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Developments in Literacy

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Our team

Meet the dedicated team driving DIL’s mission forward—from strategy and curriculum to operations and innovation.

Fiza Shah

Fiza Shah is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Developments in Literacy (DIL), where she has led the organization’s growth into a nationally recognized force for educational change in Pakistan. Her work goes beyond expanding access, focusing on transforming the quality of learning through empowered teachers, strong school leadership, and innovative, technology-enabled models that prepare students for the future. Fiza holds an MBA from the University of California, Irvine and is a recipient of Pakistan’s Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence). She is driven by a singular vision: to build an education system that unlocks potential, expands opportunity, and enables every child to thrive.

Aneeqa Akhtar

Aneeqa Akhtar is the Executive Director of Developments in Literacy (DIL). She brings a deep commitment to educational equity and has held multiple leadership roles within the organization, including President of DIL Las Vegas and member of the Board of Directors. In her current role, she leads strategy, operations, and national fundraising efforts across the U.S. She played a key role in developing DIL’s flagship TEAL (Technology Enabled Academic Learning) program, transforming classroom instruction and student engagement. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, and an MBA from the University of Houston.

Hashmat Saeed

DIL’s Chief Financial Officer. Involved with DIL since the organization’s earliest days, Hashmat also serves on the Executive Board. She oversees DIL’s finances and works with the Benefit Committees to manage fundraising. Outside of DIL, Hashmat volunteers with the Assistance League of Long Beach, a philanthropic organization dedicated to serving the underprivileged as well as victims of abuse in Long Beach, California. 

Brenda Erlinger

Brenda Erlinger is the Program Development Director at Developments in Literacy (DIL), where she works across programs to strengthen teaching and learning. She leads the strategy and design of DIL’s libraries and reading programs and develops theories of change and practical tools that support teachers and students, including program frameworks and the testing of new approaches in practice. She holds an MA in International Development from the George Washington University and a K-6 Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

Annie Field

Annie Field is DIL’s Director of Curriculum Design. Having earned a Master of Education degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Annie specializes in international education policy. She leads a team of content developers to furnish comprehensive packages of localized materials to support authentic learning, regularly traveling to Pakistan to conduct teacher training, monitor educational progress, and implement new curricular initiatives.

Sana Tanveer

Sana Tanveer leads DIL’s Finance & Operations. Sana did her MBA with a major in finance and holds an active tax prepare license in the state of California, both of which prepared her to work as an accountant for over ten years. She is passionate about giving back and has served as a volunteer for different nonprofit organizations and school districts, led by her belief that a girl’s education has the power not only to transform individuals, but entire communities.