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Meet Our Team

Our Leadership

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Mark Kryzer
Chair of the Board

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.

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Hassina Sherjan
Executive Director

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

Advisory Board

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Wallied Shirzoi
Foreign Policy Expert

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.

Volunteer

Your Time Can Change Lives

At Aid Afghanistan for Education (AAFE), we believe that change starts with people—people like you, who are willing to give their time and talent to a cause that matters.

 

Volunteers are essential to our mission. 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.

Join Our Volunteer Team

We’re always looking for passionate, reliable people to join our volunteer network. Your skills can help us reach more learners and amplify our mission.

Want to learn more about volunteering with AAFE?

 Submit your email below, and we’ll be in touch with next steps.

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Meet Our 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.

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Sydney
Volunteer

Sydney joined Aid Afghanistan for Education 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. Sydney also earned a dual degree in Elementary Education and International Development and Conflict Management from the University of Maryland. Outside of AAFE, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and is an avid reader.

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Wakas
Volunteer

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—ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with donor and organizational standards. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Wakas holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and certifications in auditing, accounting, and Information Technology. He brings over 15 years of experience in financial management, internal auditing, and donor compliance across both NGOs and the private sector.

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Kristen
Volunteer

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. With over a decade of experience in research, education, and program coordination, she currently works as a Research Associate focusing on workforce trends, AI policy, and program development. Kristen is deeply committed to equitable access to education and brings that passion to her work with AAFE. In her spare time, she loves to bake and play Dungeons & Dragons with friends.

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Hope
Volunteer

Hope started volunteering for AAFE in 2025 and contributes as a graphic designer. In her spare time she loves to read and play with her two dogs.

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Milan
Volunteer

Hi, I'm Milan from Serbia. I’m a graphic and web designer with a background in digital media and marketing. I’m volunteering because I believe every child deserves access to education, no matter where they’re born. Supporting girls’ education and ending child labour are causes I deeply care about, and I’m happy to use my skills to help raise awareness and create change.

We empower the impoverished with education as the key to unlocking their potential and achieving their dreams

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