Ashfaq Ishaq
International Child Art Foundation
Washington, DC USA
"You are here on this planet to do something unique. So, why do you expect that everyone else will understand and be supportive? "
Career Roadmap
Ashfaq's work combines: Art, Non-Profit Organizations, and Problem Solving
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Doctorate
Economics, General
George Washington University
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Grew up in a "privileged" family in Pakistan; had a comfortable childhood, excellent schooling.
2.
Knew that he was lucky; all around him was a country in abject poverty.
3.
Kept hearing "economics has the answers" to poverty; moved to the U.S. to study economics, worked at the World Bank.
4.
Participated in research that found a "creativity slump" in fourth-graders; schools had trouble motivating, inspiring children at that age.
5.
Realized poverty isn't just a bureaucratic issue; knew that giving at-risk kids creative outlets would help them down the line.
6.
Started International Child Art Foundation in 1997; had trouble getting funding, found people hesitant to give to creative causes.
7.
Says people still ask him why he works in child's art when he was a Ph.D., tells him to "grow up"; he maintains that this is his unique calling.
Defining Moments
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
Being a first generation immigrant myself, I know how difficult it is, and I know sometimes one does not feel that one fits in. But I also know, dual culture heritage is one of the greatest assets one can have.