Scholars in the Arts
Randy’s provocative works of metal, wood, and paint have earned considerable recognition.
Mohamed Zahir Osman Kassam
"The most exciting aspect of global business today is the fact that there is a new breed of visionary leaders who have a clear understanding that the decisions they are making have the power to change the world, and to improve the lives of millions. I am determined to join these leaders as I share their passions and beliefs.”
- Program: 2008 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
- Community College: Green River Community College
- Four-year College or University: University of Washington
- Graduate School: Nottingham University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Business, Entrepreneur / Independent Business, International NGO/Relations, Media / Communications / Marketing
- Other Interests: Architecture, Aviation, Classics, Design, Film / Photography, Foreign Languages / International Study, Languages, Literature, Outdoor / Mountaineering / Camping, Performing Arts / Theatre, Politics and Diplomacy, Sports, Tutoring / Mentoring, Volunteer Work, Art History
Biography
PROFILE: Mohamed Zahir Osman Kassam (Zahir) was born into diversity. Growing up in Kenya with East Indian parents, he was raised in a Muslim household while attending Catholic school. Against the Nairobi backdrop of a multitude of tribes, he learned several languages and was exposed to British culture through his coursework and schooling. After finishing in the top one percent of A-level final exams, he moved to the US. “When I first arrived in New York, I was a young man of 19 with big dreams, in a land where I had no acquaintances, and I was eager to explore my new home.”
Many jobs later, including ten years at an ice cream distribution company in Texas where he became operations manager, Zahir is finding his way back to his dreams. It has always been his goal to work in international business. After business school he plans to bring his diverse range of skills and experience to a multinational corporation. He is a firm believer in the “triple bottom line” business model, whereby a corporation can be structured towards the attainment of economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social justice.
INSPIRATION: Zahir grew up with three siblings and was amazed at how their father managed to care for them. “He was a self-trained mechanic who left home at the crack of dawn every day to look for random jobs that could help support his family. I cannot remember a single moment in my childhood when my dad was unable to meet all our needs.”
ASPIRATION: Zahir aspires to become a global business executive and to one day be at the helm of a multinational firm.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Active in numerous organizations, Zahir volunteers for Amnesty International, the Fair Trade Coalition, the Roots Homeless Shelter, Students for Barack Obama, and the United Way.
ACCOLADES: Zahir has been on the Dean’s List for two years at University of Washington.
INTERESTING FACT: Passionate about photography and world cinema, Zahir’s favorite photographers are Robert Capa and Gordon Parks.
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