ABOUT
OUR TEAM
OF HARDWORKING, COMPASSIONATE INDIVIDUALS
Dr. Ayad has over 20 years with Cisco Systems where he has architected, designed and deployed complex networking solutions in the service provider, enterprise voice, video and cloud computing domains. His current position is a senior Systems Architect, where he performed in-depth technical presentations to customers, partners and prospects on existing Cisco’s cloud computing and hosted collaboration services offers. Actively participating as an expert on Unified Communications, provides consultative support in Collaboration architecture to partner’s and Cisco systems engineers. Mr. Ayad recently received his PhD in "Demystifying the Rate Adaptation Algorithms in Internet Video Applications” College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Colorado at Boulder. His research interests encompass Networking architecture, Internet protocol stack, in particular Multipath-TCP reliable transport, Video coding, and Neural adaptive streaming algorithms using machine learning and artificial intelligence (ai/ml).
Ibrahim Elsaeed
VICE PRESIDENT
ibrahim.elsaeed@ayadfoundation.org
Ibrahim Elsaeed, BSC in Computer Engineering and Masters of Computer Science from the University of Alabama Huntsville. 15 years experience working in the following fields: – Data Analytics and Reporting.– Data Warehousing.– Data Modeling – Enterprise Web application. – Processes improvement and optimization. – Enterprise web applications. – Webservers and APIs.– Network Security. Currently working at Nissan North America managing a team responsible for supporting Consumer Facing systems (Company Website, Customer Web portal, and MyNissan App).
Azita Kia
Azita, currently a technical lead at Cisco Mobility CTO office, is a solution seeker and ideas explorer. She holds MS & BS in Computer sciences, and BA in Biological Sciences from UC Santa Barbara. She spent 10 years as a software engineer at networking startups before joining Cisco 25 years ago. At Cisco she has been developing many different innovative solutions based on various aspects of networking technology: transport, routing, switching, voice and video, security, and cloud. Her latest projects include 5G, private cellular, and heterogeneous networks. Being a curious generalist she gravitates towards mixing things up and shedding light on unvisited corners of thought in order to solve human problems. Her other passions, besides network technologies, include human biology and health, history of thought and science, world traditions, as well as all things Middle Eastern: culture, literature, and music. https://www.linkedin.com/in/azitakia/
Jett Rink
GENERAL SECRETARY
Jett Rink is a software engineer in Boulder, Colorado. He cares about freeing people from poverty by providing access to clean drinking water and education - basic needs that everyone should have access to. We are called to love one another and protect the oppressed and those that cannot fight for themselves.
Dr. Karar received her Ph.D. in Ecology from the School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK. She worked at the University of Khartoum, Institute of Environmental Studies. Her responsibilities included advising graduate students on ongoing research projects while also conducting lectures and facilitating workshops. She also introduced new teaching methods incorporating technology to promote interactive learning and provide more opportunities for learning and discovery. In addition to her academic role, she fostered relationships with research institutes and recommended key areas for future research at an international level. She also took the initiative to establish a research group with peer scientists and design and implement a new course.
As a mother, she sincerely cares about the education of all kids. Rehab always believed in the importance of education and how it can help you think, feel, and behave in a way that contributes to your success and improves your personal ambition to positively impact your community. Hence, joining and supporting Ayad Foundation's mission and vision to realize and pursue my passion of developing young minds learn and grow.
Brian Gero
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY AND FINANCE
Brian is a husband and father of 4 children, 2 girls and 2 boys. He studied Engineering Mechanics at Virginia Tech where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He has over 20 years of experience in technology, networking, communications and people management. Currently he leads a team of solution architects for a technology platform company. Brian was born in Ethiopia, but left before he turned one. While he didn’t spend much time there, Africa holds a significant meaning for him and he hopes to help others there through the Ayad Foundation.
Babiker Suliman
OUTREACH DIRECTOR: Website and Social media focused
Babiker is an Applications Design Engineer at Schneider Electric, He has recently received his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. His current role is to support the production of energy management systems and integrated power equipment. Prior to that, Babiker put himself to the test in different internship positions. He was a HVAC mechanical engineer intern at RDK Engineers, and a mechanical engineering intern at Schneider Electric. He is heavily involved in organizations inside and outside of school. He served as the 2018-2019 NSBE region II communications chair and is now a proud member of SudanNextGen.
He currently resides in North Carolina and enjoys coaching soccer and helping his peers succeed
Hisham Zein
PROGRAMS DIRECTOR
hisham.zein@ayadfoundation.org
Hisham Zein, is the Gneral Manager of EFi Automotive North America. EFi Automotive’s North American operation includes an R&D and manufacturing operation in Elkmont, Alabama, a technical sales office in Plymouth, Michigan, and a manufacturing plant in Guadalajara, Mexico. The company, headquartered in Beynost, France, is a recognized Tier One automotive supplier specializing in the design and delivery of electronic and electromagnetic systems to major carmakers worldwide. Hisham received his BEng degree from the University of Sudan for Science & Technology in Mechanical Engineering. In addition, Hisham holds a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Joseph Wageman
BOARD MEMBER
joseph.wageman@ayadfoundation.org
Joseph Wageman provides leadership and strategic direction for a team that supports an extensive portfolio of equipment and services for water, wastewater, and resource recovery. This includes membrane technology, separations, electro separation products, and ion exchange.
Joseph resides with his family in Broomfield, Colorado. He enjoys spending quality time with family, outdoor activities, and helping others however possible.
Rasha O. Karrar
ARCHITECT
rasha.karrar@ayadfoundation.org
Rasha is an accredited professional architect with extensive leadership in Energy and Environmental Design in Building Design and Construction (LEED AP BD + C). Rasha received a master’s degree in Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies from the United Kingdom.
She has over 10 years of experience in designing various types of architectures; residential, commercial, hospitals, recreational, office buildings, and schools. When it comes to giving back and contributing to society Rasha’s passion is unparalleled.