Board of Directors
Learn a little bit about our Board Members!
Daniel Sada
President
Daniel Sada is the former Vice President of AYFA. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Daniel is passionate about showcasing his Assyrian heritage in all walks of life. In his free time, he enjoys surfing, playing guitar, and studying near eastern languages.
Nyree Khamo
Vice President
Nyree Khamo is the former vice president of ASAC. She graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a bachelor’s degree in nursing science. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in nursing practice to specialize as a nurse practitioner. She was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She is passionate about the Assyrian community and believes active engagement and organizing are essential to preserving our nation. She has hope for the future of our people. A fun fact about her is that she played the violin for over 20 years.
Michael Marko
Secretary
Michael Marko was born and raised in Turlock and is an active member in CCASYA. He grew up surrounded by Assyrians in the Assyrian American Civic Club and helped with events. He is currently studying history at CSU Stanislaus and plans on going to Law School after graduating Spring 2023. Michael believes no one will help Assyrians the way Assyrians can.
Ramsin Youkana
Treasurer
Ramsin Youkana holds a Bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and is currently working towards becoming an attorney. Ramsin was born and raised in Modesto, CA, and was surrounded by the Assyrian community while growing up. Being Assyrian is important to Ramsin because of our unique culture, language, and history. Being an advocate for the Assyrian community is important to Ramsin because he understands the sacrifices our ancestors made to preserve their identity.
Bianca Betdashtoo
Marketing Director
Bianca Betdashtoo is the current Director of Social Outreach for ASALA. She resides in Los Angeles and envisions building a stronger community of Assyrian youth. She holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration with a background in Marketing, Finance, and Design. Her passion lies in the realms of art and design, with oil painting, designing, and sewing clothes being her favored creative outlets. Bianca has shifted her artistic focus to Assyrian symbolism, aiming to evoke emotions in Assyrians and anyone who has faced adversity. She takes pride in her resilient Assyrian identity and believes that, as Assyrian youth in the Diaspora, we bear the responsibility to support our people in our homeland and actively engage in the Assyrian community.
Anthony Israil
Eastern Regional Director
Anthony Israil was born and raised in the Metro Detroit area in Ferndale, MI. He believes his biggest blessing is being Assyrian and hopes others will discover that about themselves as well. He is currently studying Linguistics, and Global Studies at Wayne State University because of his interest in languages. Anthony has many interests but something he enjoys a lot is being spontaneous and living in the moment.
Mariam Pourmand
Western Regional Director
Mariam Pourmand was previously the Vice President of Central California Assyrian Student and Youth Association. She is currently studying to become an interior designer. While she was born and raised in Turlock, CA she currently resides in Los Angeles for work. Growing up she wasn’t very in tune with her Assyrian community until 2016, when she discovered CCASYA, and found how important it was to maintain her relationship with her cultural traditions. The Assyrian cause is important to her because she values the Assyrian community and spreading awareness of our presence. Fun fact she is double jointed in her arm.