Our Founders
Sanaz Adibian, Psy.D.
Dr. Adibian's work has been shaped by a lifelong interest in understanding the human mind. Through years of clinical practice, teaching, and interdisciplinary research, she explored questions surrounding identity, suffering, and the ways people make meaning of their lives. Those explorations gradually evolved into the Cognitive Transcendence Framework and the Foundation that now carries the work forward. She continues to guide its development while encouraging open inquiry, dialogue, and collaboration across disciplines.
Millie Mupfupi
Millie has spent her career listening to people's stories. Working across different countries, cultures, and communities has taught her that healing rarely begins with having the right answer—it begins with feeling understood. Guided by the philosophy of Ubuntu, "I am because we are," she brings warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for the human experience to everything she does. Her work helps ensure that the Foundation's ideas remain grounded in connection, compassion, and everyday life.
Iryna Pauliukova
Iryna believes that meaningful work deserves a strong foundation. While her career has been built in finance and business, she has always been drawn to understanding people just as much as numbers. That balance allows her to bring both structure and perspective to the Foundation. She helps create the systems that support its growth, believing that thoughtful stewardship allows good ideas to endure and serve others for years to come.
Ghazel Rashid
Some people enjoy having ideas. Ghazel enjoys building them. Whether developing partnerships, writing grants, or shaping new initiatives, she is happiest when vision begins to take form. Ghazel oversees grant research and writing, supports fundraising initiatives, and contributes to the Foundation's digital presence across its website and communications platforms.
Suha Zakiuddin
Suha has always been interested in how ideas find their way into people's lives. With a background in journalism, communications, and product development, she understands that even the most meaningful work only matters if it can be shared in a way that people connect with. She helps tell the Foundation's story through thoughtful communication, events, and creative work that invites others into the conversation rather than simply speaking to them.
Shruti Nath
Shruti is drawn to conversations that encourage people to pause, reflect, and see familiar things in new ways. Her background in education, leadership, and psychology has shaped a thoughtful and practical approach to learning, one that values curiosity as much as knowledge. She helps create experiences where people feel comfortable asking difficult questions, knowing that understanding often begins long before an answer is found.
Oghenerume (Rume) Dedekuma
Rume has worked with people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Through counseling, addiction recovery, trauma care, and psychological assessment, he has seen both the weight people carry and the resilience they often don't realize they possess. He brings a calm, compassionate presence to the Foundation, believing that lasting change begins not with judgment, but with understanding ourselves more honestly.