TEDxFCCU

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Dr. Jonathan S Addleton

  Dr.Jonathan S. Addleton is serving as the current Rector of Forman Christian College (A Chartered University). A seasoned diplomat, he retired from the U.S. Foreign Service after a long career of 32 years. He has held key positions such as the U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia and the USAID Mission Director in India, Pakistan, Cambodia, Mongolia and Central Asia. He was also the USAID Representative to the European Union in Brussels, and the Senior Civilian Representative to Southern Afghanistan based in Kandahar. Dr. Addleton also served as the Executive Director of the American Center for Mongolian Studies, and Adjunct Professor in the Department of International and Global Studies at Mercer University in Macon, GA. During the early days of his career, he worked at the World Bank, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, World Book Encyclopedia and Macon Telegraph. Along with holding a PhD from Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, he is also an accomplished author, having written several books and articles. He has earned numerous accolades in recognition of his contributions, including Mongolia’s highest civilian honor, The Order of the Polar Star, ISAF Service Medal from NATO, and the USAID Administrator’s Distinguished Career Service Award.

• Fatin Tariq Gondal

  With over 12 years of experience, Fatin has created a name for herself as one of the pioneers of Pakistans “e-commerce industry”. She started her career with Rocket Internet GmbH, where she was part of the team responsible for launching and growing the first e-commerce marketplace of the country (known today as Daraz). She began her entrepreneurial journey in 2015 as co-founder of ‘WebWorks’ - the first of its kind ‘turn-key’ e-commerce solution provider. During her 7 years at the helm of the agency she played a pivotal role in the foundation and growth of the ‘e-commerce business’ for some of the largest marketplaces and retail brands of Pakistan ( the likes of Khaadi, Nishat etc and Marketplaces for banks like Alfalah) Leveraging the experience gained by being deeply enmeshed in the industry, she went on to build Smartlane; A B2B SaaS platform that aims to optimize fulfillment, finance and operations for e-commerce SMBs.

• Hashim Ali

  Hashim Ali is a prominent Pakistani visual artist, production designer, and art director known for his richly textured, storybook-like sets that merge historical grandeur with contemporary aesthetics. Born in Faisalabad and raised in Lahore, Ali spent part of his childhood in Rome due to his diplomat father’s posting. He later returned to Pakistan and graduated from the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore with a degree in Visual Communication Design. Since beginning his career around 2010, Ali has become known for his “no-box” creative mindset, preferring to build entire worlds rather than work within constraints. He provides production design, art direction, and styling for Pakistan’s fashion, music, and film industries. One of his most celebrated projects was as the production designer/art director for the Coke Studio music video “Pasoori”, which gained global attention. He won the Fashion Art Director award at the 2024 Hum Style Awards. He was awarded the Sadequain Pride of Performance in 2021 for his contributions to the arts. At NCA, he received both the Chughtai Award (for design excellence) and the Saadat Hassan Manto Award (for performing arts) for his thesis work. Ali describes himself as a storyteller. He builds immersive environments that are rooted in Pakistani cultural memory, bridging the past and present, and giving a voice to collective identity. He’s also passionate about elevating Pakistan’s creative landscape: he has expressed a desire to put Pakistan “on the map visually.” He’s begun expanding his work beyond Pakistan. He directed a Pakistani fashion and Sufi music show at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, translating his signature aesthetic to a regional audience. Despite his big-scale visions, Ali retains a personal, introspective side. He credits childhood bullying and a love for fairytales for shaping his imaginative world. He also identifies as deeply spiritual, believing that “everything will happen the way it should.”

• Najeeb Ullah Ghauri

  Mr. Najeeb Ullah Ghauri, a globally recognized business leader and philanthropist, embarked on his illustrious corporate journey with Unilever and Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) following the completion of his MBA in 1981. After 15 years in the industry, driven by a desire to contribute to both the United States and Pakistan, he co-founded a software and IT company in the USA in 1997. Overcoming startup challenges, he executed a successful IPO within 18 months, making NetSol Technologies the first Pakistani-origin company listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange in New York. Despite post-9/11 geopolitical crises, Mr. Ghauri, along with his three brothers as co-founders, propelled NetSol into a leading global IT company with a presence in over ten countries, boasting 2000 employees and generating over $1.3 billion in revenue. The NASDAQ Stock Exchange has recognized Mr. Ghauri's achievements by inviting him six times to Opening and Closing bell ceremonies in Times Square, New York. Passionate about education and philanthropy, Mr. Ghauri co-founded the Pakistan Human Development Foundation (PHDF) and made substantial contributions to Development in Literacy (DIL), resulting in the establishment of thousands of literacy centers and over 150 schools in rural Pakistan. As a founding member of the US Pakistan Business Council and a charter member of OPEN Silicon Valley, he actively fosters business ties and inspires the new generation of Americans and Pakistani Diaspora in the US. A sought-after speaker, Mr. Ghauri shares his insights at prestigious institutions such as UCLA Anderson School of Business, NUST- National University of Science & Technology, and major US conferences. Embracing the transformative power of action, inspired by his alma mater's philosophy, he believes in the responsibility of giving back to the roots that shape one's identity. His commitment to Pakistan's youth is evident in his advocacy for unlocking their potential through education and creating opportunities, recognizing the country's biggest asset as its youth, with over 60% of the population under the age of 30. Earning his undergraduate degree from FCC in 1975 was a pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of Mr. Ghauri's life. Seeking higher education in the United States, he obtained his MBA from Claremont Graduate School (Peter F Drucker School of Management, Claremont Colleges) in 1981. Mr. Ghauri embodies the belief that "Nothing is Impossible," and true satisfaction comes from serving others. His exceptional contributions were acknowledged with two career nominations for E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2020, Mr. Ghauri received the prestigious 'Sitara-I-Imtiaz' award from the President of Pakistan, recognizing his outstanding service to the country. His distinguished career stands as a testament to the transformative impact that one individual can have on business, education, and society.

• Roshaneh Zafar

  Ms. Roshaneh Zafar, known for her determined resolve and clear vision, founded Kashf Foundation at a time when microfinance in Pakistan was still in its infancy. Her work, deeply informed by her global exposure and on-the-ground experience in Pakistan, focused on addressing systemic inequalities faced by women in accessing financial independence. Her belief that economic empowerment must be linked with a broader social mission has defined Kashf’s holistic approach, integrating financial inclusion with business training, community development and even addressing cultural barriers through media initiatives. Her early career at the World Bank allowed her to connect with women from various regions of Pakistan, reinforcing her conviction that women everywhere aspire to the same things - control, access and agency over their lives. These experiences shaped her approach to microfinance, and in 1996, with the creation of Kashf, she made her mark by establishing one of Pakistan’s foremost institutions for women. Ms. Zafar’s efforts extend beyond Kashf, as she continues to lend her voice to global conversations on gender equality, participating in initiatives like the UN’s Advisors Group on Inclusive Financial Sectors and the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council. Her contributions have been recognized both at home and abroad, from the Sitara-i-Imtiaz to international awards like the Skoll Award and Schwab Foundation Entrepreneur Award. But these honors sit lightly on her shoulders; her focus remains on the work at hand and the women she serves. Alongside her role at Kashf, she lends her voice to various boards, including BEES Network for South Asia, where she continues to advocate for women’s empowerment. Ms. Zafar holds a Master’s degree in Development Economics from Yale University and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics from Wharton Business School. In 2023, she was awarded an honorary PhD by the University of Antwerp, Belgium, a testament to her lasting impact on the field of women’s economic development.