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Dr. Asma Naheed is a Pakistani-American psychologist, special needs consultant, philanthropist, and devoted mother of two daughters.
Born and raised in Kuwait, Dr. Asma is the eldest and only daughter of 4 siblings. Her passion for women’s education stemmed from her own personal experiences after she moved back to Lahore in her teens. Advocating for herself, she set her sights on pursuing higher education in human development and psychology, later on moving to the United States, where she earned three Master’s degrees and a Doctorate in Educational Psychology. Over the past 29 years, Dr. Asma has become a leading figure in the mental health field.
Her expertise in psychometric assessment, therapeutic interventions, and personal development programs enables her to address various challenges, from intellectual to emotional complexities. Her strategic plans, which embrace individualized holistic and evidence-based care, have guided multidisciplinary teams to achieve remarkable results.
Dr. Asma Naheed is a visionary consultant in the field of mental health, renowned for her exceptional capability to guide new mental health facilities from inception to full operational status. She has been instrumental in shaping policies, serving on the boards of numerous influential organizations, and advocating for special education needs (SEN) programs and mental health support for teens. Her work is distinguished by a dedication to developing strategic plans that emphasize holistic, evidence-based care, and she has adeptly led multidisciplinary teams to achieve impactful outcomes. With a focus on designing innovative mental health programs, wellness initiatives, and educational strategies, she excels in building and nurturing lasting partnerships.
“The more you move into your passion, you activate the unseen forces of the universe to work in your favour”
Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Asma dedicates herself to life coaching, guiding executives and VIP clientele on transformative personal development journeys. Focusing on nurturing psychological and emotional well-being while enhancing intellectual and emotional capacities, Dr. Asma helps weave essential life skills into every unique program she creates. Through her coaching, she helps decision-makers realize their fullest potential.
Dr Asma’s influence extends beyond her practice. She is a compelling presenter and public speaker on various radio and TV talk shows, where her voice passionately advocates for mental health awareness, women’s rights, and well-being. Her voice resonates with audiences, fostering a deeper understanding of mental health issues and inspiring change.
She started Hope & Light in 2015 after witnessing the profound mental health challenges faced by Pakistani women. Inspired by a deep-rooted belief in giving back to her community, she transformed her home into a sanctuary of hope, offering support and guidance to women grappling with societal pressures and personal struggles.
What began as small awareness sessions quickly blossomed into a movement. With the support of the Pakistani Embassy, Dr. Asma expanded her reach, offering workshops, mental health clinics, and training programs for aspiring therapists and doctors. Beyond mental health, Hope & Light also addresses the fundamental needs of women, providing access to clean water, food, and education in underserved communities.
Her philosophy is rooted in the concept of Sadqa*,
she strongly believes that it is our responsibility to give back to our community by utilizing a portion of our skills for those who need them the most.
The organization invests in water supply schemes, builds essential infrastructure, and provides training and counseling, creating sustainable, long-term improvements in quality of life.
*Sadaqah is an Arabic word that means “voluntary charity” or “giving”. It is an act of kindness and generosity that is done without the expectation of receiving anything in return.