Khalid Ahmadzai

Khalid Ahmadzai was born and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan, where he began his career with non-governmental organizations focused on post-conflict reconstruction, particularly in education and social impact entrepreneurship. These early experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to public service and community development. After immigrating to the United States in 2010 to pursue higher education, Khalid developed, as his master’s thesis, a strategic plan for Canopy NWA, a grassroots refugee resettlement agency dedicated to welcoming and equipping newcomers as they rebuild their lives. In 2017, he returned to Afghanistan to collaborate with traditional artisans and founded Rumi Afghan Rugs, a social enterprise that preserves cultural heritage while creating sustainable livelihoods for rug weavers.

Since 2018, Khalid has held leadership roles at Canopy NWA and currently serves as Senior Director of Partnerships, where he advances the organization’s reach, cultivates strategic relationships, and deepens community engagement. He also contributes his expertise as a board member of Innovative Poverty Solutions, the Fayetteville Public Library Foundation, and Morning Star Development.

Khalid holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Middle East Studies from the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and a Master of Public Service from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. He lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with his wife and their three children. Beyond his professional work, he enjoys making chai, flying kites, and exploring photography and poetry.