Leadership That Drives Impact
At SANA, strong leadership and a committed team form the backbone of our mission. Our work is guided by experienced professionals who believe in skills as a pathway to dignity, independence, and long-term community transformation.
Mahra Bashir – CEO
Mahra Bashir is the dynamic Chief Executive Officer of Skills Academy for Needy Aspirants (SANA), a pioneering initiative dedicated to empowering underprivileged women through skill development. With over 15 years of experience across both the social and corporate sectors, she is widely recognized for her commitment to social activism and women’s economic empowerment.
Under her leadership, SANA has significantly impacted the lives of countless women by providing access to vocational skills, mentorship, and opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship. Her approach combines grassroots community engagement with structured, outcome-driven programs that enable sustainable livelihoods.
Awards & Recognition
Mahra Bashir’s contributions to women empowerment and social development have been recognized through several prestigious awards, including:
- Social Impact Award of the Year
- Shield of Honor from the President of the Women Chamber of Commerce
- Shield of Honor from the Business Incubation Center, Peshawar
- Shield of Honor from Dr. Madeeha, CEO of Cyntax Corporation
- Award from Ms. Maryam Iqbal Khan, Chairman, Handicraft Association of Pakistan, for remarkable efforts in women empowerment
She also spearheaded Skilfest24, a platform recognized and funded by HOPE’87, which showcased diverse skills to a global audience and expanded economic opportunities for women artisans.
