Ms. Maria Shamim is a development professional with over 7 years of hands-on experience in education, environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and digital literacy. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GRAO, appointed by the Board of Directors in 2026 through a formal resolution.
Ms. Shamim holds an MPhil in Chemistry from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab. Her academic work and research background provide her with strong technical insight into water quality, environmental chemistry, and climate-related challenges.
Education Sector – 7+ Years
Ms. Shamim has extensive experience working at both college and university levels. She has taught, mentored, and designed learning programmes, focusing on science education and youth capacity building.
She is recognized as an expert in climate change and environmental protection. Her field work includes large-scale plantation drives, community awareness campaigns, and projects on climate resilience for vulnerable rural communities.
Ms. Shamim has led multiple initiatives on clean drinking water, including solar-powered water schemes, water quality testing, and community WASH programmes. Her work has directly improved access to safe water in underserved areas.
She is a strong advocate and implementer of digital literacy. Under her leadership, GRAO has run digital skills training programmes for youth, women, and community volunteers, helping bridge the digital divide in remote regions.
In 2012, she began her humanitarian journey as a registered volunteer member of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS). This early exposure shaped her commitment to community service and disaster response.
Since 2026, as CEO of GRAO – Global Rehabilitation Assistance Organization, she oversees programmes in disability rehabilitation, WASH, climate adaptation, environmental protection, and digital empowerment. Under her leadership, GRAO has expanded operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Balochistan, and Punjab, reaching 1.2 million+ beneficiaries.
