Mohammad Sami Nabizada is a visionary educator, accomplished leader, innovative thinker, entrepreneur, and award-winning college and university founder with a long-standing commitment to advancing education for underserved communities. Widely recognized for his contributions to Afghanistan’s private education sector, Mr. Nabizada has more than 15 years of proven experience in building and leading high-quality educational institutions. Mr. Nabizada began his journey in education at a young age. In 2005, as a high school student, he worked alongside his father, Mr. Ghulam Rasool Nabizada, who founded Sunshine Private High School in Kabul, Afghanistan. Supporting daily school operations and assisting students and staff sparked his deep passion for education and leadership. After graduating high school in 2007, he founded Sunshine College in 2008, which quickly became known for its quality programs and student success. In 2010, he established Sunshine University, now one of Afghanistan’s most respected private higher education institutions. Under his leadership, Sunshine grew to three campuses with more than 6,000 students and celebrated over a decade of successful convocations, graduating thousands of students who have gone on to leadership positions in Afghanistan and internationally. Beyond his work as a school and university founder, Mr. Nabizada also organized and led Afghanistan’s first national Education Expo, bringing together students, educators, and international institutions to expand educational opportunities across the country. His leadership in building institutions, hosting large-scale events, and forging partnerships has earned him widespread respect in Afghanistan’s education sector. With a deep understanding of leadership, budgeting, facility planning, and school development, Mr. Nabizada has proven expertise in every facet of running successful educational organizations, from instructional leadership and curriculum design to staffing, student services, and community engagement. Now living in Sacramento, California, Mr. Nabizada is leading the establishment of Sunshine Charter School, California’s first Farsi/Dari, Pashto and English immersion charter school. His vision is deeply shaped by his own immigrant and refugee experience, and his commitment to equitable, multilingual, and culturally inclusive education continues to guide his work. Through Sunshine Charter School, he aims to provide a welcoming, rigorous learning environment that serves Afghan, refugee, and diverse communities across Sacramento.   In addition to his contributions to education, Mr. Nabizada has experience as a business owner in Sacramento, having founded Max Fashion &HomeGoods, a multi-location retail department store. This entrepreneurial success deepened his expertise in budget management, regulatory compliance, staffing, and customer service, further strengthening his ability to lead and grow community-centered institutions in California. Meet Our Board of Directors

Educational Leader | Curriculum Strategist | School Transformation Expert Afshin (Andy) Mirhaj is a seasoned educational leader with over two decades of experience in K–12 education, including 16 years in leadership roles across charter and private schools both in the United States and internationally. With a deep commitment to student achievement and equity, Andy has successfully led school turnarounds, built high-performing academic teams, and developed rigorous, student-centered curriculum that drives measurable outcomes. Andy’s career is marked by a strong focus on innovation, accountability, and excellence. In 2019, as the head of a charter school in Miami, Florida, he led the school to receive the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence from the U.S. Department of Education, an achievement that underscores his ability to raise academic standards and foster a culture of success. His leadership in that role significantly elevated the school’s academic performance, community engagement, and operational effectiveness. In 2022, Andy accepted a new challenge in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he joined a charter school at a pivotal point in its development. Over the next three years, he spearheaded the creation of a comprehensive curriculum, built a cohesive team of educators, and implemented strategic financial planning. Under his leadership, the student population grew by an impressive 300%,and proficiency rates on state assessments surpassed the Idaho state average, marking the school as one of the most improved in the region.  Born into an immigrant household and raised in Canada, Andy brings a multicultural perspective to his work and a lifelong passion for education as a vehicle for opportunity. He holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Framingham State University and a Bachelor's Degree in English from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. His personal and professional journey has shaped a leadership philosophy grounded in empathy, high expectations, and unwavering belief in the potential of every student.   Andy continues to be a strong advocate for student success, educational equity, and the development of schools as transformational spaces for learning and growth. He is driven by the belief that effective leadership can change the trajectory of schools and the lives of the students they serve.

Dr. Naweedullah Danishyar is a professional and experienced educator, scholar, and community leader with a deep commitment to advancing education, mental health awareness, and immigrant support. He holds a bachelor’s degree in educational management, a master’s degree in psychology, and a Ph.D. in Educational Management from internationally recognized universities. With more than 10 years of teaching experience as a professor at leading private and public universities internationally, Dr. Danishyar has made significant contributions to education and psychology through his teaching, research, and publications. He is the author of several academic works, including the widely acclaimed book General Psychology, and has been a featured guest in numerous television interviews promoting mental health awareness. Dr. Danishyar is fluent in four languages Dari/Farsi, Pashto, English, and Urdu/Hindi giving him unique expertise in multilingual education. His strong belief in dual-language and immersion programs aligns directly with Sunshine Charter School’s mission to create culturally responsive learning environments. In addition to his educational background, Dr. Danishyar brings extensive financial expertise. He has served as a financial advisor and professional throughout his career, helping students and families build financial literacy, manage resources, and plan for long-term success. Dr. Danishyar is also a highly experienced board member who has successfully served in leadership roles across multiple nonprofit organizations. He is an active board member of the Afghan Hope Community of California, where he helps immigrants and refugees access critical resources, secure employment opportunities, and successfully adapt to life in the United States, with a particular focus on mental health and cultural integration. His depth of experience in education, psychology, finance, and nonprofit leadership makes him a key asset to the Sunshine Charter School Board, where he contributes his expertise to governance, community engagement, and the development of a high-quality, equitable, and inclusive school model.

Spojmie Nasiri is a highly respected and award-winning Immigration attorney and dedicated community leader with over a decade of experience in immigration law, humanitarian advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. She is deeply passionate about education, youth empowerment, and uplifting immigrant families, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to advancing equity and justice for underserved communities. Ms. Nasiri earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Davis in 1998 and her Juris Doctorate from Golden Gate University, School of Law in 2003. She is admitted to practice before the California Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and is an active member of both the American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”) and the California State Bar. With more than ten years of practice, Ms. Nasiri has represented hundreds of clients globally in a wide range of immigration matters, including asylum, refugee resettlement, deportation defense, family-based visas, and naturalization. She is widely recognized for her compassionate, client-centered approach and her ability to develop creative solutions in the most complex cases. Ms. Nasiri also has extensive nonprofit leadership experience, having served on multiple boards and task forces dedicated to immigrant rights and humanitarian initiatives. She was an integral member of AILA’s Afghan Response Task Force, which received the Michael Maggio Memorial Pro Bono Award (2022) for extraordinary service to Afghan evacuees. Her dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including the Minority Bar Coalition Unity Award (2021), AILA President’s Commendation (2022), and formal recognition in the U.S. Congressional Record for her outstanding pro bono contributions. In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Nasiri has over 15 years of volunteer experience mentoring young attorneys, leading legal workshops, and supporting immigrant families. A sought-after national speaker and trainer, she is recognized for her expertise in asylum law, humanitarian immigration policy, and Afghan refugee resettlement. Fluent in Pashto and Dari, Ms. Nasiri brings a deep cultural understanding and a strong personal connection to the immigrant and refugee families that Sunshine Charter School is designed to serve. As an accomplished immigration attorney, she has spent over a decade advocating for families navigating complex legal and resettlement challenges, making her uniquely positioned to support students and parents when they are in need. Her expertise directly aligns with Sunshine Charter School’s plan to create a safe, welcoming environment where families can access resources and feel empowered in their children’s education. Coupled with her nonprofit leadership experience and passion for youth empowerment, Ms. Nasiri’s role on the board strengthens the school’s ability to provide not only high-quality academics but also holistic support for the diverse families of Sacramento.

Dr. J. Douglas Penn is an accomplished educator, researcher, and community advocate whose career reflects a deep commitment to equity, cultural responsiveness, and academic excellence. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Western Michigan University, where his research explored the impact of educational opportunities on historically underserved communities. With over two decades of experience in higher education, Dr. Penn has taught at institutions including the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Modesto Junior College, Central Michigan University, Ferris State University, and others. His courses in sociology, race and ethnicity, inequality, and social problems have consistently integrated service learning and activism, giving students opportunities to connect classroom knowledge to real-world community engagement. In addition to higher education, Dr. Penn has taught at the K-12 level, working with diverse student populations as a middle school teacher, elementary teacher, and substitute teacher in multiple districts. He has also served in community-based educational roles, including tutoring, coaching, and mentoring, with a focus on empowering students from historically marginalized communities. Dr. Penn’s research and professional work are grounded in the sociology of education, race and ethnicity, and the role of philanthropy in addressing structural inequality. He has presented at numerous conferences, served on discussion panels about civil rights and diversity, and published research exploring the long-term impacts of educational programs. Beyond his academic and teaching career, Dr. Penn has been active in community service projects across the country, including food pantries, youth mentoring, and cultural programs. His dedication to advancing opportunity and equity through education makes him a strong advocate for students and families. As a board member of Sunshine Charter School, Dr. Penn brings not only his deep academic expertise but also his passion for culturally responsive education and multilingual learning. His extensive teaching, research, and community engagement experience will be instrumental in helping the school deliver on its mission to prepare students for success as multilingual, confident, and globally minded citizens.

Dr. Shiba Rahimi is a licensed clinical psychologist (PSY31179), educator, and nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience providing mental health services, advancing culturally responsive care, and supporting families across Northern California. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Assessment and Development Center of Sacramento (“ADCSac”), where she leads a multidisciplinary team providing therapy, psychological assessments, and educational support for children, adults, and families. Dr. Rahimi earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and master’s in psychology from Alliant International University in Sacramento, California, where she received the Dean’s Award of Excellence and Scholarship. Her advanced training includes a predoctoral internship at UC Davis Health and a postdoctoral fellowship at Child Haven, Inc. in Fairfield, where she specialized in trauma-informed care for children and families. With over 12 years of clinical experience, Dr. Rahimi has worked extensively with individuals and families facing depression, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment challenges, grief, and crisis situations. She is also highly skilled in play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (“CBT”), psychoanalysis, and attachment-based interventions, allowing her to create personalized, clientcentered treatment plans. She has also conducted group therapy programs for parenting, coparenting, substance abuse prevention, depression, and trauma recovery, and she has extensive experience administering psychological testing for academic, behavioral, and developmental needs. Dr. Rahimi’s background reflects a deep commitment to education as well as mental health. She has more than eight years of teaching and leadership experience at Avicenna Academy, where she served as a teacher, assistant principal, and administrator, and has taught psycho-educational classes at ADCSac for adults and families. She also spent nearly three years conducting research at UC Davis MIND Institute on ADHD neurodevelopment and at Alliant International University on culturally appropriate role models for Middle Eastern women’s empowerment. In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Rahimi has five years of experience leading nonprofit organizations, giving her unique insight into organizational development, budgeting, and community engagement. Her passion for supporting immigrant and refugee families, particularly in navigating education and mental health systems, aligns closely with Sunshine Charter School’s mission. Dr. Rahimi’s combination of mental health expertise, nonprofit leadership, teaching experience, and cultural competence makes her an invaluable potential board member. Her work ensures that children and families receive equitable care, culturally responsive support, and the resources they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.

Abdul Saboor Mahzooz is a dedicated legal educator, data analyst, and development professional with extensive experience in teaching, judicial reform, legal advocacy, and institutional development. Over the past decade, he has combined his expertise in law and education to strengthen justice systems and advance educational initiatives in Afghanistan and abroad. Mr. Mahzooz holds a master’s degree in criminal law and criminology and a bachelor’s degree in Judiciary and Prosecution from internationally recognized universities. He has served as a Law Faculty Lecturer at both private and public universities internationally, where he taught Criminal Law, Criminology, and Family Law, in addition to working as an ESL instructor to equip students with the English proficiency necessary for higher education and global engagement. In his work as a Case Management Specialist with Checchi-USAID, Mr. Mahzooz played a key role in Afghanistan’s judicial reform by training over 950 court staff in partnership with the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. His efforts helped introduce and implement a modern casetracking system that was later adopted nationwide. Mr. Mahzooz has also served as a prosecutor and legal advocate, representing clients in criminal, civil, and family law cases, with a special focus on protecting the rights of women and vulnerable populations. He has collaborated with international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration and the Humanitarian Organization for Sustainable Development, bringing together legal expertise and program management skills to support communities. His background also includes significant work in data analysis through his role with the DANIDA-MOE Program, a Danish-funded initiative under the Embassy of Denmark, where he supported Afghanistan’s Ministry of Education by leading data-driven performance assessments, reporting, and evidence-based policy development. Currently based in Roseville, California, Mr. Mahzooz is pursuing a Paralegal Certificate at the Paralegal Institute of Washington, D.C., furthering his legal expertise to serve immigrant and refugee communities in the United States. Mr. Mahzooz’s strong belief in the power of education and his extensive experience in law, advocacy, and program development inspired him to join and support the mission of Sunshine Charter School. His leadership and dedication will help ensure the school meets the needs of Sacramento’s diverse communities while building a strong foundation for equity and academic excellence.