BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our board of directors volunteer their time and energy every day to make sure The Ayana Group is a successful and enriching program.
Bryan Bazzi
Executive Director
Assisting our future generations to reach their full potential is my passion. After years of teaching catechism courses to Chaldean children I quickly realized that we needed to find a way to introduce the children in our community to all that America has to offer. Founding The Ayana Group has been the most fulfilling part of my life because we are able to do just that, connect children to enriching opportunities that they would not normally be exposed to. I strive to assist our community in preparing our next generation to live successful, ethical, healthy and exciting lives full of opportunity.
Sandy Kasyouhannon
Chief Operations Officer
The future holds promises and dreams for the youth that can be achieved through team work, dedication, planning, education and words of wisdom. As a mother, I understand the positive impact that extracurricular activities have on children as they grow up. I love the mission of The Ayana Group and have been a supporter since the very beginning. I am excited to be a part of a group that helps enrich the lives of the youth in our community by connecting them to new empowering opportunities and activities.
Jacqueline Shamoon
Project Manager
When I heard about the incentive of Ayana I knew I had to get involved. The Chaldean community and specifically the children are incredibly dear to my heart. I want nothing more than to see the next generation succeed and set a positive example in the San Diego community and beyond. "What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child, that must the community want for all its children." John Dewey
Nawal Alkatib
Community Outreach Director
Bringing over twenty years of experience serving Chaldeans in the nonprofit sector, it was a privilege to join Ayana and watch it grow over the years! Creating opportunities and assisting our youth in any way I can is a passion of mine. I strive to empower our community to become successful and leaders of America, all while proudly representing the Chaldean culture. An investment in our youth is the greatest investment of all!
Sylvia Toma
Chief Development Officer
I believe investing time and resources in our youth is the best way to lead them into a bright future. That is why I was on board with Ayana the moment I heard about it. There is no better feeling than to help these young individuals believe that their dreams can come true with resources that without Ayana, would not be available to them.
Bushra Jonna
Program Director
I am apart of Ayana because I love the Chaldean youth and want to see them all succeed in their education and careers while also maintaining their good family and faith values.
Rebecca Kassab
Director of Public Relations
and Resources
When asked to be a part of Ayana, I immediately knew the positive impact it would have on the lives of our youth, and more than anything, I knew that our youth needed this! I am so thankful to be a part of an organization that genuinely serves the needs of our community. With all that we are offering through Ayana, our youth will have an opportunity to learn leadership, build friendships, stay active and so much more!
Megan Shamoun
Development Director
When I first learned about Ayana’s mission and impact on its youth and community, an overwhelming sense of serenity flooded me - pushing me to be part of such an important organization. I am honored and joyed to help the youth navigate through integral life-milestones by serving them to develop interpersonal and intellectual competences, guiding them to be active members and leaders of their community. I am excited to see the positive contributions Ayana will provide for our youth and their future!
Marri Shabilla
Board Member
Keeping the young generation motivated and excited for all the great things that are ahead of them is very powerful. I am excited to be involved with Ayana and bring about positive change. We get to teach our youth respect for life and others, humility, good behavior and help in developing confidence through our programs.
Tiffiany Naoom
Educational Director
My experience with Ayana has been immensely gratifying. Collaborating with esteemed mentors, colleagues, and community members to uplift the youth in our Chaldean community has proven to be exceptionally rewarding. Witnessing Ayana's evolution into a thriving organization that supports young people across various platforms has been inspiring. Since its inception, Ayana has been dedicated to nurturing our youth's social, emotional, and academic growth, cultivating a generation of confident and esteemed young individuals. Whether through the exciting events that Ayana orchestrates to unite our community or through the comprehensive mentorship programs available to our youth, I am profoundly honored to contribute to an organization as remarkable as this one.
Alvera Tohi
Community Ambassador
I believe that investing in our youth is crucial for their future success. This conviction led me to quickly support The Ayana Group and its mission. Supporting our youth, especially within the Chaldean community, and helping them realize their aspirations through Ayana’s resources is deeply rewarding. The support within the community plays a vital role in their development and achievement.
Together we can do a lot!
Michelle Esho
Marketing Coordinator
It’s a privilege to be part of such a meaningful organization that is dedicated to empowering our Chaldean youth through education, mentorship, and opportunity. I’ve always been passionate about supporting our next generation, helping them embrace their potential, and providing the tools they need to succeed while staying grounded in their values.