Board of Directors

Who We Are

Noorgul Dada

Founder & President

Noorgul Dada is the Founder and President of Hidayah Institute, but more than that, he is its driving force. Born in war-torn Kama, Afghanistan, he fled as a refugee at 10, arriving in the U.S. in 1986. Despite building a successful engineering career, his true calling was service.

A devout Muslim, Dada believes faith is action, leading him to establish Hidayah Institute, a nonprofit focused on education, healthcare, and aid. For over 20 years, he has ensured donations reach those in need, personally overseeing operations in Afghanistan, especially during Ramadan.

A devoted husband and father, Dada’s faith and family fuel his mission—turning compassion into action, one life at a time.

Ismail Dada

Co-Founder & Vice President

As Co-Founder and Vice President of Hidayah Institute, Ismail Dada carries forward a legacy of service and compassion. Though born in the U.S., his Afghan roots run deep, inspiring his commitment to creating opportunities for those in need and helping communities rebuild with dignity.

A graduate of The Ohio State University’s College of Business with a degree in Information Systems, Ismail now works as an Analyst at JPMorgan Chase, where his expertise in technology and data-driven solutions strengthens his passion for economic empowerment, business development, and creating sustainable solutions for underserved families.

What he looks forward to most is returning to Afghanistan and witnessing the programs he has helped grow take root in the very communities they serve.

Khalid Dada

Co-Founder & Treasurer

As Co-Founder and Director of Outreach at Hidayah Institute, Khalid Dada is dedicated to bridging communities and giving back to his Afghan roots. Though born in the U.S., his deep love for Afghanistan’s culture and resilience has driven him to support those in need, both at home and abroad.

A graduate of The Ohio State University’s College of Public Affairs (2023) and now a 1L law student in San Diego, Khalid’s passion for service continues to grow. His commitment to uplifting widows, orphans, and underserved communities is at the heart of his work.

What he looks forward to most is returning to Afghanistan to visit the very clinics and programs he has helped build seeing firsthand the impact of Hidayah’s mission. Through his efforts, Khalid is determined to honor his heritage, serve his community, and create lasting change.

Shafiq Luden

Director

As Treasurer of Hidayah Institute, Shafiq Luden plays a crucial role in ensuring the organization’s resources are managed effectively to maximize impact and sustain long-term change. His passion lies in youth empowerment and community building, recognizing that the future of any society depends on the strength, education, and leadership of its young people.

Born in Afghanistan, Shafiq immigrated to the U.S. at a young age, carrying with him a deep connection to his homeland and a commitment to giving back. His 2017 visit to Afghanistan reinforced his belief that uplifting and investing in the youth is the key to a brighter future—both abroad and within his own community.

A graduate of The Ohio State University’s College of Business with a degree in Finance, Shafiq currently works at Worthington Industries while also serving as the Youth Coordinator at Noor Islamic Cultural Center. In this role, he helps mentor, guide, and inspire young individuals to become strong, engaged leaders in their communities.

Sarah Dada

Secretary

As Secretary of Hidayah Institute, Sarah Dada plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the organization while staying deeply connected to its mission of service and compassion. Though born in the U.S., her Afghan roots hold a special place in her heart, and her visit to Afghanistan in 2017 reinforced her commitment to giving back to the country’s most vulnerable communities.

Currently pursuing her undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University, Sarah has a strong passion for medicine and humanitarian work. She hopes to one day become a doctor and serve at the Hidayah Clinic, providing life-saving care to those who need it most.

For Sarah, Afghanistan is more than just a homeland—it’s a place filled with resilience, strength, and untapped potential. Through Hidayah, she is especially drawn to the medical relief efforts, ensuring that quality healthcare reaches underserved communities, particularly women and children.