Leadership

The people accountable for the mission.

GISD is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for strategic oversight, fiduciary responsibility, and mission alignment. The board meets monthly, serves without compensation, and is supported by standing committees for finance, programs, and fundraising.

Board of Directors

Governance in named hands.

Kendel A. Paulsen, MA, CDCS, ACC

Chair of the Board

Ms. Kendel A. Paulsen is a distinguished leadership, life, and career coach with over [X] years of experience empowering professionals and purpose-driven leaders to achieve personal clarity, professional growth, and meaningful impact. As the founder of Women's Empowerment Coaching and Consulting, LLC, Kendel supports individuals across industries and career stages in defining their direction and leading with confidence.

She has provided transformational coaching to professionals at some of the world's most recognized organizations, including Salesforce, Amazon, and Accenture, as well as nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs. With over 1,000 coaching hours, Kendel brings a strategic, compassionate, and results-driven approach to every engagement.

Kendel's leadership extends beyond coaching. She has served as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Brain Injury Services, leading the organization through board development, advocacy, and executive collaboration. Her expertise in organizational management, paired with her deep human insight, makes her a vital voice on the GISD Board of Directors.

She holds a Master's degree in Organizational Management and multiple advanced certifications, including Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation, and is a Certified Dare to Lead Facilitator.

Lisa McGrail

Treasurer and Founding Board Member

Lisa McGrail, a nonprofit leader with a passion for civic engagement and social impact, serves on the Board of Directors at the Global Institute for Sustainable Development. With a career rooted in strengthening communities through partnership development, volunteer mobilization, and strategic fundraising, Lisa brings a mission-aligned perspective to GISD's work of advancing peace, sustainability, and good governance around the world.

Lisa currently serves as Director of Partnerships and Development at Leadership Fairfax, where she leads efforts to engage alumni, secure funding through sponsorships and grants, and support leadership development initiatives. She collaborates with civic-minded organizations and individuals to cultivate meaningful connections and lasting impact throughout the community.

Her previous role with Women Giving Back focused on volunteer engagement and fundraising strategies that supported women and children in crisis. There, Lisa built a strong network of volunteers and secured essential financial support, further reflecting her deep commitment to community-based change.

Lisa also serves as the Ashburn District representative on Loudoun County's Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Committee, where she contributes to shaping the county's vision for inclusive, accessible, and sustainable public spaces.

Her dedication to service is also reflected at home: Lisa's daughter is currently serving as a Youth Development Volunteer in the Peace Corps, continuing the family's legacy of civic-minded global engagement. Lisa is honored to serve on GISD's Board of Directors and contribute to its mission of building stronger communities.

Nillah Shah

Board Member

[PLACEHOLDER: biography to be provided.]

Suliman A. Kamyar, PMP, CSM

Founder and Executive Director (non-voting board member)

[PLACEHOLDER: biography to be provided.]

Accountability

How the board holds itself to structure.

  • Board members serve two-year renewable terms.
  • Officers serve three-year terms with a limit of two consecutive terms.
  • Standing committees are Finance, Programs, and Fundraising.
  • Board expansion is underway for FY2027, with priority for candidates with government, corporate, or technology backgrounds.

Interested in board service? See Get Involved.

Available to funders and partners on request

  • IRS determination letter (approved June 2025, effective June 28, 2024)
  • Virginia Certificate and Articles of Incorporation
  • Virginia charitable solicitation registration (VDACS Form 102, renewed annually by November 15)
  • Board-approved bylaws (version 1.5, approved November 17, 2025)
  • Board-approved annual budget and Form 990 filings
  • Strategic Plan FY2027 to FY2029 and FY2027 Operating Plan
  • SAM.gov registration
  • Directors and Officers liability insurance (placement in progress)