2025 40 Under 40 Winners

Since joining UHF in September 2023, Zain has more than doubled his personal fundraising targets, demonstrating strong leadership and initiative.  

While at Aga Khan Foundation, Zain secured 3.2 million dollars in funding for programs supporting gender equality, climate change action, and social development in Kyrgyzstan. He played a pivotal role in launching Igniters, a program designed to engage the next generation of philanthropists. He shaped its structure, recruited key stakeholders, and helped create a bold theme for 2025 and 2026 focused on AI, technology, and sustainability in healthcare. 

As Chair of External Relations for the Edmonton Ismaili Council, Zain has enhanced the community’s partnerships with civic institutions and other cultural organizations, promoting pluralism and civic engagement. 

For me, it was personal before it was professional. I’ve been surrounded by healthcare workers my whole life — people who quietly save lives and support patients every day, often without recognition. Watching their impact up close made me want to do something more than just admire their work.

I realized I could use my skills in relationship-building, strategic communication, and community engagement to help bring their stories to the forefront — and more importantly, bring resources to where they’re needed most.

Healthcare philanthropy gives me the chance to shine a light on innovation, equity, and the critical gaps in our system. It allows me to connect passionate donors with high-impact solutions and ultimately support a stronger, healthier future for all.

I’ve grown up surrounded by healthcare workers whose life-saving work often goes unrecognized. Seeing their dedication up close, I felt compelled to amplify their efforts. I chose healthcare philanthropy to shine a light on the critical gaps in our healthcare system and to empower others to create lasting impact in their communities through giving.

I have been fortunate enough to have had experience in various lines of work so early in my career. The biggest transition for me in my career was shifting from working in the classroom as a high school Social Sciences teacher to building partnerships for an international NGO in Kyrgyzstan as part of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada International Youth Fellowship Programme. While managing relationships with various types of donors and engaging with the projects they helped fund on a regular basis, I found a niche to almost act as an advocate for underprovided services. 

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