Dr. Cevdet Akbay

Dr. Cevdet Akbay is a professor of chemistry and educator with more than 20 years of experience in higher education, curriculum design, and student success initiatives. He currently serves as a Professor of Chemistry and Director of the NSF-funded Student-centered Strategies, Scholarships, and Support Services for Student Success in Sciences (S8) Program at Fayetteville State University, where he has led transformative efforts in active learning, STEM retention, and collaborative research partnerships.

Dr. Akbay earned his B.S. in Chemistry Education in Türkiye and completed his M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemistry at Louisiana State University, followed by postdoctoral research at Georgia State University. He joined Fayetteville State University in 2004, where he has since built a distinguished academic career. During his tenure, he served as Department Chair, led the department through successful American Chemical Society (ACS) accreditation, expanded undergraduate research opportunities, and championed evidence-based teaching innovations—including flipped learning, team-based learning, adaptive learning technologies, and project-based instruction.

With the Virtual Active Learning Academy (VALA-NC), Dr. Akbay aims to reimagine K–12 virtual education in North Carolina through an innovative model that integrates active learning, adaptive instruction, authentic real-world experiences, and accessible pathways for every student. His work is grounded in a strong commitment to educational equity, meaningful community engagement, and expanding high-quality, future-ready learning opportunities for all children—regardless of background or circumstance.

Dr. Ana Claudia Lemes da Silva

Dr. da Silva is an educator and academic professional committed to expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities for all students. She holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Industrial Chemistry and Chemistry Education from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), one of Brazil’s leading institutions, as well as a PhD and Master’s Degree in Analytical Chemistry from the same institution. With more than two decades of experience teaching chemistry in both traditional and online environments, Dr. da Silva has developed a strong expertise in curriculum development, student-centered instruction, and educational technology.

Throughout her career, Dr. da Silva has focused on making rigorous academic content accessible and meaningful for diverse learners. She has designed online science courses, developed instructional materials that support conceptual understanding, and led initiatives to help students build confidence, curiosity, and real-world problem-solving skills. Her work is grounded in the belief that every student deserves an engaging, supportive, and equitable learning environment.

Mr. Halil I. Demir

Mr. Halil Demir is an internationally recognized humanitarian leader whose career has been dedicated to uplifting vulnerable communities, amplifying unheard voices, and promoting peace in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Born in a remote village in Southeastern Turkey, he experienced poverty firsthand and taught himself to read as a child. Motivated by a deep commitment to education, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology in Switzerland and later completed master’s degrees in Nonprofit Management and History in the United States. He also attended Harvard University’s Executive Education Program in Strategic Perspectives for Nonprofit Management and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Vienna. Fluent in six languages, Mr. Demir has built his career around justice, human rights, and global cooperation.

In 2001, he founded the Zakat Foundation of America (ZFA), a humanitarian organization rooted in the Islamic principles of zakat, sadaqah, stewardship, and service to humanity. Under his leadership, ZFA has expanded into a global institution operating in 50 countries and providing emergency relief, sustainable development, education, healthcare, and long-term community support. His work emphasizes strategic, community-centered solutions that address both urgent needs and structural challenges.

Mr. Demir has worked in more than 35 countries, collaborating with refugees, widows, orphans, and displaced families affected by war and disaster. As Executive Director of ZFA, he has led the establishment of schools, orphanages, vocational programs, mental health centers, and sustainable infrastructure worldwide. He is also the author of 9 Myths About Muslim Charities and serves on multiple nonprofit boards. His efforts have been featured in major media outlets and recognized with numerous national and international awards.

Dr. Khalid Lodhi

Dr. Khalid M. Lodhi is a Professor in the Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences at Fayetteville State University, where he also serves as the Director of the Forensic Science Program. He began his professional forensic science career at ReliaGene Technologies, Inc. as a Senior Scientist, contributing to the development and analysis of forensic DNA databases. He later joined the Indianapolis Marion County Forensic Services Agency as a Forensic Scientist, where he worked on more than 100 criminal cases involving DNA evidence and testified in court as an expert witness.

Dr. Lodhi has earned numerous competitive scholarships and prestigious awards throughout his academic and professional journey, including the NUFFIC/FAO Fellowship, UNESCO Research Fellowship, Asia 21 Scholarship, Yoneyama Rotary Scholarship, Kenan Fellowship, and a Fulbright Specialist Award.

His current research focuses on three primary areas: 1) Identifying individuals using low-copy-number DNA recovered from touched objects, 2) Developing innovative methods for forensic science education, and 3) Identifying individuals through DNA obtained from blood-feeding insects.

Dr. Lodhi actively mentors high school, undergraduate, and graduate students through hands-on research projects. He has published widely in reputable international peer-reviewed journals and serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Forensic Research. He is also an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the International Association for Identification, the Southern Association of Forensic Scientists, Council of Forensic Science Educators, and the North Carolina Academy of Science.

Mr. Nizar Mashal

Nizar Mashal holds the position of Chief Financial Officer at Quantum Metal Exchange Inc. He possesses strong skills in financial analysis, financial modelling, and financial reporting. Mr. Mashal holds certifications as an Associate Value Specialist and a Professional Executive Master in Islamic Finance. He has also authored publications on topics related to Islamic finance.

Mr. Mashal’s professional background includes extensive experience in private equity and Islamic banking institutions, where he has been involved in various financial activities such as product development, structured finance, corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings (IPO), private placement memorandum (PPM), and due diligence. He is particularly interested in developing decision-making models and financial structures for Islamic Social Finance and Impact Investing.

In addition to his role at Quantum Metal Exchange Inc., Mr. Mashal has held significant positions in his career, including Director at Raqaba, where he contributed to the development of the Raqaba Index and led international and US engagements. He also served to expand the US client base and leading engagements with the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI).

Previously, Mashal worked at a publicly traded private equity firm in Kuwait for several years. In his role as Deputy Manager, Corporate Finance, he managed public firms, completed an IPO, prepared PPMs, and participated in due diligence and acquisitions.

Mr. Mashal’s educational background includes a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business in 2018. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in finance and a minor in international studies from the American University of Kuwait and a Bachelor of Arts in Jurisprudence with a focus on Islamic Business Law from Kuwait University.

Ms. Altrovise Parks

Ms. Altrovise S. Parks is a dedicated educator, administrator, and doctoral scholar with over fifteen years of experience in K-12 and higher education. She currently serves as a Restorative Justice Facilitator at Gray’s Creek Middle School in Hope Mills, North Carolina, where she leads schoolwide initiatives focused on restorative practices, trauma-informed interventions, and culturally responsive leadership. In this role, she collaborates with teachers, administrators, and families to improve student accountability, reduce disciplinary incidents, and foster an inclusive culture of belonging and achievement.

In addition to her school-based leadership, Ms. Parks is a Doctoral Graduate Assistant in the School of Education and Leadership at Fayetteville State University, where she supports research, instructional innovation, and student mentoring. Her professional contributions demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, continuous improvement, and leadership development rooted in both theory and practice.

Ms. Parks also serves as the Principal of the Islamic Center of Fayetteville’s Weekend and Summer School programs, where she launched the institution’s first full-time summer enrichment initiative serving students from pre-K through eighth grade. Her ability to design and implement culturally relevant, impactful learning experiences reflects her belief in nurturing the whole child academically, socially, and spiritually.

Throughout her career, Ms. Parks has held roles as an administrative intern, classroom teacher, and adjunct instructor at Fayetteville Technical Community College and Miller-Motte College. Her experience includes curriculum design, restorative discipline, MTSS implementation, and program development. She is recognized for her reflective leadership style, community engagement, and passion for empowering educators and students to succeed in diverse learning environments.

Ms. Parks holds a Master of School Administration and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Fayetteville State University and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, respectively. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership at Fayetteville State University.

Grounded in service and guided by integrity, Altrovise S. Parks exemplifies the mission-driven leadership essential to advancing innovation, equity, and excellence in public education.