STRATEGIC ADVISORS
Our Strategic Advisors are visionary entrepreneurs, investors, and global leaders who help chart Empower’s long-term path. With diverse backgrounds in business, innovation, and social impact, they provide the insight, resources, and networks needed to scale a moonshot vision. Their guidance ensures Empower is not just a sports academy, but a sustainable movement creating opportunities for Pakistan’s young women to become world-class athletes and changemakers.
Sal Khan
Founder and CEO of Khan Academy
Sal Khan is the founder and CEO of Khan Academy, a nonprofit with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. He is also the founder of Schoolhouse.world, Khan Lab School and Khan World School, all nonprofits focused on making world class, personalized mastery education accessible.
Sal’s interest in education began while he was an undergraduate at MIT. He developed math software for children with ADHD and tutored fourth- and seventh-grade public school students in Boston. He holds three degrees from MIT and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Sultana Siddiqui
Founder & President, HUM Network Limited
Sultana Siddiqui is a pioneering media entrepreneur and the first woman in South Asia to establish and lead a television network. She founded Eye Television Network, later rebranded as HUM Network Limited, in 2004. Under her leadership, HUM TV became Pakistan’s first 24-hour Urdu entertainment channel, revolutionizing local broadcasting. Her commitment to producing socially relevant content has garnered numerous national and international awards, including the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s third-highest civilian honor. Siddiqui is also a prominent advocate for women's empowerment in media and has mentored emerging talent across the industry.
JJ Zhuang
Co-Founder & Former CTO, Acompli (Acquired by Microsoft)
JJ Zhuang is a distinguished technology executive and entrepreneur, renowned for his expertise in artificial intelligence and mobile applications. He co-founded Acompli, a mobile email and calendar app, serving as its Chief Technology Officer. Acompli was acquired by Microsoft in 2014 for approximately $200 million, leading to the development of Outlook Mobile. Following the acquisition, Zhuang joined Instacart as Chief Architect, where he played a pivotal role in integrating AI-driven technologies to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.
Khushbakht ShujaAt
Former Senator & Advocate for Education and Women’s Rights
Khushbakht Shujaat is a seasoned public servant and educationist with a career spanning over four decades. She served as a Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013 and as a Senator from 2015 to 2021. Shujaat holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Karachi and has been a vocal advocate for youth empowerment, gender equality, and accessible education. In recognition of her exemplary public service, she was honored with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian awards.
Duraid Qureshi
CEO, HUM Network Limited
Duraid Qureshi is a prominent media executive and the CEO of HUM Network Limited, overseeing the operations of Pakistan’s leading entertainment network. He co-founded Moomal Productions, transforming it into one of the country's largest private production houses. Qureshi played a crucial role in the launch of HUM TV in 2005, focusing on promoting Pakistani culture and talent. He also founded HUM Films, aiming to revive Pakistan's film industry and distribute local films internationally. His leadership has been recognized with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian awards, in recognition of his contributions to the media industry.
Nadeem Zaman
Global Marketing Executive | Former VP, The Coca-Cola Company | Business Growth Leader, Kimberly-Clark
Nadeem Zaman is a seasoned global marketing leader with 25+ years driving growth and innovation at Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Kimberly-Clark. Known for building resilient brands and creating impactful consumer experiences, he has led major business transformations across 120+ markets in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the U.S.
At Coca-Cola, he served as Vice President for Southern Africa and Business Unit Head for Russia, Ukraine & Belarus, spearheading campaigns like Coke Studio, recognized with Cannes Lions and Loeries awards. At Kimberly-Clark, he drives strategic growth for the Baby & Childcare portfolio across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Recipient of LUMS’ Vice Chancellor Alumni Achievement Award, Zaman is a thought leader in marketing and brand strategy, blending consumer insights, operational excellence, and creative vision to deliver measurable results.
