UNA Houston Board of Directors 2024

Dr. Rima Adil is a visionary leader and advocate for student success who currently serves as the Interim Vice Chancellor Student Services, HCCat Houston Community College. Her unwavering commitment to empowering students through engagement, leadership, and mentorship opportunities has earned her recognition as a trailblazer in the field of higher education.

Dr. Adil’s passion for community engagement is evident through her active involvement in various organizations and initiatives that aim to promote dialogue on civic issues and foster collaboration to improve the quality of life. She is a staunch believer in the power of diversity and has been a driving force behind several Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, programs, and training programs.

Dr. Adil’s achievements have been widely acknowledged, including being the recipient of the Chancellor Eagle Award at HCC, Women of Excellence Award from the Federation of Houston Professional Women, Terry O’Banion Award from the National Council of Student Development, and several others. Her contributions to the field have also been recognized with awards such as the Virtual Innovation Award, NASPA, League of Innovation Award, and the Patrice Johnson Award.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Adil serves on the board of several organizations, including the World Chamber of Commerce, National Council of Student Development (NCSD), and the Greater Women’s Houston Chamber of Commerce. She is a recent graduate of Leadership Houston, Class XL, where she served as a project leader for the class and remains actively involved in alumni engagement activities.

Through her dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to student success and community engagement, Dr. Adil continues to inspire and empower individuals to achieve their full potential.

Ms. Alpaslan is currently the Director of the Raindrop Women’s Association which is focusing on women’s issues, youth education and refugee settlement. The organization has been assisting women and young people in Houston for 22 years. Seher’s work involves developing empowering projects for women and youth, mentoring, English classes as well as fundraising responsibilities.

Seher implements SDG goals to her mentorship programs. She has served at other chapters of Raindrop Foundation in Texas and Oklahoma since 2005. She also served as the Client Intake Specialist at Infant Crisis Services and organized cultural programs with Sister Cities of Oklahoma. Seher is leading a Girl Scout troop in San Jacinto Council and leads “Take Action” unit in her Girl Scouts Community Service Team. She studied Business Management however she followed her childhood dream by working with 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.

Radhika Ayyar is the President of Meridian Management Consulting, LLC, a company providing customized solutions to drive exponential impact by aligning key areas of strategic management and human resources for ongoing agility, resilience and efficiency. She is an accomplished executive leader in Human Resources with over a couple of decades of experience leading the University of Texas Employee Assistance Program and Prairie View A&M University. Her demonstrated success to drive and manage change, optimize business operations/services, creatively manage cross functional/ multi-disciplinary work teams, launch continuous improvement operational initiatives and systems to achieve organizationally aligned results has been recognized both internally and among her peers in the nation. She holds an MBA from the University of Houston and a BS degree in Chemistry from Osmania University in India. She is certified in mediation and is a Senior Professional in Human Resources and SHRM Senior Certified Professional. She lived in other countries, speaks several languages, and has experience working in global and local multicultural teams in community organizations.

Carme Williams  is the President and CEO of WilliamsCL Consulting, LLC. focused on fundraising in the areas of organization, structure, strategic planning and strategy. Carme is also a Senior Consultant with Washburn & McGoldrick, LLC. focused on campaign assessments, feasibility studies and planning, as well as, advancement training, relationship building, alumni engagement, and board/staff training. Carme has been a leader in the corporate and nonprofit community for almost three decades. Carme has secured more than $190 million during her career. Carme has been in higher education advancement work at Rice University, Houston Community College Foundation and Prairie View A&M University. Carme was at Rice University as a Regional Major Gifts Director of Development and School of Humanities Director of Development during the $1 billion Capital Campaign. Carme managed three Advisory Boards and helped create collateral material for the School of Humanities funding priorities. In 2018, Carme became the Vice President of Development for Prairie View A&M University. She created a university fundraising plan, reorganization, and stewardship plan, which all yielded annual 30% to 48% increases in philanthropic support. Carme secured a $2M planned gift and played a role in a $50 Million unrestricted gift. Carme received a bachelor’s degree in business management from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC; Certified Fundraising Executive Certificate in 2009. Carme currently serves on the North Carolina State Steering Committee for Wolfpack Women in Philanthropy chairing the Philanthropy Committee. Carme is a board member of the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce, Houston Public Library Foundation, and African American Development Officers.

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.

Candice McGlen pioneers the space where social impact meets Human Resources and Talent Development. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a clear passion and focus for using HR for good. She is the founder of Gifted Works, a consulting organization that works with mid-sized businesses around the United States to develop people-centered, purpose-driven organizations. Candice believes that each business and industry can play a role in enacting meaningful change to better our world. In 2020, her organization, Gifted Works, set a goal to help 230 organizations align with impacting the 17 UN Sustainable Development goals by 2030. Candice McGlen fearlessly questions the status quo in order to develop and implement high-impact HR and talent management solutions. Her mission is to disrupt any oppressive systems, beliefs, policies, procedures, practices, or cultural norms that prohibit people from realizing their highest potential. Her probing approach is based on the early days of her career when she worked with a non-governmental organization that was adept at overcoming obstacles by sidestepping conventional norms in favor of fresh, action oriented thinking. Candice is passionate about Since then; she’s applied her experience to the various facets of HR.

Dr. Roopa Gir is the Chairman of iEducate, a social venture in Houston, Texas that works with school districts to engage college students as co-teachers/ mentors in underserved elementary schools. Since 2011, she has been an advisor to AICAPD, an innovative mobile school in India that provides education to children of migrant workers. Dr. Roopa Gir is also the founder and managing partner of a Houston based start-up ARG Global Technologies. She has worked for over 30 years at Schlumberger in various technical and management positions, including the Director for Technology Watch. She was the first female Scientific Advisor at Schlumberger. In addition, she is a charter member of TiE Houston and has led the TiE Energy SIG, a new initiative to strengthen entrepreneurship in the energy sector.

She currently serves on the boards of , IAPACGH, Samskriti (Society of Indian Performing Arts in Houston), and AICAPD (All India Citizens &’ Alliance for Progress & Development). Roopa is a Gold Medalist from IIT Roorkee with an M.Tech in Applied Geophysics, and a Ph.D. (Doctorat d’Etat) in Seismology from University Louis Pasteur, France. She is a Distinguished Alumnus of IIT Roorkee in two categories of “Technology” and “Service”.

Through her various initiatives, Roopa hopes to promote opportunities and representation of 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. Holding a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from the University of Houston, Dr. Ghoson plays a pivotal role within the University of Texas Medical Branch, overseeing Investigational Drug Services at the League City Campus and contributes to vaccine research programs at UTMB Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences and Clinical Trials. Throughout the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, her leadership spearheaded numerous vaccine awareness campaigns, both locally and internationally. 

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Ghoson is a passionate advocate for global health, a champion for women and girls, and human rights and anti-human trafficking advocate. Her impactful health contributions have earned her numerous honors and awards, including International Fakhr Al-Arab Award in Dubai and the Shield of Excellence Award presented by the UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence at the Arab Women Council Forum 2022, Dubai. 

Dr. Ghoson’s influence extends beyond accolades and media appearances, as a founder of United Voices For Global Impact, a non-profit, she leverages her expertise to educate and empower underserved and marginalized communities focusing on health, sustainable development, advocacy, and humanitarian support.

Jacob George is the Vice President of Natural Gas Strategy and Operational Standards at CenterPoint Energy, Inc. an American utility company based in Houston, Texas, that provides electric and natural gas utility to customers in several markets in the American states of Indiana, Ohio, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, and Texas. He is an accomplished executive leader in operational technology and processes with couple of decades of experience leading several departments within CenterPoint Energy. He demonstrated success to drive and manage change, optimize business operations/services, creatively manage cross functional/ multi-disciplinary work teams, launch continuous improvement operational initiatives and systems to achieve organizationally aligned results has been recognized both internally and among his peers in the utility industry. He holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Mahatma Gandhi University in India. He lived in other countries, speaks several languages, and has experience working in global and local multicultural teams in multi-national organizations.

Jacob’s passion is to get involved in providing communities with 100% clean, renewable energy, always backed by simplicity, transparency, and integrity. Also, to impact climate change by accelerating the electrification through technological and business model innovation.

Natashia McGough Clarke is an author, cross-cultural researcher, public relations and affairs professional, and government relations expert. She has a passion for driving cultural competence in both the community and workplace. Currently, Natashia is a Professor of Cultural Anthropology at the University of Houston, Clear Lake and conducts workshops on improving cross-cultural professional collaboration in organizations. She has worked as a Public Relations & Affairs Consultant in the education system and served as the Executive Director of the West African Film Festival from 2018 – 2023.

Natashia’s vast professional experience includes executive speech writing, creative author, education and community outreach research and development, cross-cultural studies research for World Affairs Council of Houston as a graduate intern, researcher and conference presenter on Islamic studies and cultures of Asia, and public affairs and community relations consultant for several nonprofit organizations. Natashia has broken many barriers and received recognition in her career, including being one of the first African American females featured as a graphic novelist on MTV Geek and invited featured panelist at Comic Con – San Diego, Anime Expo, and Comic Con – New York. She is a parent advisor and founding member of the National Society of Black Engineers Pearland Chapter and charter member of the Houston Metropolitan Chapter of Jack and Jill of America.

Natashia holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Spelman College and a Master of Arts in Cross-Cultural Studies and Professional Writing from University of Houston – Clear Lake. She recently completed an EdD in Higher Education Leadership and Learning Technologies from East Texas A&M University. She currently works in the Organization Talent Development Department at City of Hope National Medical Center.

Dr. Rayyan Amine is a distinguished educational leader with over 20 years of experience across public, private, international, and higher education sectors. Currently, she serves as the Chief of School Improvement and Accountability for Alief Independent School District. Previously, she was the Assistant Superintendent of School Improvement and Accountability for Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District and a tenured-track faculty member at the University of Houston. Her work reflects a steadfast commitment to fostering academic excellence and driving systemic progress.

Dr. Amine holds a PhD in Education specializing in Educational Assessment, Testing, & Evaluation from the University of Houston, and a master’s degree in education, blending academic rigor with hands-on expertise. She is widely recognized for her strategic vision, innovative leadership, and ability to design programs and initiatives that close achievement gaps and elevate learning environments.

Throughout her career, Dr. Amine has been celebrated for her collaborative leadership style, inclusivity, and dedication to mentoring emerging leaders. Her influence extends beyond her district through her contributions to professional learning communities and efforts to promote equitable, high-quality education. Dr. Amine exemplifies a relentless commitment to ensuring that both educators and students thrive. A proud mother of three, she resides in Houston, Texas 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