Meet Our Team
Our Leadership
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
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Advisory Board
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.
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.