Our Team

Advisory Board

Bio Coming Soon

Dr. Farzana Bharmal

Axvisory Board

Azhar Farooqui

Chief Operating Officer

Azhar Farooqui moved to the United States in 2000 and holds dual MBA degrees in Finance and Economics. He currently works with the Small Business Administration (SBA) as a lender, where he helps support entrepreneurs and small business growth. A cornerstone of WF&UL, Azhar plays a vital role as the key organizer behind many of the organization’s events and programs. Known for his leadership, dedication, and collaborative spirit, he brings together community members through initiatives that promote culture, learning, and connection.

Mohammed Inamullah

Dr. Shahid Rafique

Advisory Board
Advisory Board

Bio Coming soon.

Dr. Shahid Rafique has been a proud resident of Atlanta since 1997. A physician by profession, he previously served in the Pakistan Army Medical Corps and later with the UAE Air Force. In 2000, he co-founded Bazm-e-Adab with friends, fostering a vibrant platform for Urdu literature and culture in Atlanta. Deeply involved in numerous cultural and literary organizations, Dr. Rafique is widely respected for his community leadership and artistic contributions. Beyond his medical and cultural endeavors, he is also an accomplished singer known for his soulful performances that celebrate the beauty of South Asian poetry and music.

Program Directors

Sadaf Farooqui is a dynamic professional with over 20 years of experience in event management, hospitality, marketing, public relations, and education. She has held key roles with major corporations including Marriott, IBM, UPS, Deloitte, and Ryan Consulting, while also making her mark as a poet, journalist, and talk show host. Founder and CEO of Sapphire 786 LLC and owner of Spring Hall Event Venue, Sadaf combines creativity with strategic expertise to deliver exceptional experiences. A Mercer University alumna pursuing her MBA in Project Management, she continues to inspire through her podcast Safar and her dedication to community engagement and the arts.

Sadaf Farooqui

Program Director = Tarang

Kamran Hussain Ali Khimani

Program Director - Azmaish

Kamran Hussain Ali Khimani is an engineer and MBA by qualification, and a coach by passion, who believes in lifelong learning and creative expression. Having worked across multiple countries, his global experience and diverse perspective shine through his writing. His poetry has been both published and adapted into songs, showcasing his ability to connect emotion with artistry. Kamran also co-wrote the acclaimed animated film The Donkey King. A recent addition to The Writers Forum – Atlanta, he brings a blend of intellect, inspiration, and creativity to the group’s literary and cultural endeavors.

Amin Sandeelo

Farooq Siddiqui

Program Director - IZHAR
Program Director - Baithak

Amin Sandeelo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s in Business Administration. He has built a successful career in strategy and enterprise architecture, working with several leading manufacturing companies. A passionate admirer of Urdu poetry and music, Amin possesses an extraordinary memory, knowing thousands of sher by heart. He enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and spending time with open-minded, creative individuals. In addition to his professional and artistic pursuits, he also writes thoughtful articles that reflect his deep appreciation for literature, culture, and the human experience.

Farooq Siddiqui is an executive with a leading air conditioning company and has called Atlanta home, on and off, since 1999. Deeply passionate about Urdu poetry, he finds inspiration and expression through the timeless art of the ghazal. His verses beautifully capture his thoughts and emotions, blending classical tradition with contemporary reflection. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Farooq is admired for his artistic sensibility and his contributions to promoting Urdu language and culture within the Atlanta community.

Operational Leads

Arslan Arsi

Dr. Qaiser Mukhtar

Operational Lead — Library
Operational Lead — IT & Social Media

Arslan Arsi has been living in Atlanta since 2015 and has pursued advanced studies specializing in Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. A celebrated contemporary Urdu poet, he is especially admired by the youth for his bold writing style and exploration of diverse, heartfelt themes. His debut poetry collection, Raqs-e-Khayaal, was followed by Naghma-e-Khamoshi, both of which reflect his deep passion for language and emotion. Many of his ghazals have been performed by renowned singers, transforming his verses into musical masterpieces. Arslan writes as a devoted lover and lifelong student of Urdu, inspiring those who dream and feel deeply.

Dr. Qaiser Mukhtar is a recently retired CDC scientist who built a distinguished career in cardiovascular epidemiology and scientific communication, strengthening global capacity to address noncommunicable diseases and improve public health messaging. In retirement, she channels her passion into creative writing, crafting short stories and poetry in both English and Urdu. Her work explores themes of resilience, identity, and hope, reflecting her lifelong commitment to clarity and empathy. In 2025, she participated in 100 Thousand Poets for Change, bridging analytical insight with poetic imagination to inspire thoughtful, cross-cultural dialogue.