Our Board of Directors

Josephine Attisha (President & Executive Director)

Josephine helps organizations discover, seize, and deploy new opportunities through her proposal and program management skills as the executive director at CHAI ACS. She leads the proposal cycle and ensuing contract management process through strategic project management, introducing companies to best practices, requirements, and compliance with millions of dollars at stake.

Her background includes passionate and professional support of global change as both a grant consultant and a novelist, shining a light on the realities of religious and ethnic minorities (Assyrians/Chaldean/Syriac) and the possibilities of life in Western Asia, which is commonly referred to as the Middle East.

She has managed $100M annually in purchasing and executed multiple projects up to $500M simultaneously, with experience in cross-functional coordination to support and communicate for end-to-end success. Energy and integrity mark her work and her desire to help grow companies and communities.

Fanar Razoky (Chair) 

Fanar Razoky serves as a dedicated board member at CHAI ACS (Assyrian, Chaldean, Syriac), bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization. With a background as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Henry Ford Hospital for over seven years, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing healthcare and research initiatives. Fanar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Wayne State University, reflecting her passion for the sciences and her drive to make a difference in the community.

Born in Iraq, Fanar Razoky has a profound connection to her heritage and culture. She is fluent in Sureth, the traditional language of the Assyrian/Chaldean community, allowing her to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps within the organization and beyond. Fanar's multicultural background enriches the diversity of perspectives within CHAI ACS.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Fanar is a dedicated community leader and volunteer. For over a decade, she has contributed her time and expertise as a catechism teacher, guiding and shaping the lives of community members through education and mentorship. Her unwavering commitment to community service underscores her belief in the power of education and community engagement to create positive change.

As a board member of CHAI ACS, Fanar Razoky continues to play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, driving community initiatives, and advocating for the well-being of the Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac communities. Her multifaceted background and passion for service make her an invaluable asset to the organization, inspiring others to work towards a stronger, more vibrant community.

Dianna Aziz (Chair)

Dianna Aziz is a distinguished member of the CHAI board. Her rich and diverse background brings a unique perspective to our team. A proud descendant of both Assyrian and Egyptian-Coptic heritage, Dianna's cultural roots have instilled in her a deep appreciation for tradition and community. Her experience as a US Army veteran, where she served in the challenging environment of Afghanistan, demonstrates her unwavering commitment to duty and service.

In her civilian life, Dianna has excelled in the field of marketing and SEO, where she has consistently demonstrated her expertise in optimizing digital strategies and enhancing online visibility for businesses. Her professional acumen is a valuable asset to CHAI as we strive to expand our reach and impact.

Despite her many accomplishments, Dianna's most cherished role is that of a mother. Her dedication to her family reflects her nurturing and compassionate nature, qualities that greatly contribute to her effectiveness as a board member.

Dianna Aziz's multifaceted background, military service, professional expertise, and commitment to her community and family make her a dynamic and integral part of the CHAI team. We are honored to have her as a board member and look forward to the invaluable contributions she will continue to make to our organization.

Ali Haisha (Treasurer)

Ali Crozier-Haisha, a devoted board member of CHAI ACS (Assyrian, Chaldean, Syriac), brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to the organization while embracing her roles as a dedicated mother and wife. Originally from Pennsylvania, Ali made her home in Michigan, where she has become an integral part of both her family and the community.

Ali holds a degree in Arts and Science from Rowan College Gloucester County, where her talents and determination led her to win two national tennis championships. Her competitive spirit and commitment to excellence are evident in her accomplishments both on and off the tennis court.

With a background in the retail industry, Ali is an experienced Crew Member with a demonstrated history of excelling in various roles. She possesses strong skills in Customer Service, Social Media, Inventory Management, and Marketing, showcasing her versatility and expertise. Ali's professional acumen enriches the skill set of CHAI ACS, contributing to the organization's strategic growth and outreach efforts.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ali finds fulfillment in her roles as a loving mother and supportive wife. Her dedication to her family instills in her a profound sense of responsibility and empathy, qualities that resonate in her volunteer work and advocacy efforts within the community.

Additionally, Ali is passionate about preserving her cultural heritage. She is currently learning the Syriac language, an endangered language of her husband's Chaldean roots, with the intention of passing it on to her daughter. By taking proactive steps to preserve this ancient language, Ali not only strengthens her bond with her heritage but also contributes significantly to the preservation of a rich cultural legacy.

As a board member of CHAI ACS, Ali Crozier-Haisha is dedicated to leveraging her skills and experiences to make a positive impact on the Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac communities. Her passion for community service, coupled with her nurturing roles as a mother and wife, fuels her commitment to fostering collaboration and promoting the well-being of all community members.

Raneen Qasha (Board Member)

Raneen Butrus Qasha, a dedicated and multitalented professional, hails from Alqosh, Iraq, and currently serves as a valuable board member of CHAI ACS (Assyrian, Chaldean, Syriac). Raneen's educational background includes earning a degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Mosul, showcasing her dedication to academic excellence.

With a rich work history, Raneen has contributed significantly to various organizations and initiatives. She has served as a Social Cohesion Project Officer at CRS (Catholic Relief Services) and Senior Grants Associate at Chemonics International, working on projects funded by USAID. Her expertise in project management, grants administration, and capacity building has made a lasting impact on the communities she serves.

Raneen is well-versed in multiple languages, fluently speaking English, Chaldean, and Arabic. Her commitment to personal and professional development is evident through her extensive participation in international and national conferences, workshops, and training sessions. Raneen's diverse skill set includes proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and an InnerMBA from Mindful NYU/Sounds True. She is a Microsoft Office Specialist and holds TOT certificates in various fields, emphasizing her continuous pursuit of knowledge.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Raneen Butrus Qasha is deeply involved in volunteer work and community engagement. She is a member of the She Revolution team and the Alqosh Youth Group, contributing her time and expertise to various initiatives aimed at empowering youth and promoting social change. Raneen's dedication to human rights and peacebuilding is evident through her involvement with organizations like SEWAN and UNHCR, where she has volunteered and trained sessions on human rights and awareness.

Raneen's insight is particularly valuable in the realm of project planning and strategizing due to her residence in the homeland. Her intimate knowledge of the local context, community dynamics, and cultural nuances enables her to provide unique perspectives essential for developing effective and culturally sensitive initiatives. This deep understanding of the homeland enriches her contributions to CHAI ACS, guiding the organization in crafting impactful projects that resonate with the Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac communities.

Raneen's extensive experience, linguistic proficiency, and commitment to community service make her an invaluable asset to CHAI ACS. As a board member, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for positive change, aligning perfectly with CHAI ACS's mission to serve and uplift the Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac communities.

April Boyle (Informal Advisor)

April Jones-Boyle is a dynamic social entrepreneur, angel investor, and advocate for inclusive innovation ecosystems. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Wayne State University, laying the foundation for her passion for understanding diverse cultures and communities. Currently, April serves as the Senior Advisor for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Velocity Center for the City of Sterling Heights in Michigan.

In her role as the founder and former executive director of BUILD Institute, April played a pivotal role in incubating hundreds of small businesses, with a special focus on supporting women- and minority-owned enterprises. Her dedication to fostering entrepreneurship led her to co-create various ventures, including the renowned family Hootenanny kids concert series and CD, the critically acclaimed Indonesian pop-up restaurant Komodo Kitchen, and the trailblazing all-mom rock band, The Mydols, featured on the cable television series Gene Simmons Family Jewels.

April's entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond her projects; she is also a co-owner and investor in the Gold Cash Gold building in Corktown. Her diverse skill set and innovative mindset have earned her recognition as an alumna of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program and Leadership Detroit XL. Additionally, she is a graduate of Dan Gilbert's BizdomU accelerator program, highlighting her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

With a deep understanding of business development, coupled with her anthropological background, April Jones-Boyle brings a unique perspective to the CHAI ACS board. Her expertise in entrepreneurship and her commitment to fostering diverse and vibrant communities align seamlessly with CHAI ACS's mission. As a board member, April contributes valuable insights and initiatives, driving positive change within the Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac communities.