Our Team
Raphael Chaman
Chairperson
As Chairperson of the Board at RiseIntl (Research Initiatives and Skill Enlightenment), I provide strategic leadership to the Board, guiding its focus on key governance priorities and long-term organizational objectives. I oversee the Group’s operations from a governance perspective, ensuring accountability, transparency, and adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Throughout my career, I have played a pivotal role in strengthening board effectiveness and empowering individual Directors—both in their official capacities and through broader engagement beyond the boardroom.
Saima Samuel
Executive Secretary
Saima Samuel
As Executive Secretary, my primary role encompasses a range of responsibilities that contribute to the efficient governance and coordination of the organization. These include:
Governance Support: Facilitating effective communication between the board of directors and executive leadership, and ensuring board meetings are well-structured, documented, and compliant with regulatory standards.
Strategic Coordination: Supporting the formulation and implementation of strategic plans, and monitoring organizational progress to ensure alignment with mission-driven objectives.
Policy and Compliance Oversight: Maintaining up-to-date bylaws and internal policies, and ensuring adherence to legal, ethical, and operational standards.
Official Communication: Representing the organization in formal communications and public engagements, and drafting high-level correspondence, reports, and policy documents.
Documentation and Record-Keeping: Managing essential records such as meeting minutes, official filings, resolutions, and membership databases.
Administrative Leadership: Assisting the executive team in coordinating cross-departmental activities and promoting a culture of transparency, accountability, and collaboration.
Ishfaq Chaman
Executive Director
Throughout my career, I have dedicated over twenty-five of my most impactful years to serving a range of institutions in diverse and dynamic leadership roles. This extensive experience has enabled me to develop a deep reservoir of knowledge and expertise.
Driven by a passion for positive transformation, my lifelong commitment has been to support the growth and evolution of our community’s mindset. Drawing on this experience, I am confident that the insights I bring will prove invaluable in navigating the challenges ahead and shaping a brighter future for our organization.
In my current role, my core responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership: Steering the organization’s vision, mission, and long-term strategy, while ensuring that all programs and operations are aligned with our core values and objectives.
Board Engagement: Acting as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, supporting governance practices, policy development, and high-level decision-making.
Fundraising & Resource Development: Leading fundraising strategies, nurturing donor relationships, and securing financial resources through grants, partnerships, and targeted campaigns.
Financial Oversight: Overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and reporting processes to promote transparency, compliance, and fiscal responsibility.
Program Management: Directing the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs to ensure measurable impact and meaningful outcomes.
Team Leadership: Recruiting, mentoring, and managing staff while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and performance-driven culture.
Public Relations & Advocacy: Representing the organization to stakeholders, media, and the broader community. Advocating for the mission and strengthening external partnerships.
Operational Management: Managing day-to-day administrative functions, including human resources, legal compliance, and internal systems.
Shahbaz Munawer
Secretary General
Throughout my career spanning over twenty-five years, I have had the privilege of serving diverse institutions and organizations in various capacities. This extensive experience has enabled me to accumulate a wealth of knowledge and expertise. My passion and life objective are to contribute to the growth and development of our community’s mindset. Leveraging this experience, I am confident that my insights will prove invaluable in
addressing the challenges that lie ahead for our organization.
Asif Matto
Director Sustainable Development
A seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in marketing, international trade, and business management. Proven track record leading strategic projects with globally recognized brands. Expertise includes trade documentation, international logistics, vendor engagement, and cross-functional team leadership.
In addition to corporate achievements, I have spent more than 18 years working with diverse communities across Pakistan, championing initiatives in peacebuilding, education, and social welfare.
Junaid Gabriel
Secretary Finance
As Secretary Finance, I am responsible for overseeing the financial health and integrity of the organization. My core responsibilities include:
Budget Oversight: Collaborating with the Executive Director and Treasurer to develop, monitor, and report on the organization’s annual budget.
Financial Reporting: Preparing and presenting clear, accurate financial statements to the board to support informed decision-making.
Compliance & Record-Keeping: Ensuring compliance with financial regulations, donor requirements, and internal policies while maintaining organized and transparent financial records.
Fund Management: Managing the allocation and monitoring of funds across programs, including grants, donations, and operational expenditures.
Policy Development: Contributing to the development and revision of financial policies and internal control systems to safeguard assets and ensure accountability.
Board Liaison: Serving as a trusted financial advisor to the board, providing strategic guidance grounded in fiscal analysis.
Dr. Sam Gill
Health Coordiantor
In my role, I coordinate with local health authorities, clinics, and NGOs to identify and address pressing community health needs. I lead the monitoring and evaluation of program outcomes and prepare detailed reports for stakeholders and funding partners. I also design and facilitate health education workshops and awareness campaigns, while supervising and supporting a dedicated team of volunteers and outreach staff.
Additionally, I ensure the accurate maintenance and management of health-related data and records. Representing the organization at health forums, coalitions, and community events is a key part of my responsibilities—strengthening partnerships and advocating for improved public health outcomes.
Bishamat Faith
Media Manager
As Media Manager, I am responsible for leading the organization’s media and communications strategy to enhance visibility and advance its mission. My key responsibilities include:
Media Relations: Establishing and nurturing strong relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets. I draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and op-eds to ensure timely and impactful media coverage.
Content Creation: Overseeing the development of high-quality content across print, broadcast, and digital platforms, including newsletters, blogs, and video narratives.
Social Media Management: Managing and expanding the organization’s presence on social media platforms, ensuring content is timely, engaging, and aligned with our mission and values.
Campaign Coordination: Leading and executing media campaigns for key events, fundraising initiatives, and advocacy efforts.
Brand Management: Safeguarding and reinforcing the organization’s voice, values, and visual identity across all communications.
Monitoring & Reporting: Tracking media engagement and analyzing coverage metrics to produce actionable insights and performance reports for leadership and stakeholders.
Crisis Communication: Developing and implementing effective communication strategies during crises to uphold the organization’s reputation.
Collaboration: Working closely with program, fundraising, and leadership teams to ensure unified messaging and maximize impact across all channels.
Akhiz Mehmood(Adv. High Court)
Legal Advisor
As Legal Advisor, I play a key role in safeguarding the organization’s legal integrity and ensuring compliance across all areas of operation. My core responsibilities include:
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to local, national, and international laws relevant to the non-profit sector, including regulations concerning tax-exempt status, employment, fundraising, and data privacy.
Contract Review & Drafting: Preparing, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, MOUs, partnership agreements, and service-level arrangements to protect the organization’s interests.
Governance & Policy Guidance: Advising the board and executive leadership on legal aspects of governance, reviewing bylaws and internal policies to ensure sound and informed decision-making.
Risk Management: Identifying potential legal risks and liabilities, and recommending strategies to minimize exposure while maintaining the organization’s reputation and operational integrity.
Dispute Resolution: Assisting in the resolution of legal disputes through negotiation, mediation, or coordination with litigation processes when necessary.
Training & Awareness: Conducting training sessions for staff and board members to promote awareness of legal responsibilities, compliance standards, and ethical practices.
Intellectual Property Protection: Overseeing the protection and proper use of the organization’s intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights, and proprietary materials.
Liaison with External Counsel: Collaborating with external legal experts when specialized counsel or formal legal representation is required.