Our Board
Aytakin Huseynli
Board Member
Amalya Sezgin
Board Member
Sanan Aghayev
Board Member
Shahla Akhundova
Board Member
Sabina Rustamova Aliyeva
Board Member
Tural Mirzayev
Board Member
Ragsana Nasibova
Board Member
Find Out More About Us…
Aytakin Huseynli
Dr. Aytekin Huseynli, a senior researcher and lecturer, holds a prominent position within the esteemed Brown Faculty of Social Work and Public Health at the University of Washington. Having earned her doctorate from the same institution, she is deeply committed to advancing knowledge in the realm of family and child well-being. Her primary focus revolves around researching and developing programs, services, and interventions aimed at both mitigating and preventing violence against children. Notably, she conducts her groundbreaking work at two renowned centers within the University: the Center for Social Development and the Center for Policy, Research, and Training on Child Abuse.
In addition to her research pursuits, Dr. Huseynli shares her expertise with the academic community by instructing courses in statistics, research methodologies in the social sciences, and classes on social and economic development policy at the Brown Faculty. Her dedication to scholarly contributions is evident through her authorship of numerous scientific articles. Dr. Huseynli extends her influence beyond the university as a valued member of the Editorial Board for the prestigious International Social Work and International School Social Work scientific journals.
Active in various capacities, Dr. Huseynli collaborates with the Network of Social Services in Conflicts, contributing to the collective effort to address social issues arising from conflicts. Furthermore, she holds the role of co-founder and co-chair at the Global Social Work Consulting Group, demonstrating her commitment to global collaboration and consultation in the field of social work. Simultaneously, she plays a pivotal role as a co-founder and a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for the Azerbaijan Social Work Union. Through these multifaceted roles, Dr. Aytekin Huseynli significantly impacts the field of social work, both locally and globally.
Amalya Sezgin
Amalya is currently in her second year of pursuing a master’s degree in Education and Human Development through the Dual Diploma State Program at Azerbaijan Pedagogical University and George Washington University. Concurrently, she is a doctoral student in pedagogy at Baku Slavic University, having previously studied social work at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Presently, Amalya holds the position of senior teacher at the Department of Foreign Languages at Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, following a distinguished 17-year teaching career at Azerbaijan University of Languages.
In addition to her academic roles, Amalya has served as a coordinator for educational and grant programs at esteemed international organisations such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Eurasia Foundation, and International Research and Exchange Board (IREX). These roles involved implementing humanitarian aid, grant-making, and educational projects with the support of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US State Department.
Amalya is also recognised for her contributions as an author of numerous scientific articles and as an editor for teacher training and Curriculum samples handbooks. Actively involved in professional development, she has participated in various local and international training programs, seminars, conferences, and exchange programs across multiple countries.
Furthermore, Amalya is a co-founder and member of the Board of the Azerbaijan “Social Work” Public Union.
Sanan Aghayev
Sanan Aghayev served as a social worker in diverse contexts, both locally and internationally, focusing on providing assistance to vulnerable groups. In his previous role as Executive Director at the Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union, Sanan successfully created and implemented strategic initiatives, managed numerous operations, and collaborated with stakeholders to advance the social work profession in the region. While at UNHCR, Sanan designed and executed project plans, collaborated with partners and stakeholders, ensuring that activities addressed the needs of children affected by war.
In the capacity of a Psychiatric Social Worker for the World Health Organization, Sanan observed client behaviour, delivered individual and group therapy, and meticulously documented patient progress and treatment outcomes. Serving as a volunteer School Social Worker in Romania with Association Color Your Dream, Sanan assessed individual student needs, provided counselling and mental health services, and collaborated with teachers and administrators to ensure proper support for students with special needs. These diverse experiences have refined his skills in cooperation, project coordination, mental health counselling, and management.
Sanan demonstrates a strong commitment to his personal and professional development by pursuing an MSc in International Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University. Concurrently, he shares his expertise and knowledge as a lecturer in the Social Work faculty at Azerbaijan Business University. This dual engagement reflects his dedication to both advancing his own academic journey and contributing to the education and development of future professionals in the field of social work.
Shahla Akhundova
Design Director at EJ Solutions, she has been leading several award-winning branding projects including Strn.
Azerbaijan Social Work Public Union 