Our Board
Our mission as the Board of Directors and Advisors is to provide strategic guidance and oversight to ensure the effective implementation of our water safety and competency initiatives. We are a group of passionate leaders from unique backgrounds committed to leveraging our diverse expertise and networks to mobilize resources, forge partnerships, and advocate for policies that enhance the mission of Inspire SPLASH.
Board of Directors
Umayr Shaikh
Founder, CEO, and President
Umayr Shaikh is a lifelong lover of the water. Although he did not start swimming competitively until the age of 15, as a kid you could always find him hanging out at the local pool with his parents and two younger siblings. His tenure as a competitive swimmer saw him serve as varsity captain for the Brebeuf Jesuit Swimming and Diving Team, before continuing on to the Butler University Swim Club where he set three records in a single season in the 500-yard freestyle, 50-yard butterfly, and 100-yard butterfly. Following the completion of his undergraduate studies at Butler University, Umayr proceeded to earn his Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. After witnessing the tragic passing of several South Asian youth in his home state of Indiana as a result of drowning, Umayr decided to create Inspire SPLASH to help equip South Asian communities with the necessary tools and skills to always remain safe in the water. He currently serves in a dual-capacity on the Board of Directors as both President and CEO.
Faris Shaikh
Founder, Treasurer
Faris Shaikh is a student Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis, IN. He is a co-founder of Inspire S.P.L.A.S.H and serves on the Board of Directors in his role as the organization’s Treasurer. Faris is passionate about his athletics, and he is an avid tennis player and boxer. Outside of school, he also works as a math tutor for kids in second grade all the way up to Algebra 2.
Ashley Callaghan
Secretary
Ashley Callaghan is a junior at Butler University studying biochemistry on the pre-medical track. She currently serves as Secretary on the Inspire S.P.L.A.S.H. Board of Directors. Ashley is passionate about clinical work, philanthropy, and student leadership. Her additional pursuits include working as a Patient Care Assistant at Franciscan Health Indianapolis and executive positions within the Butler Pre-Medical Society, Students for Rare at Butler University, and College Mentors for Kids.
Riya Saran
Board of Director
Riya is a student at Stanford University studying Human Biology and International Relations. She was her high school’s Varsity Dive Captain, earned her third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, played for the Stanford Varsity Squash Team, and coached Tae Kwon Do and diving. Aside from sports she earned her Girl Scout Gold Award, has had experience with media and fundraising, and has worked for the government and several nonprofit organizations. She continues to advocate for student-athletes and support youth development and women’s empowerment, and she is excited to be part of the Inspire SPLASH Team, working to share her love of sports and the importance of water safety with the South Asian community.
Arif Ahmed
Board of Director
Arif Ahmed, a dedicated scholar passionate about social impact, holds a B.S.S. and M.S.S. in Political Science from the University of Dhaka. He is pursuing an M.A. in Philanthropic Studies at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). His educational journey also includes completing the Certificate in Fundraising Management (CFRM) from the Fundraising School of IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. With a keen eye for research and policy analysis, Arif Ahmed has contributed significantly as a Research Associate for the Centre for Governance Studies (C.G.S.). His pivotal role involved leading various national and internationally funded policy research projects, showcasing his expertise in navigating complex socio-political landscapes. Recognized for his dedication and knowledge, Arif Ahmed currently serves as a Junior Research Fellow at C.G.S., where he demonstrated exemplary leadership and research acumen.
In addition to his academic and research endeavors, Arif Ahmed recently completed an internship as a Grant Writing and Fundraising Strategist for the Indiana Soccer Association. This experience provided invaluable insights into resource mobilization and strategic planning within the nonprofit sector. Beyond academia, Arif Ahmed is a well-rounded individual with diverse interests. He has a keen interest in various subjects, ranging from political dynamics to social issues, and is deeply committed to making a positive difference in society. Driven by his dedication to social welfare, Arif Ahmed recently joined the Board of Directors of Inspire Splash. His decision to join the board stems from a desire to contribute his expertise and passion towards ensuring the well-being and safety of young individuals within the South Asian community, aligning perfectly with his values and aspirations for meaningful societal change.
In addition to his academic and research endeavors, Arif Ahmed recently completed an internship as a Grant Writing and Fundraising Strategist for the Indiana Soccer Association. This experience provided invaluable insights into resource mobilization and strategic planning within the nonprofit sector. Beyond academia, Arif Ahmed is a well-rounded individual with diverse interests. He has a keen interest in various subjects, ranging from political dynamics to social issues, and is deeply committed to making a positive difference in society. Driven by his dedication to social welfare, Arif Ahmed recently joined the Board of Directors of Inspire Splash. His decision to join the board stems from a desire to contribute his expertise and passion towards ensuring the well-being and safety of young individuals within the South Asian community, aligning perfectly with his values and aspirations for meaningful societal change.
Board of Advisors
Sajjad Shah
CEO, Muslims of the World (MOTW)
Dr. Janelle Nassim
Board-Certified Dermatologist, Indiana University School of Medicine
Drew Kibler
USA Olympic Swimmer and World-Record Holder
