Rabia Shah 

President

Rabia has been proudly volunteering as a Board Member, Senior Peer Counselor, and Fundraising Specialist with the AEA since 1996. Rabia was born in Kabul, Afghanistan and resided there for forty years before immigrating to the US. She acquired her BS from Faculty of Science in Kabul and worked as a teacher and principal in Afghanistan. In the US, she taught Farsi at the Ibrahim Khalilullah Mosque in Fremont for two years. Rabia has been in the US for over forty years.

Najiba Yousufzai

Board Member

Najiba has been a valued volunteer and Board Member for the AEA for 15 years. She was born and raised in Afghanistan where she completed High School and 2 years of college. She has been in the US for over 25 years.

Matthew Sciamanna

Board Member

Matthew, a member of the Leadership Fremont Class of 2024 has supported AEA as a board member since 2023.He was inspired by the AEA's mission during his time there. He completed his undergraduate studies at San Jose State University and a dietetic internship at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. With a career in nutrition, he has provided education and led healthcare teams in various roles including positions at Stanford Health Care. Currently he serves as the Director of Food & Nutrition Services at Washington Hospital in Fremont.

Ava Lazor 

Board Member

Ava has supported the AEA as a Board Member since 2023. Ava, a licensed Professional Geologist from Butler, Pennsylvania, holds degrees in Geology and Economics from The George Washington University. She began her career with the U.S. EPA and now works as a Hydrogeologist for the Alameda County Water District, focusing on groundwater protection. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor adventures and exploring nature.

Laila Faizyar

Secretary

Laila has been a part of the AEA since 2013. She has worked as a tireless volunteer, was a Program Coordinator for the organization, and now serves on the Board. She was born in Afghanistan and completed High School and 2 years of Medical College there. She has been in the US for thirty-five years and currently works as a Real Estate Agent.

Qamar Ayubzai

Treasurer

​Qamar has served as the Treasurer for AEA for the past 10 years. She was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. She received a Law Degree and has also pursued education as a fashion designer and business consultant. She has resided in the US for over 20 years and owns a consulting business.

Lelum Hamid

Board Member

​Lelum has been a dedicated Board Member and volunteer for over 13 years. She was born in Kabul, Afghanistan where she completed High School. Lelum has resided in the US for over twenty-five years.