School Governing Board (SGB)

Rana Saied
Vice-Chair of the Board

I’m a mother of two. My elder completed her wonderful journey at VISS in 2024 and my son is ready to wrap up his final Middle School time in one year. As a proud parent and VISS community member, I am very honored to serve as a member of the School Governing Board. Our school has much more to offer beyond education, and I strongly share the mission and vision of VISS where a global citizen is formed in every aspect. We aim through this board to collectively serve towards the world class education goal. I am confident to express my steady ability to communicate respectfully, listen actively and work effectively utilizing my years of respectful relationships with the school’s leadership and teaching faculty. I will be delighted to share my management background and skills and work on new pathways based on creative driven ideas that align with the school’s vision. My passion and personal connection with VISS has been my genuine interest. I have been involved in student mentoring programs, interviews and meetings and that has demonstrated my active interest in our community. I strongly emphasize on the importance of engagement and commitment as that positively impacts students’ well-being, maximizes stability and performance which fosters a happy and healthy learning environment where all students feel valued and supported.

Dr. Maryam Al kaissy
Secretary of the Board

An engineer, educator, and researcher with over 15 years of combined experience in academia and industry. She holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Monash University, Australia, specializing in safety risk management and data-driven decision-making. A published author in leading scientific journals and recipient of multiple academic awards, Dr. Alkaissy has also served as a curriculum developer and lecturer at Monash University. She is passionate about innovation in education, community engagement, and preparing students for future skills in technology and leadership. As the SGB Secretary, she is dedicated to supporting collaboration, transparency, and continued excellence within the VISS community.

Pragya Verma
Board Member

A proud mother of Grade-8 student in VISS, with over 20+ years of experience in Cosmetic and Fragrance industry, I am the Founder and Director of ‘Cosmetic Excellence Group (FZE) ’and an Executive Director (Global Business Development) at ‘Accelerate Innovation Labs Pvt. Ltd.’ Leading both the companies with a vision to give clean, sustainable, environment-friendly, and health-friendly practices and products. With a B.Tech in Cosmetics and postgraduate degrees in Industrial Analytical Chemistry, Quality Assurance, and QS 9000-ISO 9000, I further enhanced my leadership skills through the AMEP program at the Indian Institute of Management–Calcutta (IIM-C). A passionate scuba diver and Indian classical dancer, I strive to bring my professional expertise, creativity, and commitment to the SGB team —bridging the VISS community and the school to nurture an evolved, future-ready, and holistic world-class educational experience that can keep pace with our rapidly changing world.

Neil Derby
Board Member

I am a proud parent at VISS, with my daughter currently in Middle School. I have more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry across Australia and Mauritius, including a decade in senior management roles within sales and aftersales operations. I hold an Advanced Diploma in Management and a Professional Certificate in Leadership.

I am committed to supporting the school’s vision and ensuring that board decisions uphold both operational excellence and the best interests of our students. I look forward to playing an active role in the continued growth and success of VISS, where every child is inspired to Dream Big, be resilient and reach their full potential.

Ashraf Mohd Baytam
Board Member

As a long-standing member of the VISS community and a resident of Sharjah for over 47 years, I am deeply committed to the values and mission of the school. Both my children have grown through VISS since preschool, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the school’s dedication to academic excellence and holistic development.

Professionally, I serve as Senior Manager – Global Business Travel at Emirates Airlines, leading a global business travel team and managing a portfolio of than 350 global corporate clients, who are mostly Fortune 500 companies. My career spans over two decades in strategy, business development, governance, risk management, and internal audit, with a CPA qualification and a degree in accounting. I bring strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and financial oversight expertise that aligns with the responsibilities of a school governing board.

I am honoured to join the Governing Board and look forward to contributing to the continued success of VISS and giving back to the Emirate that has

Adina Ghaznavi
Board Member

A proud VISS parent—one of my sons is a happy graduate, and the other is continuing his journey at the school. With a master’s in economics and a background in teaching, I’m passionate about education and supporting strong school communities. My family’s deep involvement in social and educational causes in Pakistan has shaped my belief in the value of parent engagement. Over the years, I’ve seen how meaningful involvement can uplift students and support teachers. I’m excited to contribute to VISS in several ways, including: • Serving on the School Governing Board (SGB) to offer strategic support. • Mentoring students and supporting their development. • Strengthening parent-teacher relationships through open communication. • Leading community engagement initiatives that connect families and staff. I’m beyond thrilled to share my social skills, strengths, and dedication to make a meaningful impact within the VISS community.

Ali Wahab
Board Member

I am a Pakistani national, married with three children who are all pupils at VISS. I hold an MBA degree from Institute of Business Administration, Karachi, and a postgraduate diploma from Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania.

I have 23 years of postgraduate work experience in the fields of capital markets and finance. I currently hold the position of SVP-Head of Investment Banking at Sharjah Islamic Bank. My role at the bank allows me to work closely with clients, senior management, board members, law firms, regulatory bodies, investors, etc. In my current position, I oversee a portfolio in excess of AED 25 billion. Additionally, since 2013, I have been a non-executive

board member with a non-banking financial institution in Pakistan called AKD Investment Management Limited, where I have held the position of chairman of the audit committee of the board.

Nourhan Sejari
Board Member

With a background in architecture and a focus on sustainable design, I bring a systems-thinking lens to how we shape learning environments —not just physically, but intellectually and emotionally. My professional mission is to create spaces where critical thinking, life skills, and future readiness aren’t just taught but lived. At the Continuing Education Centre (CEC), I’ve led initiatives such as challenge-based workshops that connect learning to the real world. My connection to VISS stems from a shared belief in purposeful education—one that’s inclusive, inquiry-driven, and designed to prepare students for an uncertain but opportunity-rich future. As a board member, I’m committed to advancing strategic decisions that foster curiosity, strengthen community, and empower every learner to grow with clarity, confidence, and the courage to lead —not just in school, but in life.

Fairouza Al Marzouqi
Board Member

My name is Fairouza Al Marzouqi, and I bring over 25 years of experience in Human Resources Management, with a strong background in leadership development, education, and strategic planning. I currently lead the Consumer Education and Awareness Division at a leading financial institution, where I drive initiatives that empower individuals through knowledge and ethical engagement. I hold a degree in Education with a focus on Career Advising and Counseling, and I am a certified senior workplace coach. As a proud parent and member of the VISS community, I am deeply invested in the school’s continued success. I am passionate about supporting future skills development, student well-being, and inclusive school improvement.

My goal on the School Governing Board is to contribute meaningfully to VISS’s strategic vision, offer sound guidance, and help foster an environment where every student can thrive academically and personally.

Albert Fernando
Board Member

A Travel Industry Leader with extensive experience and successes in starting and growing Travel Businesses in both Startup’ and Blue chip Organizations both in offline and online trade targeting Retail/corporate & Airline sectors. A proven track record with specific expertise including Travel Management, Business Development, Operations Management, P&L Management & Travel Technology.

The Goal is to develop one of the best Travel Management companies in the Middle East

Some of Specialties: Operations & Customer Service Management/Region & Territory Expansion/P&L Management/Brand Management/ Business & Product Development/Marketing & Sales Management/GSA Management/ Financial & Investment Management/Technical Development & Implementations/Site production/ Project Management/Affiliate Management/ Fraud Management/ Product research & evaluation.