HOUSTON, October 13, 2016 — Asia Society Texas Center announces the appointment of Saleena Jafry as Asia Society’s new Director of Education, Business & Policy.

Jafry joins Asia Society Texas Center with leadership experience from various civic and service organizations over the past 15 years. She currently serves on the City of Sugar Land’s Multi-Cultural Advisory Board, which focuses on celebrating the city’s diversity through artistic and cultural programs.

Previously, Jafry led the outreach and communications activities as a volunteer for the Ismaili community and His Highness the Aga Khan Council for the Southwestern United States. The Ismaili community believes in service and civic engagement as principle values of their faith, and Jafry served as a volunteer liaison between the community and a broad spectrum of civic, cultural, service, and governmental organizations across Texas. Jafry was also responsible for organizing and managing a robust portfolio of programmatic activities at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center in Sugar Land. These programs included visual and performing arts, lectures, round-table discussions, and book launches on various topics of interest to the larger Houston community.

Prior to joining Asia Society, Jafry spent 18 years as part of the management team at a privately held downstream energy company, where she helped oversee all aspects of the business, including operations, treasury, and business development.

Jafry has earned her Master’s degree in Liberal Studies from Rice University and an MBA from Washington University. She is a consummate reader and an avid traveler, with a deep rooted desire to learn how different cultures, faiths, and civilizations promote pluralistic values.