Skip To Main Content

Toggle Close Container

Mobile Utility Nav

Mobile Translate

Mobile Main Nav

Default Menu Image

lorem ipsum

Header Holder

Header Right Column

Header Utility Nav

Translate

Toggle Search Container

Toggle Menu Container

Search Canvas

Close Canvas BTN

Search Utility Nav

Site Search

Search Icons Nav

CTA Nav

horizontal-nav

Breadcrumb

Alumni

Once a Falcon, Always a Falcon

Welcome to the ASD alumni community. We are a global network of former students, parents, and employees connected by shared experiences and lasting relationships. Whether you spent one year or thirteen at ASD, the friendships you formed and the paths you've taken since continue to shape our collective story. We invite you to stay connected and remain engaged as our alumni community continues to grow. Your journey helps inspire today's Falcons and strengthens the enduring bonds that define the ASD family.

Share Your Story

With more than 10,000 alumni around the world, our community is built on the experiences that connect us. Tell us how ASD shaped your life, career, or passions, and what being a Falcon means to you today. We want to hear from you.

SHARE

Attend an Event

ASD periodically hosts opportunities for alumni to reconnect in cities around the world, as well as at several events in Dubai, including the annual Return of the Falcons each January. Click the link below to view upcoming events.

Register

Volunteer

There are many ways to give back to ASD. Whether hosting an alumni gathering in your city, serving as an Alumni Regional Chapter Chair, mentoring students, or supporting our upcoming 60th Anniversary, you can make a meaningful difference. 

Get Involved

Update Your Contact Information

Keep your contact information up to date so fellow classmates can find you. Stay informed with Wingspan, ASD's quarterly Alumni newsletter, and be the first to know about upcoming Alumni events in your city.

The image displays the word %22WINGSPAN%22 in large red text, with a stylized bird or wing-like symbol next to it against a light gray background.

Alumni Stories

Darby Heino '15

Class of: 2015

College: York University - College of Law; University of Toronto

Occupation: Litigation Associate

Current Location: Toronto, Ontario

My Full Story

Darby Heino ’15: From Breaking Records to Building Pathways

Long before she ever stepped into a courtroom, Darby Heino ’15 was already setting records, balancing passions, and building community. A proud “lifer” who attended ASD from K1 through Grade 12, Darby distinguished herself in all areas of student life. She sprinted down the track, lit up the stage in school musicals, and brought spirit and leadership to various student organizations. Fiercely competitive but always team-minded, Darby combined curiosity, discipline, and compassion - a mix that would come to define her career in law and beyond.

“I still carry so many lessons from my time at ASD,” Darby reflects. “It was a place that taught me the value of community, collaboration, and excellence. You see it in how successful so many of our alumni are, not just professionally, but in how they support others.”

“It was a place that taught me the value of community, collaboration, and excellence. You see it in how successful so many of our alumni are, not just professionally, but in how they support others.”

Darby’s athletic legacy is still visible today. Her high jump record from 2014 remains unbroken, a quiet tribute to the six-year stretch during which ASD’s JV and Varsity girls’ track teams were virtually unbeatable. But for her, the real pride lies in the bonds that were built along the way. “The wins mattered, of course, but it was the team that made it unforgettable. We pushed each other, believed in each other, and learned how to show up for ourselves and each other.”

That mindset carried her into her next chapter after graduating from ASD: earning an Honours Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Toronto, followed by a Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School. As a newcomer to Canada and the first in her family to pursue law, Darby had to navigate unfamiliar systems without a roadmap. “There was no clear guidebook, no one-stop answer to the question I kept getting asked: ‘So… how do you actually become a lawyer in Canada?’”

So she wrote it herself.

Recognizing how challenging it can be to navigate Canada’s legal system without guidance, Darby decided to document everything she had learned along the way. The result was How to Become a Lawyer in Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide, a practical resource she created to support others who might be starting from the same place she once did. 

Currently, Darby is a Litigation Associate practicing in Toronto, focusing on civil and commercial defense work. She’s represented clients before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and continues to expand her impact not only through her legal practice but also through her commitment to mentorship and legal access. “For me, success is about creating clarity and opening doors for others. The title, the job, the cases - they matter. But being a resource, being part of someone else’s journey, that’s what’s most fulfilling.”

Despite her busy professional life, Darby has stayed closely connected to the ASD community. Each year, she helps organize the Michelle Pazos Track and Field Invitational, an event held in memory of her best friend, whom she met at ASD in Grade 5. “It’s a way to honor her legacy and give back to the place that brought us together. ASD was our foundation, and that friendship shaped so much of who I am.”

When asked what advice she’d offer to current ASD students, Darby doesn’t hesitate. “Dream big, work hard, but don’t forget to nurture your friendships. The people you sit next to in class today might be your future colleagues, your support network, or even your chosen family. Hold onto that.”

 

Shefali Karani '06

Class of: 2006

College: Drexel University; Columbia Business School

Occupation: Entrepreneur & Author 

Current City: Dubai, UAE

My Full Story

Owning It: How Shefali Karani ’06 Turned Passion Into Purpose

Shefali Karani ‘06 (née Ramsinghani) still remembers what it felt like to be a thoughtful and curious individual, shaped by a vibrant international upbringing between the United States, Mumbai, and Dubai. Her journey reflects the richness of global experiences and the confidence that comes from learning to adapt, connect, and lead across cultures. When Shefali joined the American School of Dubai in Grade 8, she couldn’t yet have imagined how deeply the school would influence her growing sense of identity, creativity, and purpose.

Her High School years included a brief return to Mumbai, where she attended the American School of Bombay, before coming back to ASD for her final two years. Rather than feeling like a disruption, the change became part of her broader story of resilience and self-discovery.

“It wasn’t easy changing schools, especially during High School,” she reflects. “But ASD felt like home once I came back.”

It was there that she found her rhythm and began to thrive—surrounded by mentors who encouraged her to pursue her passions, peers who became lifelong friends, and a community that helped her see the potential in her quiet determination. At ASD, Shefali began to believe in the power of her own voice and how it could one day help lead others.

Shefali pursued her academic studies at Drexel University, drawn to its entrepreneurial spirit and academic rigor. She graduated with honors in a dual major, minored in French, and later completed her MBA at the same institution, followed by a CIBE from Columbia Business School. But degrees and accolades only tell part of her story. At just 21, Shefali stepped into an executive role in her family’s publicly listed business—an opportunity that would be daunting for most new graduates. For Shefali, it was a calling she had long prepared for. “Because I had mentally committed to this path early on, I didn’t hesitate when I was asked to lead,” she says. “It felt like the natural next step.”

Shefali’s early entry into the corporate world came with great responsibility, but she embraced it with confidence and clarity of purpose. Stepping into an executive role shortly after graduation, she drew on her academic preparation, strong work ethic, and natural leadership instincts. What set her apart was her ability to bring a well-rounded perspective to her work—business-minded and strategic, yet also thoughtful, creative, and relationship-driven. Her success has been shaped not only by her professional skills but by her ability to lead with authenticity and vision.

That creativity eventually found another outlet: writing. Shefali is the author of Own It! Love What You Already Have, a personal and empowering reflection on gratitude, ambition, and self-acceptance. She’s written for Harper’s Bazaar, delivered a TED Talk, and become a voice for women striving to define success on their own terms. “Writing has always been part of my soul,” she says. “It’s where I process, connect, and share—and I love how it brings together both my personal and professional lives.”

In 2025, Shefali received Drexel University’s Distinguished Alumni Award—their highest honor—and yet, what she’s most proud of isn’t a title or recognition. It’s being able to continue her work while raising a young child, a reality she credits to her family’s unwavering support. “Success isn’t just about milestones,” she says. “It’s about how you move through life with purpose, humility, and gratitude. And sometimes, just showing up and continuing is the greatest success of all.”

To current ASD students, especially those who might feel unsure of themselves, Shefali offers heartfelt encouragement: “Don’t do something because others expect it. Do it because it speaks to you. The moment I stopped letting others define me was the moment my path became clear.” She knows what it’s like to second-guess, to be criticized, and to wonder if you’re enough. But she also knows what it’s like to emerge on the other side—stronger, more centered, and deeply fulfilled.

Now based in Dubai, Shefali remains an active member of the Columbia Business School Women’s Circle and Drexel’s Women in Business Alumni Council. And she continues to find joy in staying connected to ASD, the place where her story truly began. “You never know when your story might help someone else,” she says. “If my journey can inspire even one student to believe in their voice, then it’s all worth it.”

 

Rayhan Kandri '19

Class of: 2019

College: NYU Tisch School of the Arts

Occupation: Film Producer

Current City: Dubai, UAE

My Full Story

Rayhan ‘19 Returns to ASD as a Film Director with Purpose

Rayhan Kandri ‘19, like many of her fellow ASD alumni, considers herself a global citizen, shaped by life in several countries. Born in Saudi Arabia, raised between the United States and the UAE, and deeply rooted in her Moroccan heritage, Rayhan’s diverse background profoundly shapes the stories she tells today. Now a filmmaker based in the UAE, Rayhan recently returned to ASD, though not as a student, but as a film director.

Rayhan spent all four years of high school at ASD, where she immersed herself in the arts. From AP 2D Art and AP Studio Art to film history and technical production, she explored various creative paths before discovering her passion for filmmaking. That moment came unexpectedly.  After reading about a film competition in the ASD newsletter, she and a friend submitted a last-minute entry. To their surprise, they won. That early success sparked a deeper interest in film and set Rayhan on a new trajectory.

“Growing up, I didn’t often see my culture reflected on screen,” she explains. “It’s important to me to change that through my work.”

In 2018, she co-founded the Dubai Youth Film Festival, and by the following year, she was leading the festival’s organization. This hands-on experience, combined with her coursework, prepared her for the next step: studying at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she majored in Film and Television and minored in the Business of Film.

Rayhan is most passionate about screenwriting and directing, particularly when telling stories that reflect the Arab world and Moroccan culture. Her desire to amplify underrepresented narratives inspired her decision to return to the region after graduating in 2023.

Since returning to the UAE, Rayhan has interned at a production house and worked as a freelance filmmaker. In early 2024, she was selected for the prestigious Arab Film Studio Program, a Creative Media Authority initiative based in Abu Dhabi. As part of the program, Rayhan is producing a short film titled Rick, which brought her back to ASD to shoot key scenes.

Rick is Rayhan’s first fully French-language script. The story draws inspiration from the Moroccan national football team’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Centering on the bond between the players and their mothers, the film follows a teenage boy navigating identity and belonging in a French high school while coming from a disadvantaged background. It’s a story of resilience, heritage, and self-discovery.

Rayhan credits ASD with helping her believe in her path. “ASD gave me the confidence to pursue what I love,” she says. “It made me feel like I could be independent, and that following an unconventional path was not only possible, but valuable.” The support of her teachers and the encouragement of the ASD community helped her embrace the risks of a creative career.

Her message to current students is heartfelt: “Trust yourself and follow what you really love to do. Otherwise, you might regret it. Passion is your fuel - for your work, your life, and your impact. You want to be proud of what you put out into the world.”

As she nears completion of her program in Abu Dhabi, Rayhan is continuing to work on freelance production projects and looks ahead to writing and directing her first feature-length film. With a bold voice and a clear sense of purpose, she’s just getting started.

 

Tahira Nizari '06

Class of: 2006

College: London School of Economics and Political Science

Occupation: Co-founder and Managing Director Kazi Yetu

Current City: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

My Full Story

From Dubai to Dar es Salaam: Tahira Nizari '06 Empowers Tanzanian Communities

For Tahira Nizari, the path from her early days at the American School of Dubai to empowering women’s economic development in Tanzania has been marked by a deep commitment to creating meaningful change. A proud alumna of the Class of 2006, Tahira reflects on how her years at ASD helped shape the values and principles she carries into her work today.

Now based in Dar es Salaam, Tahira is the co-founder of Kazi Yetu, a social enterprise that collaborates with local farmers to produce premium teas, herbs, and spices. While Kazi Yetu (Kazi Yetu translates to “Our Work” in Swahili) exports its products worldwide, the true mission extends far beyond delivering quality teas. At its heart, the enterprise is dedicated to uplifting rural communities and empowering women through fair wages, sustainable employment, and growth opportunities. This ethos of empowerment has set Kazi Yetu apart as a pioneering organization in Tanzania, making strides in closing the gender gap and improving economic conditions for women in the community.

Tahira’s career in international development took her around the world, including stints in Afghanistan and East Africa, where she worked on projects centered around economic inclusion and job creation. These experiences gave her a firsthand understanding of the challenges rural farmers face, especially in emerging nations. In 2018, she and her husband launched Kazi Yetu, combining her background in development with a passion for tea rooted in her family’s history.

“The experiences I had at ASD — from classroom discussions to cultural exchanges — taught me how to adapt, think creatively, and engage with people from diverse backgrounds. Those skills have been essential in building Kazi Yetu.”

For Tahira, her journey from ASD to Tanzania has been a chance to reconnect with her family’s roots while making a tangible impact. As Kazi Yetu continues to grow and expand its reach, she remains deeply committed to uplifting communities and driving change, one tea leaf at a time. From the classrooms of ASD to the tea fields of Tanzania, Tahira Nizari’s story is a testament to the power of education, resilience, and a vision for a better world.

 

Kaustubh Roy '18

Class of: 2018

College: Purdue University 

Occupation: Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Current City: Pasadena, CA

My Full Story

Shoot for the Stars: Kaustubh Ray '18 on how ASD prepared him for NASA

Kaustubh Ray works as a Spacecraft Systems Engineer at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. His project? The Mars Sample Return mission—one of the most ambitious and complex planetary exploration flagship missions aiming to return Martian samples to Earth. He focuses on entry, descent, and landing—a mission-critical phase involving the safe delivery of payloads to planets, moons, and other celestial bodies. It's a lofty career.

Kaustubh attributes at least some of his success to the well-rounded program of studies and extracurriculars at ASD. He attended the school in Grades 5 and 6 and then again for Grades 9-12, graduating in 2018.

"When I initially joined ASD, I was an introverted, overweight, and reserved child. However, a significant transformation began in my 10th grade. I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone, becoming more involved in various activities (shared in my TEDxYouth @ ASDubai Talk) and placed a stronger focus on my academic pursuits."

After graduation, Kaustubh attended Purdue University, specializing in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. Here, he excelled both academically and socially.

"I carried the valuable lessons I had learned at ASD to Purdue, using them to thrive within the university environment. I actively engaged in campus life, eventually assuming leadership positions that impacted 20% of the student body. I also delved into research in the field of Mechanical/Aerospace engineering."

Kaustubh's dedication and achievements did not go unnoticed; He received recognition from the university including the Thomas B. Robinson IFC Man of the Year award, the Research and Innovation Pillar of Excellence award, and the Keith Krach Leadership Scholarship, among others.

"My career and college experience have been significantly influenced by my time at ASD, and I wouldn't be the person I am today without the peers, teachers, and coaches I had during that period."

Kaustubh shares his thoughts on three key groups from his ASD experience that influenced his stellar trajectory:

1) The Teachers—Confidence and Curiosity
"I never excelled on my report card, especially during high school; I distinctly remember how much of a struggle it was to keep up in some of the advanced classes and math courses. Nevertheless, I tried my best, and in that process, I was able to connect with many of the ASD teachers whom I still look up to today. Mr. Erich Gott taught me that confidence is not a personality trait; it’s a skill.  The late Margaret Hurlbut, my 5th-grade teacher, encouraged me to step out of my shell, pursue curiosity, and act in kindness. My high-school AP and Physics teachers further developed that curiosity. Mr. Rigel Crockett and Dr. Likourgos Hristakos, two of my favorite physics teachers, through their passion, sparked my interest in engineering."

2) The Coaches—Consistency and Perseverance
"I wrestled for over 5 years, up until my senior year at ASD. To be honest, I wasn't very good, but I will never forget the lessons my coaches taught me about sports and life. No matter how difficult wrestling was, Coach Aaron Gerst, Jordan Benedict, Sean Schochet, and Christopher Perry showed me the power of grit and consistency. They taught me that I grow in proportion to the weight I willingly take on. They instilled in me the idea that I am greater than my feelings and emotions through the grueling training, and they demonstrated that there is always room for improvement and pushing one's limits. These are the enduring lessons my coaches taught me, and I’ve taken with me through weightlifting in college and now triathlon training."

3) The Friends & Class of 2018—Purpose
"I have always had, and continue to have, the desire to work towards something meaningful that has the power to impact the people around me. In high school, I learned that this goal was meaningless unless I could connect with and learn from the individuals around me. At ASD, I was fortunate enough to serve as the class representative for the Class of 2018 during our junior and senior years. Learning from people who are different from me holds great value for me, and if it weren't for my classmates who believed in me, I would not have developed into the person I am today."

Kaustubh Ray currently works as a Spacecraft Systems Engineer at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. In his free time, he is passionate about cooking, hiking, and triathlon training.

 

Legacy Families