Elizabeth Sawhney

Executive Board Member 

Sadia Wali

Executive Board Sectetary 

Mohammad Sahil

Founder & Executive Director

Mohammad Sahil is a highly experienced combat interpreter/translator who served with the US military for nearly a decade in Afghanistan. He, along with his wife, immigrated to the United States through the Special Immigration Visa(SIV) program and settled initially in Albany, New York. After a year, they made the decision to relocate to Omaha, Nebraska.

Before joining Lutheran Family Services as an AmeriCorps volunteer, Mohammad worked and gained valuable skills while working at Walmart and First Data. With almost 9 years of experience working with refugee and immigrant populations, Mohammad has had various roles, including post 90-day case management and contributing to educational programming. Currently, he is pursuing a degree in human services and is dedicated to expanding his knowledge in this field.

In addition to his work with Omaha Public School as a social worker and interpreter/translator, Mohammad's outstanding contributions were recognized when he was awarded the 2021 Excellent Service Award by OPS. His passion for serving the community is evident as he actively participates as the Vice Chair for the Omaha Refugee Taskforce (ORTF). Additionally, he serves on the Great Plains IDeA-CTR Community Advisory Board (CAB), where he has the opportunity to contribute to valuable decision-making processes.

Overall, Mohammad Sahil is a dedicated and highly accomplished individual who continues to make a significant impact in his community through his extensive experience and active involvement in various organizations. He is currently running the NACC management affairs. 

Courtney Spurgeon

Nebraska Afghan Community Center Executive Board President 

Courtney Spurgeon serves as Development Manager at OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc. Her work is focused on fundraising events and volunteer management. Prior to joining OneWorld, Courtney has nearly ten years of experience working with refugee and immigrant populations in various capacities, including post 90-day case management and K-12 programming. Courtney holds a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in nonprofit management from the University of Nebraska Omaha, and she holds a bachelor’s degree in health administration and policy from Creighton University. 

Manizha Ahmadi

Nebraska Afghan Community Center Executive Board Vice Chair 

Manizha Ahmadi is from Afghanistan and speaks Persian, Pashto and English. Manizha graduated from the faculty of Public Policy and Administration in Afghanistan. Before coming to the US, Manizha worked as a reporter and as a trainer and assistant for Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Management at GIZ-Zfd. Manizha is passionate about community service and helping others. 

Tin Nguyen

Nebraska Afghan Community Center Executive Board Treasurer 

Tin Nguyen is a Senior Research Associate in the Management Department of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Business and at the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education (NCITE) Center. As a Penn State and Creighton University alum, he has assisted numerous community-level efforts in Pennsylvania and Nebraska.

Muhammad Bilawal Khoso

Nebraska Afghan Community Center Executive Board  Member

Muhammad Bilawal Khoso is a graphic designer, educator, public speaker, and exhibition artist. Born and raised in Pakistan, he speaks English, Urdu, Sindhi, Siraiki, Punjabi, and Pashto. 

He is currently working as an Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha and believes that art can change the world for the better! He is an outspoken individual who has actively voiced out on sensitive issues within communities and dreams of an all-inclusive society without any discrimination due to sexual orientation, religion, race, gender or ethnicity.