UNA Houston Board of Directors 2024

Dr. Rima Adil, Interim Vice Chancellor of Student Services at Houston Community College, is a visionary leader dedicated to student success. Her passion for engagement, leadership, and mentorship has made her a trailblazer in higher education. Committed to community engagement, she fosters civic dialogue and collaboration to enhance quality of life. A strong advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), she has led numerous initiatives and training programs.

Her accolades include the HCC Chancellor Eagle Award, Women of Excellence Award from the Federation of Houston Professional Women, the Terry O’Banion Award from the National Council of Student Development, the Virtual Innovation Award, NASPA, and the League of Innovation Award. Dr. Adil serves on the boards of the World Chamber of Commerce, NCSD, and Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce. A Leadership Houston Class XL graduate, she led a class project and remains engaged in alumni efforts. Her leadership inspires others to achieve their potential through education and community service.

Ms. Seher Alpaslan is the Director of the Raindrop Women’s Association, an organization dedicated to addressing women’s issues, youth education, and refugee settlement. For 22 years, the organization has supported women and young people in Houston, and Seher has played a vital role in developing programs that empower them. Her work includes mentorship, English classes, community outreach, and fundraising efforts to sustain impactful initiatives.

Committed to advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Seher integrates these principles into her mentorship programs. Since 2005, she has served in multiple chapters of the Raindrop Foundation across Texas and Oklahoma. She was also a Client Intake Specialist at Infant Crisis Services and collaborated with Sister Cities and many local organizations to organize cultural exchange programs. Passionate about youth development, Seher leads a Girl Scout troop in the San Jacinto Council and spearheads the “Take Action” unit within her Girl Scouts Community Service Team. She studied Business Management and followed her childhood dream of serving nonprofit organizations.

Dr. Parvin Bagherpour  is the Chief Academic and Student Affairs Officer for Graduate Medical Education Development and former Associate Vice Chancellor for Houston Community College. She is a former UNA-Houston Director and Officer, having served UNA as a Vice-President. She is a well-known educator and community partner and has has over 35 years of experience in education including teaching, counseling and administration. Furthermore, Dr. Bagherpour is a visionary with a keen understanding of multiculturalism and diversity; as a result, she has exemplified innovative problem solving, using her strong leadership skills to established different initiatives for multiple organizations. She is a true believer in the power of education and emphasizes the importance of education in providing the skills and knowledge students should acquire for a successful performance in life. Being a strong part of the educational community, she shares her experiences by speaking locally, nationally, and internationally on subjects of education. Her motivation comes from a strong passion for education and the belief that community involvement, locally and internationally, helps to promote globalization and diversity. Her hard work and dedication to the community has resulted in awards by many different organizations.

Mr. Moll previously served as a Member of the UNA-Houston Board for 15 years, including multiple terms as first Vice President and President. Robert has a B.A. from Rice University and a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. He practices international law with clients that have included the UN/FAO World Food Program. Robert spent two years as a high school delegate to HAMUN followed by four years on the HAMUN Secretariat while in university and has been a member of the HAMUN Board of Governors since HAMUN XXI.

Dr. Franco Cortes is the Asset Building Community Outreach Coordinator at The Alliance, with more than eight years of experience in the financial service, non-profit, marketing, local government, and administrative fields. Since 2014, Maria has comprehended that literacy is critical to economic development and individual and community well-being. She got awarded the National Engaged Leader Award (NELA) in 2017 and the MassMutual Texas Gulf Coast: Certificate of Stellar Performance in 2019. Today, she continues to educate the community as a co-founder of a digital literature project. In addition, Maria Franco has served as council member- secretary general of marketing to plan and promote important events such as the Intergenerational Model United Nations 2022. Dr. Franco Cortes has completed the Doctor of Business Administration: Strategic Media and Digital Content program at Liberty University. She also attended Complete Communities University, a program for emerging leaders committed to positively impacting the community. She joined the program planning to understand civic engagement, volunteerism, and voter education, how the city and county governments manage neighborhoods, effectively navigate City services and local resources, and apply this knowledge at her current position and future endorsements.

Bonita Green Gambrell serves as Board Advisor and former Chairman of The Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Foundation of Texas. In 2015, she was named Member At Large for the Alzheimer’s Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter Board of Directors. Bonita was named as one of the Houston Business Journal’s People on the Move. In 2019, Bonita joined the Board of Directors for the UNA-USA Houston Chapter and was appointed to the United Nations Foundation, Partnerships & Collaborations Committee, served as VP, Membership and as one of the South Central Regional Representatives.
In 2021, she joined the Board of Directors for Career and Recovery Resources. Bonita holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston – Main Campus and a MBA from Texas Woman’s University. She completed the Non-Profit Leadership Certification at Rice University in 2021. Bonita lives in Houston, TX and in her free time, Bonita likes to read, listen to music and travel abroad.

Sara Timms is a retired teacher, United Nations Association (UNA) board member, and Global Houston Model UN Coordinator. With a deep passion for education and diplomacy, Sara has dedicated her post-teaching career to fostering international cooperation and youth engagement. As the coordinator for Global Houston Model United Nations, she plays a crucial role in organizing conferences that help students explore global issues, develop leadership skills, and understand the importance of diplomacy in today’s world.

Throughout her career and into retirement, Sara has remained committed to promoting peace, sustainability, and human rights. Her efforts to engage young minds and build bridges between local communities and international affairs have left a lasting impact. In recognition of her significant contributions, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from UNA Houston. Sara’s work continues to inspire both students and colleagues, ensuring that future generations are equipped to tackle global challenges with diplomacy and understanding.

 Shirin Malik is the United Nations Association-USA member at large; UNA-NCA, advocacy member, Senior Fellow, and Next Generation Leader at International Sustainable Development Resource Centre, Geneva.She has served on various team leadership positions within the Ismaili Community in her professional capacity. In Avdiamonds, an International company, she held a position as an entrepreneurial Marketing Director and strategic guide for more than 20 plus years. She holds a Bachelor’s in Biology from HBU and a Master’s in management from Texas A & M-Commerce. She received her Presidential Membership in the National Society of Leadership and Success, is an alumna at Gemological Institute of America, PRSA, American Ismaili Chamber of Commerce, Fort Bend Leadership alumna, and Fort Bend Chamber Commerce, to name a few. Shirin is deeply committed to AKDN’s causes of humanitarian assistance, professional and economic development, and programs that engage in continued education. Launch & fundraise for non-profit organizations, creating strategic ties with local nationally recognized academic institutions such as TSTC, University of Houston, HCC, and Workforce Solutions. She has featured keynote speakers from RAND, Intelligence Agencies, ABC13, and Wilson Amplifiers.

Carme Williams is the President and CEO of WilliamsCL Consulting, LLC, specializing in fundraising, strategic planning, and organizational structure. She is also a Senior Consultant with Washburn & McGoldrick, LLC, focusing on campaign assessments, feasibility studies, alumni engagement, and training. With nearly 30 years in corporate and nonprofit leadership, she has raised over $190 million.
Carme has held advancement roles at Rice University, Houston Community College Foundation, and Prairie View A&M University. At Rice, she contributed to a $1 billion capital campaign as Regional Major Gifts Director and School of Humanities Director of Development. At Prairie View A&M, she implemented a fundraising plan, achieving annual philanthropic growth of 30%-48%.
She holds a business degree from North Carolina State University and earned her Certified Fundraising Executive credential in 2009. Carme serves on the NC State Wolfpack Women in Philanthropy Steering Committee and sits on several boards, including the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce and Houston Public Library Foundation.

Matloob Khan is a volunteer and community activist working and providing community service for the past 30 years. He graduated from the University of Karachi in 1980 and successfully ran an IT business for 25 years. He works with grassroots organizations at the local, state, and national level. He has successfully coordinated and organized various different projects including distribution of school supplies and food drives. He believes helping out with the smallest taks can make a real difference to the lives of many people. He believes in equal opportunity for all, religious harmony, democracy, and promoting justice.

Dr. Roopa Gir is the Chairman of iEducate, a social venture in Houston that partners with school districts to engage college students as co-teachers in underserved elementary schools. Since 2011, she has advised AICAPD, a mobile school in India serving children of migrant workers. She is also the founder and managing partner of ARG Global Technologies, a Houston-based startup focused on innovative solutions.

With over 30 years at Schlumberger, Roopa held various technical and management roles, including Director for Technology Watch, and was the company’s first female Scientific Advisor. A charter member of TiE Houston, she has led the TiE Energy SIG to foster entrepreneurship in the energy sector. She actively mentors young professionals and promotes diversity in STEM.She serves on the boards of IAPACGH, Samskriti, and AICAPD. A Gold Medalist from IIT Roorkee, she holds an M.Tech in Applied Geophysics and a Ph.D. in Seismology from University Louis Pasteur, France. A Distinguished Alumnus of IIT Roorkee, she is dedicated to expanding opportunities for women and minorities in STEM careers.

Marguerite Gabriele  has been a practicing attorney for the past twelve years. She currently works as an in-house attorney at an international company. Named Top 40 Young Lawyer by the American Bar Association in 2021 for ESG work, Marguerite has experience aligning corporate data with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Ms. Gabriele has served as an NGO international conference delegate to the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Her long-term goal is to serve as a U.S. Ambassador.

Alexis Elafros is a business leader with a deep passion for education and a commitment to centering equity and community well-being in her work. Over the past six years, Alexis served as a key leader at the Houston-based nonprofit iEducate, where she forged partnerships to expand quality education and drive long-term impact across Houston. Guided by the belief that our humanity is bound together, and that we thrive by uplifting others—Alexis has dedicated her career to creating opportunities and scaling programs that bring about meaningful, collective change.

Currently a strategy consultant with Consilium Inc., Alexis continues to focus on mission-driven work. She serves as an Empowered Leader Fellow with the Women’s Impact Alliance and as an Advisory Board Member for US Prep’s Community of Practice. Alexis is a former AmeriCorps Member and graduate of Leadership ISD. She holds a BA in Sociology, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Central Florida.

Dr. Hala Ghoson is a research pharmacist at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), where she oversees Investigational Drug Services at the League City Campus and contributes to vaccine research at UTMB’s Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences and Clinical Trials. She holds a Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Houston. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led vaccine awareness campaigns locally and internationally.

A passionate advocate for global health, women’s empowerment, and human rights, Dr. Ghoson actively fights against human trafficking. Her contributions have earned her prestigious honors, including the International Fakhr Al-Arab Award in Dubai and the Shield of Excellence Award from the UAE Minister of Tolerance at the Arab Women Council Forum 2022. As founder of United Voices for Global Impact, a nonprofit, she empowers underserved communities through health education, sustainable development, advocacy, and humanitarian support. Her influence extends beyond accolades, making a tangible impact on global well-being.

Jacob George is the Vice President of Natural Gas Strategy and Operational Standards at CenterPoint Energy, a Houston-based utility company serving customers across Indiana, Ohio, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, and Texas. With two decades of experience, he has led multiple departments, driving operational technology, process improvements, and business optimization. His expertise in managing change, cross-functional teams, and launching continuous improvement initiatives has earned recognition within CenterPoint and the utility industry.

Jacob holds a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering from Mahatma Gandhi University in India. Having lived in multiple countries, he speaks several languages and has extensive experience working with global, multicultural teams in multinational organizations. Passionate about clean energy, Jacob is committed to advancing 100% renewable solutions with transparency and integrity. He also works to combat climate change by accelerating electrification through technological and business innovation.

Natashia McGough Clarke is an author, cross-cultural researcher, and public relations expert passionate about fostering cultural competence in communities and workplaces. She is a Professor of Cultural Anthropology at the University of Houston-Clear Lake and conducts workshops on cross-cultural collaboration. She has worked as a Public Relations & Affairs Consultant in education and served as Executive Director of the West African Film Festival (2018–2023).

Her experience includes executive speechwriting, research for the World Affairs Council of Houston, and public affairs consulting for nonprofits. She was among the first African American female graphic novelists featured on MTV Geek and a panelist at Comic-Con and Anime Expo. A founding member of the National Society of Black Engineers Pearland Chapter, she is also a charter member of Jack and Jill of America’s Houston Chapter. She holds degrees from Spelman College, UHCL, and an EdD from East Texas A&M. She currently works in Organizational Talent Development at City of Hope National Medical Center.

Dr. Rayyan Amine is a distinguished educational leader with over 20 years of experience in public, private, international, and higher education. She currently serves as Chief of School Improvement and Accountability for Alief ISD and previously held the same role as Assistant Superintendent in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. A former tenure-track faculty member at the University of Houston, she is committed to fostering academic excellence and systemic progress.

Dr. Amine holds a PhD in Education specializing in Educational Assessment, Testing, & Evaluation from the University of Houston and a master’s in education. She is widely recognized for her strategic vision, innovative leadership, and efforts to close achievement gaps. A collaborative and inclusive leader, she mentors emerging educators and contributes to professional learning communities. Passionate about equitable education, she works to ensure both students and educators thrive. A proud mother of three, she lives in Houston with her husband of 26 years.

Tim Martinez was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. He graduated from Texas Wesleyan University with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Mass Communication. Since 1992, Tim has called Houston home, embracing the city’s spirit and diversity. His professional career spans roles in banking operations & sales, higher education admissions & financial aid, and nonprofit fundraising. He is currently Vice President- Major Gifts & Planned Giving at Legacy Community Health where he has worked for 15 years.
Tim has served on the board of Montrose Clinic, now known as Legacy Community Health, for six impactful years. Further demonstrating his commitment, Tim has been involved with the Executive & Professional Association of Houston and the Krewe of Olympus-Texas. Currently, he serves on the City of Houston Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Board. Tim was an inaugural appointment in 2016 to the City of Houston Mayor’s LGBT Advisory Board and served for two years. Additionally,Tim is an active member of the board of directors for Family Houston. He is a proud graduate of Leadership Houston Class XL

Dr. Bandula Wijay, CEO of LeoMed LLC, is a distinguished inventor, scientist, engineer, and businessman specializing in cardiovascular device development. He has founded four medical device companies since 1984, including Poly-Tech, Leocor Inc., BinLab Inc., and LeoMed LLC, advancing interventional cardiovascular devices. Dr. Wijay holds over 28 U.S. and international patents, including the Protected Coronary Balloon Angioplasty concept and pioneering contributions to modern vascular stents. His research focuses on heart failure, localized drug therapy, and esophageal heart pacing.

Educated at Jadavpur University, IIT Kanpur, and the University of Southern California, he holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Polymer Science and an honorary Doctor of Science. Dr. Wijay has received accolades such as Sri Lanka’s Vidya Jyothi award, the UNA’s Global Citizen award, and a Lifetime Achievement award. A philanthropist, he supports education in Sri Lanka, providing scholarships to over 50 medical students through the Wijay Foundation. He resides with his wife in Houston, Texas.

Marie Merle Caekebeke is the Sustainability Executive – Strategic Engagement for Baker Hughes, leading stakeholder engagement and knowledge management to accelerate sustainable progress in the energy sector. She oversees enterprise-wide initiatives, including Baker Hughes’ global emissions reduction program, Carbon Out, and works closely with industry leaders to drive impactful sustainability strategies.

With over two decades in the energy sector, Marie previously held leadership roles at Schlumberger, specializing in Mergers & Acquisitions, Drilling, Service Quality, Corporate Communication, and Sustainability. As Global Director of ESG Performance, she was named one of Hart Energy’s 25 Influential Women in Energy in 2021. Marie serves on the University of Houston’s Industrial Advisory Board for the Consortium for Energy Corporate Social Responsibility, is a lifetime UNA-USA member, and chairs the ESG committee of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. She holds a business degree from Trinity University, a sustainability certification from Cambridge, and is based in Houston.