Board Chair
Refugee and Immigrant Advocate
Malaak is a passionate advocate dedicated to fostering deep engagement and solidarity within refugee communities, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
As a trustee of the Sills Family Foundation, she channels her commitment into supporting refugee and immigrant communities, survivors of human trafficking, families affected by incarceration, and environmental advocates. Chairing the Global Whole Being Fund, Malaak focuses on empowering refugee-led humanitarian organizations with essential resources globally.
Malaak's journey as an Afghan refugee, from escaping to Pakistan at the age of five to finding asylum in the U.S. and resettling in California, inspires her work with empathy and insight. Her experience at Welcome.US, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), and Refugee & Immigrant Transitions (RIT), alongside her involvement in various initiatives, underscores her dedication to breaking down systemic barriers for displaced people globally.
Malaak holds a BS in Organizational Development and Leadership from the University of San Francisco and has been with RIT since 2017.