Staff
Imran Noorali
Data & Support Manager
Imran is a former marketing professional who has spent time in various fields such as microfinance and entertainment media. Prior to Minds Matter he finished his Masters degree in International Affairs from Columbia University where he focused on research involving economic development. He is also an active participant in his community by volunteering regularly in cleanup projects and by mentoring high school students. Before moving to New York, he finished his undergraduate education in marketing and sports media studies at the University of Southern California. Imran is a big college sports and live music fan and typically spends his weekends attending a live event in one or the other. During his free time, he enjoys baking desserts, swimming, tennis and meditation.
Shelly Zhou
Program & Development Associate
Shelly has been involved with Minds Matter since 2008. As a Minds Matter of NYC mentee, she was able to transform her dream of attending college into a reality, becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college. After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Human Biology from the University at Albany, Shelly’s passion to assist low-income families steered her back to Minds Matter. As a Minds Matter alum, she witnessed first-hand the positive impact of Minds Matter on the lives of ambitious young adults from low socio-economic backgrounds. Shelly hopes to help transform students’ lives as the organization did for her. Shelly honed her skills while researching at academic institutions such as New York University and Columbia University, and she looks forward to using her knowledge and passion to manage National programs and support chapters at Minds Matter. In her free time, Shelly can be found planning the next episode of her podcast, browsing used bookstores, or booking her next excursion.