Nasruddin (Nasru) Rupani, a highly successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, has left an indelible mark on both the business world and the realm of community service. With a rich professional journey that spans decades, Mr. Rupani's accomplishments have touched the lives of many—inspiring individuals and uplifting communities along the way. You can meet Mr. Rupani at the Inclusive Leader Award Dinner June 7, and on the panel Early Childhood Funders Collaborative: Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovations to Scale 11:10-12:00 June 8th.

Originally from Karachi, Pakistan, Nasruddin immigrated to the United States in the early 1980s. After obtaining a degree in civil engineering from NYU, Nasruddin embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, creating an extensive network of convenience stores in Austin, Texas. Eventually, he settled in Houston, home to a sizable and vibrant Ismaili Muslim community. It was there that his passion for business and a keen eye for opportunities led him to the world of diamonds. He founded World's Gold & Diamonds, Inc. (WGD). Mr. Rupani also serves as the president of U.S. Insurance Funding, Inc. (USIF), offering innovative insurance solutions for small businesses and individuals.

Beyond his business success, Mr. Rupani possesses a deep compassion for community service and humanitarian values. He has led numerous social impact efforts in the USA, Pakistan, Central Asia, and South Asia. The Ibn Sina Foundation, established in 2001, provides affordable medical care to Houston's uninsured and low-income population.

With an annual budget of $12 million, the foundation has treated over 1.5 million patients through its seven clinics.

In 2006, Mr. Rupani established the Rupani Foundation, focusing on early childhood development and livelihood diversification. Under the umbrella of Rupani Initiatives, he oversees projects as diverse as stone-cutting training centers, fruit tree cultivation, environmental tourism, mental health initiatives, public-school improvement programs,

and climate-sensitive, technology-driven Impact Investment programs. These initiatives combine social and economic investments to promote sustainable and regenerative development.

In keeping with his commitment to children’s health, Mr. Rupani also holds key positions on professional boards, including the State of Texas Behavioral Health Advisory Committee Board, Mental Health of America (MHA) of Greater Houston, and the Collaborative for Children, among others. Recognizing the importance of mental health, Mr. Rupani organized a timely Muslim Mental Health Conference in Houston in 2022. And recently, he witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the first mental health wellness center in Houston. Furthermore, Mr. Rupani unveiled a vision for establishing a Muslim Health initiative, emphasizing the need for comprehensive healthcare support

within the community.

Nasruddin has received numerous accolades recognizing his contributions to health and early childhood education. The South Asian Chamber of Commerce (SACC), the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce (PCC), and the Asian American Family Services (AAFS) have all recognized his outstanding service. In 2022, President Biden himself presented

Nasruddin with the President's Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his significant impact and lifetime commitment to philanthropy.

Throughout his journey, Nasruddin has had the unwavering support of his family. His wife, Farida, stands as a pillar of strength, actively participating in community service initiatives and supporting their family business endeavors. Together, they have raised three daughters, and find joy in being loving grandparents.

Nasruddin Rupani's professional journey is a testament to the power of combining entrepreneurial acumen with a deep sense of social responsibility. Through his philanthropic endeavors, he has transformed the lives of countless individuals, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion, empowerment, and sustainable development.

Private screening Thursday evening June 8: Beyond Their Years; the incredible legacies of Herb Carnegie and Buck O'Neil, two social justice icons that blazed a train in sport and changed the world.

  

Wednesday June 7, Reception at 5:00 pm, Dinner and Awards at 7:00 pm to open the 2023 GlobalMindED Conference. Bring your co-workers, team, students, or friends as we honor these incredible leaders in 15 sectors - listed below. Corporate Sponsorship options begin at $5,000 a table and $250 for individuals.  GlobalMindED conference registrants can attend the dinner for an additional $100.

You can use the QR codes below or register here for the dinner and the conference June 8-9

Early Childhood Education:

Miriam Calderon, Chief Policy Officer, ZERO TO THREE

K-12 Education:

Dr. David Miyashiro, Superintendent, Cajon Valley Union School District

Higher Education:

Carrie Billy, President & CEO, American Indian Higher Education Consortium

Afua Bruce, Founder & Principal, ANB Advisory Group

Health & Wellness:

Dr. Elena Rios, President and CEO, National Hispanic Medical Association

Banking & Finance:

Hassan Salem, Head of Commercial Banking, U.S. Bank

Mary Nichols, Professor in Residence, UCLA Institute of the Environment

Greg Robinson, Webb Space Telescope Program Director, NASA

Technology:

Michael Campbell, General Manager, EdTech Innovation & Transformation, Intel

Diego Mariscal, CEO and Chief Disabled Person, 2Gether-International

Mario Carrera, President & CEO, CLLARO

Nasruddin Rupani, Chairman, Ibn Sina Foundation, RUPANI Foundation

Kimberly Bryant, Founder, Black Girls CODE

Leadership & Equity:

Guillermo Diaz Jr., Founder & CEO, Conectado Inc

Rosanna Durruthy, VP, Global Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, LinkedIn

Reach conference attendees and students looking for career opportunities. This event is also open to the public. REGISTER: Industry Marketplace/Career Exploration EXHIBITOR Event June 9 1:30-3:30

GlobalMindED | 303-327-5688 | contact@globalminded.org | www.globalminded.org