Mahtab Haghighi- Founding Director & Former Board Member
Mahtab is a classically trained opera singer and passionate arts advocate with a vision to build bridges between cultures through the performing arts. As the co-founder of Khial Art Foundation, she played a key role in establishing its mission of artistic excellence and community engagement. With a deep belief in the power of music to inspire and connect, Mahtab continues to support Khial’s growth and cultural impact as a creative advisor and founding force behind its journey.
Soroush Shahres- Chair
Soroush is a music producer, violist, and arts manager with a deep commitment to community-based cultural initiatives. As a co-founder of Khial Art Foundation, he brings years of experience in performance, production, and project leadership. His vision is to create inclusive, artist-driven spaces that amplify diverse voices through high-quality musical theatre and educational programming. Soroush currently leads Khial’s artistic direction and strategic development as Chair of the Board.
Amir Darvishi- Vice Chair
I have been living and working in Calgary and Vancouver since 1998, building a career as a Hardware Design Engineer. Alongside my professional work, I’ve remained deeply committed to the arts and culture, serving on the steering committees of several organizations, including the Iranian Cultural Society of Calgary. I’m excited to bring this experience—and my passion for Persian heritage—to the board of Khial Art Foundation, supporting its mission to enrich Canada’s cultural landscape and strengthen the presence of the Iranian community in Vancouver.
Outside of work and community involvement, I take great joy in long-distance running and playing classical guitar—two personal passions that keep me grounded and inspired. Whether training for a marathon or practicing a new piece by Bach or Tarrega, I find both discipline and creativity in these pursuits, which continue to shape my outlook and personal growth.
Nasim Boustani- Board Director (Planning & Operations)
Nasim Boustani is an operations and strategy leader who brings vision to life through disciplined execution, governance, and financial stewardship (FinOps). With over two decades of experience leading complex transformations, she is passionate about turning ideas into meaningful impact. A lifelong lover of art and music, she continues to integrate creativity into both her personal and professional life.
Sepehr Sajadian- Treasurer
Sepehr Sajadian is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) based in Vancouver, Canada. He obtained his Master’s degree in Finance from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in the UK, before moving to Vancouver and earning his CPA designation. With a strong background in finance and taxation, he provides strategic financial guidance and insight to the board. He looks forward to supporting the vision of Khial Art Foundation by applying his knowledge and experience to advance its mission.
Ava Askari- Secretary
Ava Askari is a biomedical engineer who has always had two driving passions in life: art and helping others. Since childhood, she has been immersed in the world of theatre and music; art has always been her language and a means of connecting with the world. Through her work in science and innovation, she is dedicated to improving lives and advancing healthcare. She is proud to be part of the Khial Art Foundation, where the power of art is used not only for creative expression but also for charitable impact and community support, bringing her two passions together in a shared purpose.