About

Who we are

Learn about our mission, vision, and the passionate individuals behind Bengalis of Atlanta.

Bengalis of Atlanta was founded in the Fall of 2023 by Malika Begum with a simple yet powerful goal: to bridge the gap and foster connections among Bangladeshi youth and professionals in Atlanta.

Recognizing a lack of community tailored to the younger generation, Malika saw an opportunity to create a space that addressed their unique needs and aspirations. Most existing community events were geared towards older adults, conducted in Bangla—a language many of our American-born youth are not fluent in—and failed to address the societal pressures of today.

Thus, Bengalis of Atlanta was born: an inclusive space where Bengali Americans with shared backgrounds, experiences, and interests could come together to celebrate their culture, support one another, and create community without the bounds and rigid expectations from our parents' generation.

What we DO

Our mission

To cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community that empowers and uplifts Bengali youth and professionals. We strive to provide a platform for showcasing Bangladesh's rich talent, innovative businesses, and impactful initiatives in Atlanta.
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Through a diverse array of events and programming, we aim to facilitate networking opportunities, cultural exchange, and social engagements tailored to the needs and interests of the younger generation.

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Meet the people behind BoATL

Malika Begum, President

Malika is a visionary leader from Sylhet raised in Atlanta who is dedicated to empowering the Bengali community. From pioneering technology transformations at PWC to founding a fintech startup, she's committed to fostering financial literacy and supporting minority-owned businesses while excelling as a supply chain consultant at Deloitte.

Fariba Haider, VP

Fariba is dedicated to fostering unity within Atlanta's Bengali community. With a background in international business, she has made significant contributions to development efforts in Bangladesh, notably through her work with the UNCDF and private social work. She is passionate about connecting her community through love for her country.

Amir Ali, Historian

Amir is a Tech and Strategy Consultant with a MSBA and BA in Systems from UGA. He is involved in event planning, social media, and educating the community about our rich history. Outside of his career, he is passionate about fitness, fashion, photography, and culinary exploration.

Zamela Haque, Coordinator

Zamela is a Public Health student at Georgia State University. Engaged in event planning and social media for the Bengalis of Atlanta, she is passionate about creating a community that celebrates Bengali youth Additionally she contributes to food safety initiatives through nonprofits like "Food as Medicine" and "Helping Mamas," which has fueled her pursuit of a career in food/water safety research.

Nusayba Uddin, Coordinator

Nusayba is a dynamic Bengali-American graduating with Computer Science from Georgia State University. She excels as a Software Developer at Periscope Solutions Technologies. She is deeply committed to her community through volunteering, mentoring, and advocacy, envisioning a future where technology fosters inclusivity and positive change.

BOARD MEMBERS