Meet Our Team
Our Leadership
Chair of the Board
Mark Kryzer
Executive Director
Hassina Sherjan
Mark is the former Country Representative to Afghanistan for The Asia Foundation and has lived and worked in Afghanistan for a total of 15 years. Mark began his career in Afghanistan as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State serving at the U.S. Embassies in Kabul and Islamabad as a Political Officer during the Soviet Occupation years in the 1980’s. He returned to Afghanistan in 2003-2018 to work with The Asia Foundation as the Chief of Party on a variety of democracy and governance programs and eventually as the Country Representative where he managed the country office of over 150 people and 15 different national development programs with a $63 million annual budget. His international development experience includes public sector institution building and reform, civil society, anti-corruption, women’s rights and empowerment, judicial reform, surveys and social research, and Islam and Development. He has over 30 years of international donor Program Management experience with USAID, DFID, AusAID, CIDA, JICA, EU, UNDP, The World Bank, the U.S. Department of State, and the governments of the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, and Germany. Mark holds an MA in South Asian Studies and Islamic History; and an MBA in Program Management and Organizational Development. He lives in the state of Minnesota in the U.S., plays Jazz drums, is an avid runner, and a pretty good cook.
Hassina Sherjan, a consummate professional with over 30 years of thorough knowledge and experience in education, business, communication, and journalism, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aid Afghanistan For Education. Hassina is a co-author of “Toughing It Out in Afghanistan,” published in February 2011, and has published various op-eds in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, USA Today, and more. She is a member of the Board of Advisors at Samuel Hall, and a Global Ambassador for The International Alliance for Women (TIAW). She received The International Alliance for Women World of Difference Award 2012 and is an ambassador for Women Entrepreneurship Day representing Afghanistan, and a Global Ambassador for NGO World Day. Hassina received a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard Kennedy School and received Honorary Doctor of Law degree from Queen’s University, Canada. She is a 2023 GlobalGiving Community Voices fellow.
The Board
Matthew Griffin
Matthew “Griff” Griffin co-founded Combat Flip Flops in Kabul, Afghanistan. Griff specialized in developing solutions for companies growing business in “difficult” locations. A Graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in Engineering Management.
Catherine M. Millett
Dr. Catherine Millett is a senior research scientist and strategic advisor in the research division at ETS. She has led the Policy Evaluation and Research Center’s applied research projects and conducted policy research and program evaluations. Her current research focuses on the factors that lead to postsecondary readiness, access, success and completion for learners at various stages of transition from high school through graduate school.
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Idrees Ilham
Idrees Ilham is a seasoned project manager with over 20 years of experience in the development and humanitarian sectors, renowned for his ability to navigate complex
and sensitive environments. With a proven track record of managing high-impact projects with budgets ranging from $1 million to $250 million, Idrees has successfully
led diverse teams of over 100 national and international professionals.
Advisory Board
Wallied Shirzoi
Wallied Shirzoi is a foreign policy and higher education expert with significant experience working in the Middle East, Central and South Asia. He specializes in managing complex large-scale evidence-based programs in these geographic zones.
Prior to this role, Mr. Shirzoi led the Middle East and North Africa portfolio at the Evidence for Policy Design (EPoD) at Harvard University. During this time, he led evidence-based policy engagements with the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, and the Ministry of Education, respectively, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Elizabeth J. Weber
Elizabeth J. “Betsy” Weber is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the nonprofit and international development sectors. She joined the National Executive Service Corps (NESC) as its president in 2006, after serving as a volunteer leader for various nonprofit organizations in the US and overseas. At NESC, she oversaw a team of 23 staff and 175 volunteer consultants who provided management consulting services to nonprofit clients, helping them improve their board governance, strategic planning, and operational efficiency.
Join Our Volunteer Team
We believe that change starts with people—people like you, who are willing to give their time and talent to a cause that matters. With a small staff and a global reach, we rely on dedicated volunteers to help us expand access to education, raise awareness, and support Afghan children and girls in rebuilding their futures. Whether you're helping with fundraising, communications, research, or administration, your contribution makes a real impact.
Submit your email below, and we’ll be in touch with next steps.
Volunteers
Get to know some of the dedicated individuals behind the scenes who make our work possible. We’re proud to shine a light on their contributions, creativity, and commitment.
Kristen
Kristen began volunteering with AAFE in 2022 and now leads the organization’s volunteer program as Volunteer Manager. She oversees volunteer recruitment, onboarding, engagement, and ongoing support across the team. Kristen holds an MA in Educational Technology from Concordia University and a BA in Communication from Simon Fraser University. In her spare time, she loves to bake and play Dungeons & Dragons with friends.
Wakas
Wakas has been part of the AAFE team since August 2023, providing vital support to the finance department as an accountant. He manages financial records in Odoo, prepares financial statements, budgets, and forecasts, and assists with tax filings. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Wakas holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and certifications in auditing, accounting, and Information Technology.
Sydney
Sydney joined in August 2024 and contributes her expertise to donor communications and program support. She holds a Master’s degree in Comparative Education and International Development from the University of Edinburgh, where her research explored how education shaped the failure of liberal peacebuilding efforts in Afghanistan during the 2001–2021 U.S. occupation.
Bushra
Bushra joined in February 2026 and contributes her expertise to partnerships, outreach, and communications. She holds a Master’s degree in Gender, Education, and International Development from the University College London.
Bushra is passionate about gender educational equity and loves finding ways to get involved in her local community.
Jesse
Jesse began volunteering for AAFE in June 2026 and helps support the organization's IT operations and projects. He has a 30 year background in IT systems administration and is skilled in making technology work for nonprofits.
Jesse works as a Local Historian, Genealogist, Chess Coach, and D&D DM at his city's public library. In his free time he enjoys writing music, reading, and playing chess.