IPN Spotlight: Riffat Manasia (Executive Director at American Ismaili Chamber of Commerce)
Riffat Manasia is the incoming Executive Director for the American Ismaili Chamber of Commerce (AICC). She is a seasoned professional and an action-oriented entrepreneur with over twelve years of experience in running organizations, leading teams, and managing complex projects in for- and non-profit sectors. Of note, Riffat founded and scaled MRA, a lead research and consulting organization with 600 plus staff nationwide and over $1M monthly turnover in Afghanistan. Raised in Dallas, Riffat has lived and worked in Switzerland, Kenya, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, and has led projects in Syria, India and Nepal. Beyond her native English, Riffat speaks Urdu, Hindi, Gujarati, and basic Dari.
Riffat holds a Bachelor of Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a multi-disciplinary Master in Planning and International Development from Harvard University (Harvard Business School, Kennedy School of Government and Urban Planning).
What skills have helped you in your career?
Grit & resilience.
What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
Consistently communicated with mentors and advisors throughout various chapters of life. Because of the broad spectrum I’ve worked on, my connections became choppy and my networks disconnected.
What is next for you in your career?
Executive Director, American Ismaili Chamber of Commerce (AICC).
What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
Entrepreneurship, Management, Leadership videos/online casts. Standard readings in journals/magazines. Plus, a healthy dose of regular introspection and self-awareness.
What advice would you offer to others?
Stay true to your passion. Never compromise on your principles. Work hard.
Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
Via Ismaili Chamber:
• Facilitate Business Connections
• Provide a platform to share pertinent knowledge/skills with the broader US Ismaili business community
As an individual:
• Consult/advise on application and integration of Quanti/Quali Research & Methods, Impact Assessments, and Metrics
• Sector expertise in poverty alleviation, security sector, international development, social entrepreneurship, conflict/post-conflict, applied social sciences
• Tough love
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