ABOUT US
Americans for Kashmir was established in August 2019 to promote human rights, democratic representation, and true freedom for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Americans for Kashmir was founded by Kashmiri-Americans from diverse backgrounds with the goal of amplifying voices from the diaspora and ensuring Kashmiris themselves are at the center of any policy discussions about the region in the halls of Congress and the federal government.
We’re as proud of our Kashmiri heritage as we are to be American. For too long our stories have been told by others, and decisions about us made without us. By educating our neighbors and elected officials, bringing authentic narratives to the forefront, and advocating for substantive change, we hope to bridge the gap.
Who Are We
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Aejaz Dar
Board of Directors
Aejaz Dar is an attorney in private practice. He received his B.A, Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of Michigan and his J.D. from NYU School of Law where he served on the Law Review. He serves on the board of several charitable organizations
Sahal Kango
Board of Directors
Sahal Kango is a technologist and former consultant who has worked on technology and development projects all over the world. Sahal has consulted for multiple government agencies across the world including in Rwanda, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the United States. He has been a founding member of multiple non-profits involved in healthcare and economic development. He holds an MBA from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.
Zaki Barzinji
Board of Directors
Zaki Barzinji is a public affairs advisor with a decade of experience in political campaigns, public service, and policy change at the state and federal level. He served in the White House as Senior Associate Director of Public Engagement and President Obama’s liaison to Arab-Americans, Muslims, Sikhs, and other minority faiths, where he worked to amplify voices and narratives seldom represented at the highest levels of government. Before joining the White House, Zaki served as Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for Governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe.
Nouf Bazaz
Board of Directors
Nouf Bazaz is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Loyola University Maryland. Her clinical work and research focuses on trauma, torture, grief, and loss with survivors of war, violence, and persecution. She is a consultant and trainer globally, was the program director of a mental health agency serving refugees and immigrants, and has developed integrative community mental health programs. She is a PhD Candidate at George Washington University in Counselor Education and Supervision and she holds a M.A. in Trauma and Violence Studies.