Our Management Team

Abida Mehmood is related to the education sector for the past 25 years and has served in multiple capacities for various educational, law-based organizations and NGOs. She commenced her career as Media Manager at Atlantic Advertising Agency, later joined Iqra Jadeed English Medium School as principal. In the year 2000 she joined Pak Public Development Society Baluchistan as Project Manager and further served in Pakistan Women Lawyers Associate for 9 years. In 2010, engaged with an Educational Non-Profit Organization Indus Resource Centre (IRC) as Principal/Program Manager of forty Government Schools located at the Coastal Area of Karachi, where underprivileged children of the fishermen community study for free. At IRC she was a part of the Education Committee and has been in the implementation project team of British Asian Trust (BAT) Math enhancement program for primary classes, Packard Foundation’s Improving Sexual and Reproductive Health and Life Skills-based Education, Oxfam-GB’s Gender Equity, GIZ funded technical and vocational program, and ILM Ideas, KYI, Advocacy and Media for the right to education. In 2017, she joined HANDS as a Program Manager of EMO Project and achieved three best performance awards in 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2020-21.

Furthermore, she has also served in the capacity of a Master Trainer and trained more than 300 teachers during her tenure in IRC for the Karis Mathematics and primary teachers training. She was selected for the course Critical Thinking in English Language Teaching and Learning by the University of Oregon, United States, and got a scholarship from the regional education office of the American Embassy through online learning. She also attended SPELT International Conferences in 2012, 2014 and 2016 and enriched herself with new teaching and learning techniques. She is trained in Para and advanced counseling courses by Aahung and Rozan. She holds a B.Sc in Pre-Engineering from the University of Karachi, an MBA in Management, a B.Ed and an M.Ed in Teacher Education.

Dr. S. Riaz Ali Shah is a health practitioner and has been associated with the field of medicine for over 30 years. He has specialized in family health care and is currently working as a Family Physician. Dr. Riaz has rendered his services in Lyari for the marginalized communities for a period of 25 years and has been involved in the provision of health awareness amongst residents of Lyari, Hub Chowki, and the entire Baluchistan. Being affiliated with international medical universities, he has presented research papers on different health issues. He has served in Aga Khan Hospital for over a decade and is now the Head of Primary Health Care at SINA Health, Education and Welfare Trust as a Health Consultant. He is an executive member of the Board of Directors of the College of Family Medicine Pakistan and also a member of the IRB (Institutional Review Board) and ERC (Ethical Review Committee) of CFMP. He brings vast experience in training and development work for professionals associated with medical and health sciences.

Associated with the REACH Health team, he is committed to working upon innovative approaches to improve maternal and child health, raise awareness regarding proper nutrition and hygiene, and the prevention of diseases.

Muhammad Shah Zain Khan, an ardent professional in Communication and Hospitality Management, is a driving force in project management, bringing his expertise to the heart of Karachi. Beyond being a seasoned expert, he is a dedicated advocate for transforming marginalized communities. His academic journey includes a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management from UOW, Malaysia, and a Diploma in Hotel Management from the Pakistan Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management, Karachi. Zain, a self-driven learner, completed A-Levels as a private student and O-Levels at Sargodhian Spirit Trust Boarding School and The City School, Darakhshan Campus.

His professional journey unfolded with significant roles, including Hospitality Expert Consultant with IQ Capital Plus, where he led the development of a Demand Analysis Report for the Ziarat Valley Development Authority. Zain’s tenure as a Program Associate for REACH showcased his multifaceted skills in operational and financial management, research, and education program technicalities. His commitment to education extended to being a Training Consultant for Communication Skills and a Visiting Faculty at Skillston Training Institute. Zain’s international exposure includes an internship at Ve Hotel and Residence in Malaysia, and local experience at the Marriott Hotel, Karachi.

As an Assistant to Project Manager at REACH, Zain actively contributed to advocacy and media campaign management, implementing project activities, and supporting educational initiatives. His diverse skill set, ranging from communication and public dealing to cooking and ICT, is complemented by proficiency in both Urdu and English. Zain’s passion for community service is evident in his role as a Sports Coordinator and as the Library Establishment Project Head, where he developed a complete library for Behbud School. His profile reflects not only professional prowess but a commitment to positive change and community development.

Sarah Mehmood is a dynamic professional with a passion for education and innovation, currently pursuing an MA in Education at the University of Karachi. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the same institution, she combines academic prowess with practical skills gained from Evolution/US-Consulate’s English Works program and a Diploma in Software Engineering from Aptech Computer Education. Sarah is well-versed in teaching, student counseling, and curriculum development, and is fluent in educational technology. Her proficiency extends to MS Office, Photoshop, WordPress, and web development, showcasing a versatile skill set. Notably, she has garnered achievements such as a Letter of Appreciation from the Indus Resource Centre for a graphical video created at the age of 13, a Digital Marketing Certification from Femprow, and various certifications from Google and MOOC.

In her work experience, Sarah has served as a Business Development Manager at Softologics, where she excelled in client management, communication, and content design. Additionally, she has contributed as a freelance invigilator for CAIE exams with the British Council and worked as a Website Developer for Azbia. Her commitment to education is further evident through her roles as an External ICT Trainer for HANDS and a volunteer at SOS Children’s Village. With a keen interest in digital marketing and web design, Sarah Mehmood is a dedicated educationist and a well-rounded professional contributing to the intersection of technology and education.

Dr. Hafsa Khan is a multifaceted professional with a diverse skill set and a passion for education. Armed with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, she channels her expertise into teaching science and language in private schools, where she imparts knowledge and encourages a love for learning. Beyond the academic realm, Hafsa is a talented artist, expressing her creativity through painting and sketching. As a motivational speaker, she dedicates her time to inspiring and guiding youth, emphasizing the importance of education and self-development.

Furthermore, Hafsa serves as a trainer for teachers, sharing her insights and expertise in effective teaching methodologies. Her proficiency extends into the digital domain, as she is a skilled graphic designer and adept in IT. Additionally, she lends her articulate voice to the corporate and educational sectors as a content writer, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and information. Hafsa Shahzain’s holistic approach to education, coupled with her artistic flair and technological prowess, exemplifies her commitment to supporting a well-rounded and empowered society.