Karachi, Pakistan 🇵🇰

Educator.
Mentor.
Movement-builder.

Lifelong Guide · Youth Development Advocate · Governance Leader

Leading with purpose to empower girls and young women through education, Guiding, and inclusive leadership. With nearly two decades of experience committed to strengthening quality, inclusion, and meaningful opportunities for girls and young women across the world.

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30,000+

Girls impacted through Guiding

20+

Years in Guiding & leadership

5,000+

Leaders & volunteers trained

14,500+

Students across 8 schools

100+

Camps, conferences & youth engagements

25+

Countries through Global Encounters

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My Journey

From Junior Guide to global leadership.

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Girl Guiding has shaped my values, leadership, and lifelong commitment to service since childhood.

The beginning

Early Guiding Journey

My journey in Guiding began at the age of six, where I first learned the values of service, teamwork, leadership, and responsible citizenship. From local unit meetings and camps to community service initiatives, the Movement became a space that shaped my confidence, sense of purpose, and commitment to empowering others. As a young Guide, I never imagined that same journey would one day lead me to serve girls and young women at national and global levels.

2015 — 2023

National Guide Leadership

I served as National Guides Commissioner for Ismaili Guides in Pakistan, leading initiatives focused on expanding access, strengthening programme quality, and building sustainable volunteer systems. During this period, participation grew from approximately 5,000 to 30,000 Guides nationwide. Working closely with volunteers, leaders, and girls across Pakistan, I ensured the Movement remained accessible and relevant for every girl, including in remote and underserved mountain communities.

Leading through change

COVID-19: No Girl Left Behind

During the pandemic, I led national efforts to ensure continuity of engagement through virtual programmes and offline activity packs for girls without internet access. One of the experiences I cherish most was leading a 10-day national online Camporee for nearly 700 Guides, with sessions running almost eight hours daily. At a time of uncertainty and isolation, the camp created a sense of connection, learning, hope, and sisterhood for girls across the country.

2013 — present

Global Youth Engagement

Through Global Encounters camps and internships, I have worked with youth and institutions from more than 25 countries, creating spaces for intercultural learning, leadership development, and global citizenship. I have trained young leaders on SDGs, supporting young people to connect local action with global responsibility. These experiences strengthened my appreciation for diversity and the power of young people to create meaningful change together.

2022 — present

Education & System Leadership

As General Manager (South) of Aga Khan Education Service Pakistan, I provide system-level leadership across eight schools serving approximately 14,500 students. I also serve as Principal of Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Karachi, where girls have been at the top of the AKU-EB rankings ten years running. Education and Guiding together have deeply shaped my understanding of leadership, service, and human development.

2025

WAGGGS World Board Journey

Today, I am honoured to be shortlisted among 10 global candidates for the WAGGGS World Board, representing Pakistan Girl Guides Association. This journey reflects not only my personal growth, but also the collective strength of the communities, volunteers, girls, mentors, and leaders who have shaped and inspired me along the way. I carry this journey with deep gratitude, humility, and a continued commitment to serving the global Movement with purpose and integrity.

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Leadership becomes meaningful when it creates opportunities for others to grow.

— Dr. Hina Velji

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Vision for WAGGGS

A Movement that is inclusive, future-focused, and values-driven.

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I believe in a Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting Movement that is inclusive, future-focused, values-driven, and grounded in meaningful opportunities for every girl and young woman.

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Quality in Guiding

Growth is important, but meaningful impact comes when growth is supported by strong programmes, trained volunteers, safe learning spaces, and relevant experiences. During my tenure as National Commissioner, while membership grew from 5,000 to 30,000 Guides, the prime focus remained on quality. I have also advocated for integrating SDGs within Guiding, believing young people become stronger leaders when they understand their role in creating a more sustainable world.

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Inclusive & Equitable Access

Every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive regardless of geography, background, ability, or circumstance. Working across remote and underserved communities in Pakistan reinforced my belief that the Movement becomes stronger when it intentionally creates space for diverse voices. I have also supported educational initiatives for displaced and vulnerable communities, serving more than 300 students through remedial and non-formal learning programmes.

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Girl-Led & Youth-Centred Leadership

Girls and young women are not only participants in the Movement — they are leaders, changemakers, and partners in shaping its future. Through camps, leadership programmes, and volunteer systems, I have witnessed how meaningful youth engagement transforms both individuals and communities. More than 24 leadership programmes were organised, and today nearly 60% of participants are actively serving in institutional and volunteer leadership roles.

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Governance with Purpose

Strong governance creates the foundation for sustainable and impactful organisations. Through my experience in education systems, volunteer-led structures, and national leadership roles, I have learned the importance of strategic thinking, accountability, collaboration, and values-based decision-making. If elected, I hope to contribute towards strengthening governance systems that are inclusive, transparent, sustainable, and mission-driven.

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Global Learning & Collaboration

One of the greatest strengths of WAGGGS is its diversity and global sisterhood. Working with young people, volunteers, and institutions from more than 25 countries has strengthened my appreciation for diversity, collaboration, and collective growth. I believe global partnerships and shared learning experiences will continue to play an important role in preparing girls and young women for an evolving and interconnected world.

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As a World Board member, I would strive to serve with humility, collaboration, and a deep commitment to ensuring girls and young women everywhere can reach their fullest potential as confident leaders and responsible global citizens.

— Dr. Hina Velji

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Leadership & Impact

Impact, measured in lives.

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Leadership, for me, has always been about creating meaningful opportunities for growth, service, and positive change.

30,000+

Girls impacted through Guiding as National Commissioner

14,500

Students across 8 schools under system leadership

5,000+

Youth leaders and volunteers trained

24+

Women leadership programmes organised

60%

Of women leadership programme participants now in active leadership roles

700

Guides in the COVID-19 national online Camporee

Guiding & Volunteer Leadership

For nearly two decades, I have worked within volunteer-led systems focused on empowering girls and young women through leadership, service, citizenship, and community engagement. As National Guides Commissioner, I worked closely with volunteers and leaders across Pakistan to strengthen programme quality, expand outreach, and build sustainable volunteer engagement systems.

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Camping Manual

Designed to guide volunteers and leaders on planning and conducting effective weekend camps and outdoor learning experiences.

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Nutrition Booklet

Developed to support camps and community programmes in remote areas, with a focus on awareness around nutrition and stunting in Pakistan.

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Digital Literacy Toolkit

Aimed at helping girls and young people understand the safe, responsible, and meaningful use of the internet and digital platforms.

Women Leadership Development

One of the areas closest to my heart has been supporting women and young leaders through structured leadership development initiatives. More than 24 leadership programmes were organised to strengthen confidence, communication, institutional leadership, teamwork, and community engagement. Today, many of these participants continue to serve in volunteer and institutional leadership roles, creating impact within their own communities and organisations.

Roles & Appointments

General Manager (South), Aga Khan Education Service Pakistan

System leadership across 8 schools · 14,500 students · 2024 to present

Current

Principal, Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Karachi

2022 to present

Current

Honorary Secretary, Aga Khan Youth & Sports Board for Pakistan

2023 to present

Current

Chairperson Senior Guides, Pakistan Girl Guides Association

2023 to present

Current

Jurisdiction Lead, Global Encounters — Pakistan

2013 to present

Current

Internship Lead, Global Encounters — Pakistan

2021 to present

Current

National Guides Commissioner, Ismaili Guides — Pakistan

AKYSBP · 2015 to 2023

Past

Qualifications

MBA — Educational Leadership & Management

Institute of Business Management · 2023

Doctor of Pharmacy (D.Pharm)

University of Karachi · 2012

International Certifications in Web-Based Teaching & Online Pedagogy

Digital transformation and online learning

“

True leadership is not measured by position, but by the positive impact we create in the lives of others.

— Dr. Hina Velji

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Recognitions & Achievements

Achievements that belong to every community.

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Each recognition reflects the collective efforts of the communities, volunteers, girls, educators, and leaders I have had the privilege to work alongside throughout my journey.

Asia Pacific Award for Commissioners

2024

International

Medal of Merit

2019

National

Asia Pacific Award

2014

International

Crescent of Pakistan

2014

National