Our Founders
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.
Sanaz Adibian, Psy.D.
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.
Millie Mupfupi
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.
Iryna Pauliukova
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.
Ghazel Rashid
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.
Suha Zakiuddin
Shruti has a way of bringing people, ideas, and details together. Her work touches many parts of the Foundation, from coordinating events and communicating with partners to newsletters, educational initiatives, and the website. Behind much of that work is her interest in creating spaces where people can connect, reflect, and learn from one another. With a background in finance and psychology, she brings both thoughtfulness and a practical sense of what it takes to turn an idea into a shared experience.
Shruti Nath
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.