Nazir Dawi is a transformational leader whose journey spans over 15 years across nonprofit, government, and entrepreneurial ventures. Born in Afghanistan and now based in the United States, Nazir has built a career dedicated to fostering human dignity, advancing education, and building sustainable systems for underserved communities. His work has impacted lives on both local and global scales, positioning him as a respected voice in refugee resettlement, community empowerment, and social enterprise.

Nazir’s professional story is rooted in resilience and innovation. As Founder and CEO of Doakan Inc., he merged the commercial potential of e-commerce with social impact, pioneering a funding model that aligns for-profit vision with nonprofit-inspired structures. His entrepreneurial instincts are not just about building businesses, but about empowering people—especially those often left out of mainstream systems. His leadership ensures mission alignment while advancing economic sustainability.

Before launching Doakan, Nazir made waves as a public servant. He served as a Casework Supervisor at the International Rescue Committee, where he led a nationwide team supporting refugee and immigrant families navigating complex systems in the U.S. His ability to balance policy compliance with human-centered services earned him recognition as a thoughtful and adaptable team leader. This was not his first humanitarian effort; his earlier work with OARnova helped justice-involved individuals reenter society with dignity and support, rooted in trauma-informed care.

Nazir’s boldest endeavor, perhaps, came in one of the world’s most volatile environments. From 2019 to 2021, he founded and directed Dawi Private School in Kabul, Afghanistan, at a time when instability threatened both education and basic freedoms. Nazir not only built a safe and inclusive learning environment for hundreds of children but also managed governance, curriculum design, staff development, and donor engagement. His work exemplified courage and vision, traits that continue to define his leadership.

Complementing his practical experience is Nazir’s academic foundation. He holds a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Missouri and was selected as a Fulbright Scholar—a distinction that reflects both intellectual promise and global leadership potential. His educational journey has sharpened his abilities in governance, strategic planning, and cross-sector collaboration, skills he now offers in advisory and boardroom roles.

Nazir is fluent in English, Dari, Pashto, and Urdu—enabling him to navigate multicultural environments with ease. Whether acting as a Cultural Advisor to ISAF or leading orientation sessions for new immigrants, his linguistic agility enhances trust and engagement. His innate ability to connect with people across differences makes him an invaluable cultural bridge in high-stakes scenarios.

In 2022, Nazir led a grassroots fundraising campaign in response to a devastating earthquake in Paktia, Afghanistan. The campaign raised over $25,000 and coordinated aid delivery through trusted local and international partners. This experience underscored his mastery in mobilizing resources, managing donor relations, and translating compassion into measurable impact.

Throughout his career, Nazir has spoken publicly about education, cultural orientation, trauma-informed care, and humanitarian relief. He is known for his engaging communication style, and regularly facilitates training sessions for fellow professionals, students, and community leaders. His voice reflects wisdom, empathy, and a relentless drive to illuminate pathways for others.

Nazir’s personal values mirror his professional commitments. A former soccer and cricket player, he enjoys sports, teaching, and mentoring. He actively participates in the Afghan Student Association and the University of Missouri Alumni network, where he continues to foster cross-cultural understanding and lifelong learning.

Today, Nazir is seeking to expand his impact through board and advisory roles. Industry agnostic and globally minded, he is especially drawn to organizations working in education, human rights, refugee support, and ethical entrepreneurship. Nazir believes that board service is an opportunity not only to give back—but to grow, to listen, and to shape solutions for a better future.

Character
Nazir’s character is defined by resilience, integrity, and compassion. His life’s work reflects a steadfast commitment to justice, inclusion, and uplifting vulnerable populations.

Knowledge
He brings deep knowledge in public administration, refugee services, education, and humanitarian operations—grounded in both academic theory and frontline practice.

Strategic
Nazir is a systems thinker with a track record of launching and scaling mission-aligned ventures. He thrives on aligning strategy with impact, often in complex or high-risk environments.

Communication
Fluent in four languages and an experienced public speaker, Nazir communicates with clarity, cultural fluency, and a deep respect for lived experience.