Philanthropy Advisory Board
World Leaders Uniting Expertise and Compassion to Drive Positive Change
SIR VINCENT LYN
Sir Vincent Lyn embodies the essence of a true Renaissance figure in every fiber of his being. He serves as the CEO/Founder of We Can Save Children and holds the esteemed position of Deputy Ambassador of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC). Additionally, he plays a pivotal role as the Director of Creative Development at African Views Organization, an NGO affiliated with the Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC) at the United Nations. His expertise extends further as a Rescue & Recovery Specialist at the International Confederation of Police & Security Experts.
Notably, Sir Vincent Lyn's accomplishments include induction into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the recipient of the "Hong Kong Legends Cinema Awards" for his exceptional contributions as a Hong Kong Action film star. As a Voting Member of the Recording Academy/Grammys, he adds a musical dimension to his multifaceted persona. With a background as a Carnegie Hall Alumni and a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music, his artistic prowess is well-rounded. For the past decade, Sir Vincent Lyn has devoted himself tirelessly to traversing the world's most perilous regions, undertaking missions to rescue and recover children ensnared in conflict zones. His life's mission is grounded in the profound belief that there is no higher purpose than serving others, emphasizing our primary duty in this life to extend a helping hand to those in need.
Our board comprises passionate individuals who bring diverse expertise and a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of children affected by adversity. Together, we strive to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.
The Faces Behind Our Mission
IMAN MAGHSOUDI
Iman Maghsoudi is an Iranian-American industrial designer renowned for his innovative contributions to car design, industrial design, and luxury products. Born in Tehran, Iran, on July 8, 1980, Maghsoudi's passion for design led him to a distinguished career, beginning with his education in industrial design at Islamic Azad University. His notable achievements include winning the Interior Motives Award in 2006 for his Ferrari Monza concept and receiving accolades from prestigious organizations like the Red Dot Awards and IDEA Design Excellence Awards.
In 2013, after moving to the United States, Maghsoudi established his design studio, focusing on luxury design and entrepreneurship. His notable works include the concept motorcycle "Ostureh," the iBite project winner of the Local Motors Hawaii Motors Design competition, and the Aeroblade concept, which secured the second place in the 3D Printed Car Design Competition.
In 2017, Maghsoudi launched the Exxeo brand for luxury products. The brand's flagship product, the Exxeo "Eclipse" Luxury Hybrid Piano, gained international acclaim and won the Platinum A' Design Award. This innovative piano, with its organic shape and carbon fiber body, was celebrated for its unique design and disruption of traditional piano aesthetics.
Beyond his design accomplishments, Iman Maghsoudi is deeply committed to philanthropy. A portion of the proceeds from Exxeo sales is dedicated to supporting wecansavechildren.org, an organization focused on improving the lives of children in need. Through this contribution, Maghsoudi combines his passion for design with a profound sense of social responsibility, making a tangible impact on the lives of children worldwide.
Maghsoudi's dedication to both his craft and philanthropy exemplifies his belief in using creative talents to foster positive change. As a member of the Philanthropy Advisory Board at wecansavechildren.org, Maghsoudi continues to inspire and engage in meaningful initiatives that support and empower children in need. His work serves as a testament to the power of innovative design and compassionate action in making a difference in the world.
OXANA GORBATENKO
Business Development Executive | Investment Adviser
Oxana Gorbatenko is a distinguished professional with a rich background in economics and international marketing. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics (2013) and a Master's degree in International Marketing (2016). Hailing from Moscow, Russia, Oxana has cultivated a truly global perspective through her extensive educational and professional journey, which has taken her to diverse corners of the world, including Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and the UK. This international exposure has not only broadened her horizons but also allowed her to establish a wide-reaching network of relationships and develop profound cultural and social awareness.
Oxana is at the forefront of a multitude of compelling projects spanning the realms of Healthcare and Real Estate. She actively leads and contributes to public-private partnership initiatives in Healthcare across Poland, Saudi Arabia, Turks and Caicos, with a primary focus on financial structuring. Additionally, she enthusiastically engages in government tenders, paving the way for future collaborations. While her responsibilities frequently take her around the globe, Oxana is based in London, where she offers expert counsel and manages real estate properties for esteemed clientele.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Oxana is a dedicated supporter of charitable causes. She has successfully raised substantial funds for charitable organizations in Russia, with a particular focus on aiding children diagnosed with spinal muscle atrophy. More recently, Oxana has channelled her energies into assisting families affected by the Russian/Ukrainian conflict, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
CIRO ORSINI
The man who gives more than he receives. From London to LA, from Bangkok to China or Monaco, you should "expect the unexpected“ and if you are ever fortunate enough to cross paths with him somewhere in the world you can be sure to meet a gentleman of great charm and kindness. Serial Entrepreneur, Prolific Film Producer, Philanthropist and World Renowned Restaurateur. Ciro dedicates much time in his life to making a difference in Children's lives. He spends as much time as he can on the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan assisting wherever he can putting a smile on as many faces as he can of the 80000 occupants who need our support.
Ciro's inspiration was his older Brother Salvo for which he followed his big Brother into sport mainly Boxing which brought balance to his life. "It wasn't about violence or aggression it was about discipline, technique, speed and it brought focus to my life. This allowed me to work towards a better life for myself and my family with Love, Passion and Hard Work" It's also the reason why he continues the legacy of the Ciro & Armand Charity Foundation Help Children Now, it's a Legacy handed down from Ciro's Older Brother Salvo and one Ciro continues to Gift to us all. Ciro is a true Humanitarian allowing us all to learn from the Peace & Love he spreads world wide.
WILLIAM A. VERDONE
Following his graduation from New York University in 1967, he embarked on a career in education. He taught music appreciation and ancient history in the New York City public school system until his retirement in 1999. Currently, he serves as a board member for Ensemble 212, a regional symphony orchestra in NYC, alongside Maestro Yoon Jae Lee. Until recently, he provided educational guidance to the Helena Kaushik Women's College, affiliated with the University of Rajasthan, India. From 2011 to 2022, he held the position of Chairman at the African Views Organization, an NGO associated with the Economic and Social Council at the U.N. Subsequently, he was appointed Deputy Ambassador of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) at the United Nations later that year. Additionally, he, along with Sir Vincent Lyn, co-authored two books titled "Childhood Lost" and "Generation Hope." Currently, they are collaborating on their third book, "Why Peace is Unattainable."
JESSICA ASHE
Jessica Ashe put her doctoral degree to good use 2018-2022 in liaising with university presidents throughout China and the Balkans to improve partnerships with Miami University and subsequently increase student outcomes. She also gave the keynote address at the Peace & Justice SDGs Conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh and the Al-Ameed International Center’s annual conference in Karbala, Iraq.
In 2023, she consulted on a project funded by The Hilton Foundation to help NGOs across Africa move from the donor model to a self-sustaining paradigm as the Assistant Director in Social Entrepreneurship for Miami University’s Farmer School of Business. She serves on the Board of Directors for two think tanks, Karba and Zanco. She consulted for US Presidential Candidate Bobby Kennedy Jr. on creating research-based policy for the Executive Branch of the government.
All the while, she has taught thousands of the adult children, rich and famous Fuerdai how to become “their best selves”, with lessons in Leading Yourself, Achieving Your Goals, Managing Your Boss and Work Relationships and more. Because of her MBA, she teaches Economics and Marketing. During her first tenure as a master’s student, she taught French at The University of Hawai’i, with a summer term at the Sorbonne in Paris.
Her publications can be found in academic peer-reviewed journals, marketing magazines and others such as Covert Action Magazine, The Kennedy Beacon and Punjab Kesari. International NGOs have awarded her 8 honorary doctoral degrees, The Mother Teresa Peace Award, and the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award for her humanitarian work.
AKMARAL BATALOVA
Akmaral Batalova, a Kazakhstan-born individual with expertise in international relations, is not only a film producer and humanitarian activist but also the founder and Executive Director of the Al Farabi World Heritage Public Foundation. She holds a degree from the Mass Media Faculty of Kazakh State University, along with qualifications from the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Diplomatic School of Madrid. Additionally, she earned a Master's degree in International Relations from the Complutense University in Spain. Batalova actively monitors developments in the Middle East, particularly focusing on the humanitarian crisis in Syria. Her engagement extends to writing articles, creating documentaries, and participating in humanitarian efforts within Syria.
RAJA EJAZ AHMED KHAN
I am Raja Ejaz Ahmed Khan, originally from the village of Ghaniabad, Azad Kashmir. My family background is steeped in education, poetry, and literature. My academic journey includes a master's degree in Physics, a postgraduate diploma in Computer Science, a diploma in Media and Journalism, a Bachelor's degree in Education, and a diploma in Healthcare.
Starting as a scientific assistant in Lahore's atomic energy department, I later became a Physics lecturer. However, my passion for modern education led me to dream of establishing a private educational institution, which was tragically interrupted by the 2005 earthquake.
Following the disaster, I worked with an international NGO, progressing from a volunteer to a social organizer. I gained experience in community development, holding roles such as Field Unit Manager, Admin Officer, and Micro Credit Officer.
In 2008, I moved to Portugal, where I held various positions including municipal work and Assistant Manager at Ozturk Kebab, later rebranded as Iraf Brothers Spain. In 2016, I settled in the UK, driven by the pursuit of quality education for my children.
Presently, I am engaged with G4S while also pursuing journalism endeavors on a modest scale. Motivated by my personal encounters with adversity, I am impassioned to align myself with organizations such as We Can Save Children, where I can contribute meaningfully to humanitarian efforts. Understanding the trials individuals endure during crises, I am fervently committed to effecting positive change and extending support to those in need.
Yasmin Rafiq
Yasmin Rafiq has dedicated her career to empowering young women through education and advocacy across the United States, Europe, Pakistan, and the Middle East, focusing on health, educational access, and community service. As a Pakistani woman, Yasmin feels privileged to contribute to development work internationally, driven by her commitment to supporting women and girls who face barriers to education, economic opportunities, and healthcare.
In November 2015, she traveled to Pakistan to raise awareness following the launch of the Obama Administration’s Let Girls Learn initiative, which aims to support adolescent girls in completing their education worldwide. Yasmin’s passion for social justice began early—during high school, she wrote extensively on the inequalities in Pakistan between wealthy and poorer communities, inspired by the inclusive social systems she witnessed growing up in the Netherlands. She envisioned a similar approach in Pakistan and believed that educated immigrants could play a pivotal role in advocating for equal rights back in their countries of origin.
Yasmin has long been an advocate for democracy, free speech, and equal access to healthcare and education in Pakistan and the Middle East. She has served as a program coordinator with various organizations, including the Rotterdam Women Platform Noord (1993), where she championed women’s rights, UNICEF (1996), focusing on health and education, and the DesiWomenForum (2003), where she promoted social entrepreneurship and coached women in starting small businesses. As a community leader, she has mobilized the Pakistani diaspora in the USA and Europe to develop sustainable strategies for humanitarian initiatives.
In her volunteer work, Yasmin supported the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital (2010), which provides free cancer treatment to underprivileged Pakistanis, and she coordinated for Namal College (2016) to improve access to higher education. In 2017, after returning to the Netherlands, Yasmin became an opvoedambassadeur (parenting ambassador) for Stimulance, working on after-school and healthy educational programs for children.
Recognized for her impactful work, Yasmin has received community service awards from the National Youth Organisation of Pakistan, the Embassy of Pakistan in Spain, and the Government of AJK. In 2016, she was named a changemaker by the United State of Women. Currently, she advocates for peace and children’s rights in Palestine, volunteering with the Palestine Solidarity Group in Rotterdam.