The work behind KnowArk
Our Team
KnowArk coordinates work across education, funding, research, partnerships, communications, and technology to expand educational opportunity for displaced learners.
Our funding and donor teams develop the relationships and resources that help turn educational access into durable work.
Our academic team is developing recognized learning routes, with a focus on secondary education and what comes next.
Leadership
KnowArk leadership
Ashraf A. Ismail
Founder & Executive Director
Ashraf leads KnowArk’s vision, strategy, partnerships, educational-access mission, and institutional development. His work is guided by a conviction that displacement should not decide a young person’s educational future.
The specialists moving the work forward
Maya Bennett
Chief of Staff
Coordinates education, funding, partnerships, and operations so KnowArk’s developing pathways for displaced learners move forward together.
Omar Rahman
Fundraising & Donor Engagement
Cultivates donor relationships, major-gift prospects, and long-term philanthropic support for KnowArk’s developing educational pathways.
Amara Okafor
Chief Operating Officer
Builds operational systems for partner-center coordination, safeguarding, and dependable learning pathways for displaced learners.
Linh Nguyen
Director, Safeguarding & Student Protection
Develops safeguarding policies, reporting pathways, and training expectations for KnowArk’s planned programs, partner centers, and digital learning.
Miriam Carter
Academic Pathways & Partnerships
Develops academic routes and reviews curriculum and credential options as KnowArk builds its high-school-first pathway.
James Okafor
Strategic Opportunities
Identifies conferences, speaking opportunities, awards, partnerships, and institutional collaborations that can advance KnowArk’s education mission.
Samira El-Amin
Research & Publications
Shapes research and publications on refugee education, displaced learners, academic pathways, and evidence-based program design.
Nadia Hassan
Impact & Evaluation
Develops KnowArk’s impact framework, evidence strategy, and measurement systems to learn from its work and report progress.
Leo Martinez
Web & Technology
Maintains KnowArk’s website and digital infrastructure, improves usability, and supports the technology needs behind its education mission.
Aisha Thompson
Grants & Foundation Relations
Builds KnowArk’s funding pipeline across foundations, institutional grants, corporate philanthropy, and strategic relationships for education.
Elena Vasquez
Media & Communications
Leads media relations, public storytelling, and journalist engagement, helping KnowArk communicate its work with clarity.
Marcus Vale
Director, AI Systems & Security
Leads AI-supported systems and security, monitors emerging risks, and improves digital reliability so technology serves learners responsibly.
Leila Hassan
Fellowships & Talent Development
Develops applications for fellowships, accelerators, leadership programs, and other opportunities that can strengthen KnowArk’s team.
Mia Reynolds
Digital Engagement & Social Media
Connects audiences to KnowArk through social channels, digital campaigns, content distribution, and community engagement.