Volunteers like Purnur play a vital role in advancing the Aga Khan Foundation’s (AKF) work. Across the US, AKF volunteers from all walks of life contribute their time, skills and passion to fundraising events, awareness campaigns and community initiatives. They bring people together, mobilise resources and help translate global programmes into local impact.

A life shaped by hope and gratitude – Purnur Ilolova

Purnur experienced displacement as a child during the civil war in Tajikistan, finding hope in AKF’s support when her community faced uncertainty. Seeing the trucks and people who came meant more than she can describe – it was hope arriving over the mountain pass. It gave her community a sense of dignity and direction again.

After moving to the United States, she began volunteering at local events, fundraisers and outreach programmes. Today, she serves on AKF USA’s National Committee, contributing to awareness campaigns and discussions about global development. Her work goes beyond volunteering. Inspired by the support she once received, she has devoted her career to supporting young people affected by displacement and uncertainty.

“My continued support for AKF comes from a place of gratitude and conviction. It is gratitude for the hope it gave me and conviction in the power of its mission to transform lives across generations. Every time I speak about AKF’s work or contribute to its programmes, I am reminded that the Foundation’s story – and mine – are deeply intertwined. It represents not only where I come from, but also the kind of future I want to help create.”

From experience to impact – Malik Jaffer

Malik’s family moved from Kenya to the US when he was a baby. Early volunteering with the Aga Khan University in Pakistan and visits to Hunza and Gilgit-Baltistan left a lasting impression. Later, as AKF Tanzania’s country director, he witnessed programmes in action and the tangible impact they had on communities.

Since 2000, Malik has supported AKF USA’s Planned and Legacy Giving initiative, offering strategic guidance and helping engage donors. His varied experiences – as funder, employee and partner with organisations like the Red Cross and USAID – allow him to connect deeply with donors and help them see how their contributions can create long-term impact.

“I can see the vision for how these things need time and patience, political changes, social changes… I’m trying to invest as much as I can to move the institution forward, and by moving the institution forward, I believe it moves His Highness’s vision forward.”

Youth leadership in action – Azim Moosa

At 16, Azim applies his engineering skills to make a tangible difference. As an AKF Youth Ambassador officer in Dallas, he researches the Foundation’s projects and implements similar programmes in his own community, including founding and leading a STEM mentorship programme for inner-city students.

For a Youth Ambassador innovation competition, Azim designed a patent-pending water purification machine that’s being used in a village in Kenya. He plans to expand it to more countries.

Azim also runs summer engineering camps, donating proceeds to educational initiatives in South Asia.

“One thing I think is really amazing about the Youth Ambassadors is the whole concept of thinking globally and acting locally… The things that we start in our local community can expand and really make a big impact.”

Coming full circle – Ali Jamal

Ali’s family fled Uganda in the 1970s during the Idi Amin regime. Years later in Atlanta, Georgia, he bought a rundown hotel and built a property investment company. His first investor was his uncle, who had previously benefitted from an AKDN scholarship. AKF’s impact was resonating through generations.

Now Chair of AKF USA’s Southeast Region, Ali has come full circle: he channels his professional expertise into volunteer leadership and resource development, helping others see the value of long-term engagement.

“The thing I love about the work AKF does is it’s sustainable… whatever I’m investing in, I would like there to be a long-term value for wherever my dollars and work are going. I don’t see better long-term value than AKF.”

Learning across communities – Saima Gowani

While working for the Foundation, Saima recalls visiting a village in Syria where the community prioritised water access over a planned school. AKF listened and postponed building the school until the water system was installed – a decision that made a lasting impression on her.

Her career spans teaching at an Aga Khan School in Hunza, Pakistan, supporting tsunami survivors in Sri Lanka, and monitoring and evaluation work at AKF headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. These experiences shaped her understanding of privilege, purpose and connecting with communities. Today, as Vice Chair of AKF USA’s Midwest Region, Saima brings these perspectives to her volunteer work, prioritising educational awareness in her own community.

“I’ve seen the work first-hand to see how hard our staff work. I’ve seen how important it is to be able to support that hope that people have. They’re looking for something to hold on to, to be able to give themselves a rise.”

Collaboration and long-term commitment – Mohamad Momin

Mohamad serves as Vice Chair of AKF’s Southwest Region. He first volunteered with walk and run events, and 17 years ago joined the team organising golf tournaments. Hearing the personal stories of those whose lives have changed inspires him to continue volunteering and raising money.

Mohamad is a big believer in sharing knowledge. He mentors other regional leaders and volunteers nationwide, fostering collaboration and camaraderie to strengthen events across the country.

“I feel the work of AKF is in line with my life. It’s multigenerational – not just one or two years – we’re going to be there as long as it takes. That’s what keeps me going and drives me to continue working with AKF.”

Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, united by a personal connection to the work and a desire to give back. For Purnur, Malik, Azim, Ali, Saima and Mohamad, volunteering is more than fundraising or event planning – it’s a way to stay involved with the communities and values that shaped them while making a real difference near and far.

Learn more about AKF’s work in the US and globally