Get to meet and familiarize yourself with the founder and other board members who happen to be the force behind the success and triumph of EquallyAble.
It was rather a rough start of life for Mohammad Yousuf, when he stopped walking at age two, as a result of paralyzing polio. Amidst all this, his spirit wasn’t going to be diminished. Mohammed Yousuf a born fighter, exemplified it when he gathered the mental and physical strength to begin schooling at the age of 12. It looked like everything was against him, but he swiftly progressed, and even earned a BS degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering plus an MS degree in Computer Engineering.
Even though Mohammed encountered bullies, roadblocks, lack of access to resources, and other
unfortunate scenarios , he didn’t let that shape his life. In fact, these things fueled his desire to create a safe environment for himself, and more importantly, a better world for other people living with disabilities.
In 2001, he established EquallyAble Foundation based in Michigan USA. Since then, EquallyAble has worked around the world, making a meaningful impact in over 10 countries, and touching the lives of thousands of people with disabilities. around the world.
Mohammed currently works with the Federal Transit Administration as the director, Office of Infrastructure, Safety and Asset Innovation. He is a thought leader in disability development, research and innovation. He has spoken at prominent national and international conferences on transportation research and disability development. He also serves/served on disability and technology research committees, and contributed to congressional and presidential reports.
He lives with his wife and three children in Northern Virginia. He is the author of the memoir, Ascending Adversity.
Ahmed, a senior engineering group manager, has a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and 25 years of experience leading teams in the automotive industry. Originally from Hyderabad, India, Ahmed now lives in the Greater Detroit Area with his wife and three daughters. He is an avid volunteer for social causes, especially in the Detroit inner city. Ahmed enjoys outdoor activities such as running and trekking, as well as reading non-fiction and traveling. Hyderabad, Ahmed’s hometown, is renowned for its IT industry, rich history, diverse cuisine, and blend of tradition and modernity.
Yousuf, has a Masters in Mechanical Engineering, has been working in the automotive industry for 29 years and currently holds the role of Assistant Vehicle Chief Engineer at General Motors, where he focuses on high energy batteries for electric vehicles. He enjoys volunteering at community centers and food drives, and has a passion for Indian music and cricket, as well as a love for travel. Yousuf resides in Greater Detroit Area with his wife and four daughters.
Jamal, an engineer by education, is an entrepreneur who leads a group of companies with a focus on retail, real estate, and software development. With a core mindset in entrepreneurship, he has transformed several business ideas into reality over the last 15 years. In his future plans, Jamal aims to use his success and abilities to make a positive impact on the lives of the less fortunate. He has a passion for good food and enjoys traveling to exotic and historic destinations worldwide. Jamal resides with his family in Greater Detroit Area.
Sadat Mohammed is a Mechanical Engineer at Ford Motor Company who strives to add value and betterment to the lives and efforts around him. He believes that a good and capable life not only strengthens and supports those around it, but also builds better communities. He intends to use his abilities and experiences to provide solutions and mobilize resources towards this goal. With a focus on promoting awareness and avenues for mobility and inclusion in the community affairs of differently-abled individuals, Sadat aims to make them strong and capable, providing everything they need to lead a well-balanced life and help them make a meaningful contributions to the society.
Jahir is the Lead System Engineer for a prominent healthcare firm in the Washington DC area. With a Master’s degree in Computer Science and more than two decades of IT industry experience, he has contributed to the design and development of software applications in multiple organizations. Jahir takes pleasure in volunteering with local and international non-profit organizations to support various causes. Additionally, he serves as the President of his college Alumni Virtual Lions Club in Southern India’s Thanjavur region. Jahir and his family currently reside in Northern Virginia.
Fiaz Fareed has been driven by a strong passion to alleviate the suffering of others. With a background in Nuclear Medicine Technology, he has been working as a practitioner in the field for more than 20 years, leaving a positive impact on local hospitals such as Duke Health, UNC Healthcare, and WakeMed Health & Hospitals in the Triangle area, as well as renowned medical institutions in the Middle East. However, his contributions extend beyond his professional achievements. Mr. Fareed’s most remarkable pursuit is his volunteer work, which begins at the Close of Business (COB). He has held several volunteer positions and has organized relief efforts in Bangladesh, Gambia, Myanmar, and other regions in need.
