MEET OUR ADVISORY BOARD
The overall direction and strategy of Gamar Foundation is guided by a volunteer advisory board who bring diverse skills and talents from a range of backgrounds.
DANIEL AFOLABI
Hometown: Okotoks, Alberta (Canada)
University: University of British Columbia
Daniel is a third year Finance student at the Sauder School of Business. His interests include learning about the technology industry, reading about commercial development and gaining market research experience. Through his experience, he found that great change comes out of great initiatives. In his free time, Daniel enjoys hanging out with friends, watching movies and discovering new music (he listens to pretty much anything!)
DANNA TAKRITI
Hometown: Doha, Qatar
University: Northwestern University
Danna was born in California to Palestinian parents who hail from Haifa. She grew up in Qatar for most of her life and is currently pursuing a degree in journalism. Her passions revolve around politics and uncovering human stories from all around the world. She hopes that over time, she will help shape the world in a way that enables future generations to feel recognized and powerful, no matter their skin, heritage or country of birth.
DELANEY IGNATIEFF
Hometown: Vancouver, BC (Canada)
University: University of British Columbia
Delaney is passionate about developing women’s leadership skills. She holds a bachelors degree in Kinesiology from UBC and is currently pursuing her Masters of Management at Sauder School of Business. She is part of a research team that strives for equitable treatment within the healthcare system for women. In her free time, she plays and coaches ultimate frisbee and has played for Team Canada at the world level. She also enjoys hiking, kayaking, playing hockey and playing the piano.
FEDERICO ROLLO
Hometown: Boston, MA (USA)
University: Harvard College
Federico was born in London, England to Italian parents. He has lived in Boston ever since the age of two. His very multicultural upbringing spurred his deep appreciation of history and travel—two passions he actively pursues, along with a general love of reading and soccer. Federico is a member of the Harvard College class of 2023, where he plans on concentrating in either Economics or Applied Mathematics.
JENNIFER ZHANG
Hometown: Potsdam, New York (USA)
University: Columbia University
Jennifer is deeply passionate about fighting economic and racial inequity. Majoring in political science, she was selected to participate in various Model G20 Summits and was nominated to be a delegate to the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Jennifer is the Executive Director for The World Is Watching and the National Economic Policy Coordinator for the Roosevelt Network. In her free time, she enjoys drawing and listening to Hozier.
KIARA ORTIZ
Hometown: Bronx, New York (USA)
University: Dartmouth College
Kiara is studying Neuroscience and Public Policy. She is driven to combat healthcare and education inequalities while pursuing environmental justice. She was an ambassador for Knovva Academy’s Model G20 and a delegate at the 2018 Youth 20 Summit. Additionally, Kiara has a passion for medical science, having researched at Rockefeller University, Baruch College and Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences. In her free time, Kiara likes to read science fiction and listen to the Hamilton soundtrack.
SAMEER ESMAIL
Hometown: Burnaby, BC (Canada)
School: University of British Columbia
Sameer is passionate about student advocacy, political geography and social impact. He is currently completing a BA in International Relations and is working on advancing youth financial literacy and career development. Sameer represented Canada on a Global Vision Trade Mission to Southeast Asia in 2019. He enjoys taking part in Model United Nations and speaking to young audiences about the importance of global citizenship. In his free time, Sameer enjoys hiking on the various trails across Metro Vancouver.
SAMSON TU
Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan
University: New York University
Samson Tu is a youth speaker and activist. He is currently pursuing a political science degree and is a former ambassador for Boston-based Knovva Academy. Over the past four years, he has served in planning and managing various summits and conferences surrounding youth leadership from around the world. In his spare time, Samson is an avid photographer whose work aims to raise awareness on social issues in his native Taiwan.
TATE LIANG
Hometown: Coquitlam, BC (Canada)
University: Cooper Union
Tate is interested in studying how technology, design and culture can influence our perception and interaction with society and the environment around us. Having taught coding, engineering and robotics in school clubs, he has tried to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for computer science with young people. In his spare time, he enjoys drawing, making models, touring art exhibitions, programming and making apps.
MEET OUR FOUNDERS
Young people have always been catalysts of positive change in our world.
Raising five daughters continues to teach us what can be achieved with the values of integrity, hard work and a commitment to serving the greater good.
We formed Gamar Foundation to provide the space and tools for young people to connect, engage and grow together. The work we do aims to harness their energy and passion, directing it toward serving the greater good.
It is this work that inspires us. It is what gives us hope.
In love and unity,
Naomi Khan & Adel Gamar