Our team
Rifa Gowani
Founder & President
Rifa Gowani is the founder of Illness Not Weakness. A nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness for mental health. As an intern at Johns Hopkins and a researcher at the University of North Texas and Harvard Medical School. Rifa brings a unique perspective and deep understanding of mental health issues to her work. Her dedication to promoting mental health awareness and destigmatizing mental illness is evident through her involvement in academic research and her commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
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Zaryab Kanjiani
Vice President & Co-Social Media Coordinator
Zaryab, an 11th-grade student at the Texas Academy of Math and Science, is a passionate and dedicated advocate for mental health awareness. Through his work with Illness Not Weakness, Zaryab is committed to raising awareness, dismantling stigma, and fostering a compassionate community that supports mental health. His youthful perspective and dedication add a unique dimension to our advocacy efforts.
Shahmeer Mirza
Grants Department lead & Co-Social Media Coordinator
Shahmeer Mirza, a dedicated professional, serves as the Grant and Co-Social Media Coordinator for Illness Not Weakness. With a passion for social impact, Shahmeer combines his expertise in grant management and social media strategy to amplify the organization's reach and effectiveness. His commitment to driving positive change through innovative approaches makes him an invaluable asset in the nonprofit sector.
