Nabila Sattar Safdar, 29, is an information technology project manager at Do it Best Corp.

Community and leadership involvement: Is in first year on the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana Board of Directors; is volunteer operations manager for Universal Education Foundation Sunday Program, which teaches about Islamic values; tutor for United Way Study Connection, an after-school program; and volunteer with Vision 20/20, designed to address quality-of-life and economic development initiatives.

Most recent accomplishment: Graduated in May from Leadership Fort Wayne. In 2011 was included on list of 101 Connectors, a local project designed to identify and recognize people throughout Allen County with the ability to create and influence change.

What makes a leader: “I think a leader is someone who is passionate, visionary, responsible, creative,” Safdar said.

Leadership traits you most value: Accountability, courageousness, honesty, humility and a good communicator

Best leadership book you’ve read: “This was tough actually because I have my two favorites of all time: ‘How to Win Friends & Influence People’ by Dale Carnegie and ‘Lincoln on Leadership’ by Donald T. Phillips,” Safdar said. “Basically both of them really focus on the communication aspect of leadership.”

Best ways to overcome self-doubt: “My personal one is asking for help – either seeking help through your faith, confiding in your significant other or your family, and then seeking a mentor’s guidance or help,” Safdar said.

Time management tips: Prioritize and avoid multitasking. Safdar said procrastination is sometimes a weakness, but one she’s “working on.” She also admits she has to do some multitasking, but tries to avoid overloads that cause stress. “It helps me kind of pick and choose when I’m juggling tasks or initiatives,” she said. “And throughout the day I keep reprioritizing too.”

Role model(s) and why: Her father and mother, Abdul Sattar Chaudhry and Saeeda Chaudhry. “They started their careers out as educators and growing up my siblings and I moved a lot with our parents, and they always put us first,” Safdar said. Despite the mobility – Safdar has lived on three continents – she said her parents grew stronger with their transitions. They also taught their children to be independent leaders and encouraged them to get involved in their communities.

Describe one leadership challenge and how you resolved it: Safdar said she is fortunate to work with “humble and generous volunteers and sponsors from various backgrounds and faiths.” Allocating time and money for diverse community needs is an ongoing challenge, but Safdar tries focus on similarities rather than differences. “It is heart-breaking to choose one need over another,” she said. Safdar tries to remain calm and objective through the prioritization process by coordinating surveys and letting committees evaluate the results.

What are your goals: Pursue an Executive MBA with a concentration in international management and get more involved with humanitarian effort at home and abroad.

Hobbies: Traveling, reading, cooking and needlework such as embroidery and crochet

Family: Married to Athar Safdar

Compiled by Lisa Green, The Journal Gazette