Advancement Committee Q&A

Parents
1 For The BOOKS! | May 9-13 2022

Committees allow the Board of Trustees to accomplish important work with the help of a subset of smaller groups tailored to the school’s needs. To learn a little more about the Advancement Committee, we asked ASD Board Vice Chair Nicky Daryani '96 a few questions.

What is the role of the ASD Advancement Committee?

The Advancement Committee helps to develop and support ASD's Advancement initiatives.

What goals or outcomes does the committee hope to achieve?  

The committee hopes to develop and enhance relationships between the school and parents, alumni, friends, and the larger Dubai community through Advancement initiatives and events. The committee aims to support the Advancement Office at ASD. Furthermore, the committee serves as a strategic thought partner in the implementation of various other advancement initiatives, such as marketing, PR, and internal ASD events.

Who has been identified to serve on this committee?

Board members (Nicky Daryani (Committee Chair), Jane Elliot, and Lucy Chow); ASD Superintendant Hamilton Clark; ASD Director of Admissions & Advancement Craig Tredenick; and Parent volunteers (Barbara Knight and Cody Claver)

How was the committee chosen? What knowledge or skill sets were you looking for?

We wanted a diverse group of members that represent different key stakeholders from our community. Also, these members have experience from a strategic point of view to advise and implement various Advancement initiatives, such as planning community and fundraising events.

What are the major initiatives for this committee?

To help advise and strategize for key community events at ASD, such as the Annual Gala, Alumni events, Annual Fund campaigns, and other fundraising events. Furthermore, to support and advise other Advancement initiatives such as marketing, PR, and internal ASD events (e.g. Graduation).

How will these initiatives be evaluated?

By the success at community events by looking at turnout, community feedback, and/or funds raised.

How do these initiatives align with the mission and core values at ASD?

These community events are a great source of developing human interaction between our key stakeholders—creating lasting memories and building relationships to encourage compassion and respect. Furthermore, these events raise money for specific projects and initiatives (e.g. ASD Libraries, ASD Maker Spaces, ASD Broadcasting Studio) to better the student experience and education. These initiatives support our mission to challenge and inspire each student to achieve their dreams and to become a passionate learner prepared to adapt and contribute in a rapidly changing world.

When should the community expect feedback regarding the progress of this committee?

Through announcements about our events.

Anything else about the committee that the ASD community should know?

We are planning our much-awaited annual Gala for Fall 2022. We would love to see great participation from our community to have a successful and memorable evening. I believe we all need a community-building Gala event after the challenging past two years we have all gone through. Stay tuned and see you all at the Gala!

Nicky Daryani

Nicky Daryani is an ASD Alumnus and Parent who has served on the ASD Board of Trustees since 2017 and was recently appointed Vice Chair. The American School of Dubai Board of Trustees is a group of volunteers dedicated to carrying out the mission of ASD and the community it serves.

Read Nicky's bio.

  • Board of Trustees