." He also contributed to the English edition of Sayyid al-Modarresi's risala and hosted series on Imam Hussein TV 3. His primary research area is early and classical Shi'i religious doctrine.
Ali Hashim
TreasurerSecretary
Ali Hashim is originally from Baghdad, Iraq. He holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Saint Michael's College in Vermont. With eight years of experience in the security industry, Ali currently serves as a security account manager. He is also actively involved as a community ambassador at the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO). Ali is passionate about fostering teamwork and achieving collective success within the foundation.
Huda Mahmoud
OfficerArabic Language Reviewer
Huda Mahmoud is from Iraq, born in Baghdad in 1994. She graduated from Al-Mustansiriya University, College of Arts, Department of Arabic Language in 2016. Huda began her teaching career as a volunteer in 2017, was hired on a contract basis in 2021, and was appointed to a permanent position in 2023. Her expertise in Arabic language and literature ensures the accuracy and quality of all Arabic-language communications and materials produced by the foundation.
