VALA NC Board Members

Board Members

The VALA NC Board of Directors comprises experienced educators, professionals, and community leaders who provide strategic leadership, governance, and oversight to ensure the school’s success. Guided by a shared commitment to excellence, the Board brings together diverse perspectives to support a high-quality virtual learning environment that integrates rigorous instruction, STEAM-focused education, responsible use of technology, intentional character development, and strong family partnerships.

Through a phased growth model and a student-centered approach, the Board is committed to helping VALA NC achieve strong academic outcomes and prepare students for responsible citizenship, lifelong learning, and success in college, careers, and life.

Dr. Cevdet Akbay
Board President

Dr. Cevdet Akbay is a Professor of Chemistry at Fayetteville State University (FSU) with over 20 years of experience in higher education, curriculum design, and student success initiatives. He serves as Director of the NSF-funded S8 Program at FSU, leading efforts in STEM retention, undergraduate research, and evidence-based, student-centered instruction. Dr. Akbay has also led successful accreditation efforts, including guiding his department to American Chemical Society accreditation, and has secured and managed multiple competitive grants supporting student success and innovation in STEM education. He earned his B.S. in Chemistry Education in Türkiye and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemistry from Louisiana State University, followed by postdoctoral research at Georgia State University. As Board President of VALA NC, he is committed to advancing a high-quality, student-centered virtual education model that prepares all students for success in college, careers, and life.

Dr. Khalid M. Lodhi
Board Vice President

Dr. Khalid M. Lodhi is a Professor of Biological and Forensic Sciences at Fayetteville State University and Director of the Forensic Science Program. He brings extensive professional experience as a forensic DNA scientist, having worked at ReliaGene Technologies and the Indianapolis Marion County Forensic Services Agency, where he analyzed criminal cases and testified as an expert witness. His research focuses on forensic DNA analysis, innovative forensic science education, and emerging identification methods. Dr. Lodhi has received numerous prestigious fellowships and awards and is widely published in peer-reviewed journals. As Board Vice President of VALA NC, he contributes deep expertise in STEM education, research, and real-world application to support high-quality, career-connected learning opportunities for students.

Ms. Altrovise Parks
Board Secretary

Ms. Altrovise S. Parks is an experienced educator, administrator, and doctoral scholar with over 15 years of service in K–12 and higher education. She currently serves as a Restorative Justice Facilitator at Gray’s Creek Middle School in North Carolina, where she leads initiatives in restorative practices, trauma-informed support, and culturally responsive leadership. In addition, she contributes to research and student mentoring as a Doctoral Graduate Assistant at Fayetteville State University and serves as a school leader for a community-based weekend and summer academic enrichment program. Ms. Parks holds advanced degrees in school administration and teaching and is pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. As Board Secretary of VALA NC, she brings strong expertise in equity, student support systems, and community-centered education to help foster inclusive and impactful learning environments.

Mr. Nizar Mashal
Board Treasurer

Mr. Nizar Mashal is the Chief Financial Officer at Quantum Metal Exchange Inc., with extensive expertise in financial analysis, modeling, and reporting. His professional background includes experience in private equity and banking, where he has led initiatives in structured finance, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and due diligence. He also has a strong interest in impact investing and innovative financial models. Mr. Mashal holds an MBA in Finance from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and additional degrees in finance and business law. As Board Treasurer of VALA NC, he provides strategic financial oversight and supports the school’s long-term fiscal sustainability.

Mr. Abdelilah Choukri
Board Member

Mr. Abdelilah Choukri is an Executive Director at Wells Fargo in Corporate & Investment Banking, where he leads enterprise-wide data and risk platforms supporting regulatory oversight, capital planning, and governance. With over a decade of experience at the intersection of technology, analytics, and risk management, he is known for building resilient systems and strengthening data-driven decision-making in complex environments. He is also actively engaged in community and nonprofit initiatives focused on youth development, education, and mentorship, bringing a strong commitment to equity, accountability, and meaningful impact. As a Board Member of VALA NC, Mr. Choukri contributes expertise in data-driven oversight, scalable digital systems, and strategic governance, supporting the school’s mission to deliver innovative, accessible, and high-quality virtual education for all students.

Dr. Ana L. da Silva
Board Member

Dr. Ana L. da Silva is an experienced educator and academic professional with over two decades of teaching experience in both traditional and online learning environments. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Industrial Chemistry and Chemistry Education, as well as M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. Dr. da Silva has strong expertise in curriculum development, student-centered instruction, and educational technology, with a focus on making rigorous scientific content accessible and meaningful for diverse learners. As a Board Member of VALA NC, she brings a deep commitment to equity, innovation, and high-quality instruction, supporting the development of engaging and inclusive learning experiences for all students.

Mr. Halil I. Demir
Board Member

Mr. Halil I. Demir is an internationally recognized humanitarian leader and nonprofit executive dedicated to advancing education, human rights, and global community development. He is the founder and Executive Director of the Zakat Foundation of America, which operates in over 50 countries, providing education, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development programs. With decades of experience working across more than 35 countries, Mr. Demir has led initiatives supporting vulnerable populations through schools, orphan care, and community-based services. He holds degrees in Sociology, Nonprofit Management, and History, has completed executive education at Harvard University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Vienna. As a Board Member of VALA NC, Mr. Demir brings a global perspective, a strong commitment to service, and deep experience in building mission-driven, community-centered organizations that expand access to education and opportunity.

Ms. Naimah Rashad
Board Member

Ms. Naimah Rashad is an accomplished mental health professional with extensive experience in clinical psychology, crisis intervention, and behavioral health services across public safety and healthcare settings. She currently serves in a leadership role in Robeson County, North Carolina, where she provides clinical services and supports multidisciplinary teams in delivering effective mental health care. With a background that includes work in both correctional and inpatient environments, Ms. Rashad has expertise in psychological assessment, crisis response, treatment planning, and staff training. She is a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA HSP-PA) and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), and she holds a Master of Arts in Psychology from Fayetteville State University. As a Board Member of VALA NC, Ms. Rashad brings valuable insight into student well-being, social-emotional support, and mental health-informed practices, contributing to the development of a safe, supportive, and student-centered learning environment.

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