Meet the People Involved!
President and Co-Founder
Mizan Rahman, Ph.D.
Dr. Mizan Rahman is an engineering leader in the medtech industry with more than two decades of experience in implantable neurostimulation and bio-electronic systems. He currently serves as a Director of Research & Development at Nevro and previously spent nearly 20 years at Boston Scientific Neuromodulation in senior R&D leadership roles.
A former faculty member of BUET’s Electrical and Electronic Engineering department and a Commonwealth Scholar, Dr. Rahman is originally from Bangladesh and now based in California. He co-founded the Sharifa-Tofiz Foundation to honor his parents’ legacy by expanding educational opportunities, empowering women, and supporting underserved families in rural Bangladesh.
Secretary and Co-Founder
Mounia Rahman
Mounia Rahman is the Secretary and a Co-Founder of the Sharifa-Tofiz Foundation. She is currently studying Cognitive Science at Occidental College, where she’s exploring her interests in neuroscience, learning, and social impact.
As the youngest member of the leadership team, Mounia brings a fresh, youth-driven perspective to the foundation’s vision and outreach. She helps design initiatives that inspire and support students—especially young girls—growing up in rural communities like the ones her family came from.
Rooted in her Bangladeshi heritage, Mounia is passionate about education, empowerment, and creating opportunities for the next generation.
Executive Director
Salim Kaiser, Ph.D.
Dr. Salim Kaiser is the Executive Director of the Sharifa-Tofiz Foundation. He also serves as the Director of the Lab and Student Research Innovation Center at the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Previously, he held the position of Deputy Director at the Directorate of Advisory, Extension and Research Services (DEARS) at BUET. With a distinguished background in engineering education and applied research, Dr. Kaiser brings strategic leadership and academic depth to the foundation’s mission of empowering communities through education and innovation.
Chief Patron and Advisor
Sharmin Jahan, MD
Dr. Sharmin Jahan is a California-based physician specializing in child neuropsychiatry and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. With a strong background in mental health and child development, she brings both clinical insight and community commitment to her work. As an advisor to the Sharifa-Tofiz Foundation, Dr. Jahan provides strategic direction on programs that support education, mental health, and the advancement of women and underserved families in rural Bangladesh. Her leadership and compassion are instrumental in guiding the foundation’s impact.
Community Partners & Local Volunteers
The Sharifa-Tofiz Foundation is deeply grateful for the dedication and support of the teachers and volunteers from Bashantapur Primary School and Khulna Bazar Primary School, as well as the surrounding villages.
Their commitment to the students, their guidance in organizing events, and their tireless efforts in coordinating scholarship ceremonies, workshops, and family support activities make this work possible.
Without their generosity, involvement, and local leadership, none of our programs could reach the families and children who need them most.
We honor their partnership and deeply appreciate their ongoing contributions to the community.