Guided by compassion and a deep commitment to service, Oriada Islami is the Founder and President of HAS Foundation. As a performing professional and Étoile Ballerina, more than 28 years in the performing arts shaped not only Ms Islami’s artistic career, but also a profound understanding of the human brain—how movement, rhythm, memory, emotion, and connection are central to both artistic expression and human health. Experiencing firsthand how the brain governs balance, coordination, memory, sound, emotional regulation, and identity—the very functions most affected by neurodegenerative diseases.

A strong believer that human connection, creativity, and empathy are essential elements of healing, and years of working with the body as an instrument revealed how movement and creative expression can strengthen neural pathways, support cognitive resilience, preserve dignity and self-expression, even in times of physical or neurological decline. These experiences, combined with close encounters with individuals affected by neurological conditions, inspired a shift toward humanitarian action and became the roots for creating the HAS Foundation.

The HAS Foundation was shaped by both personal loss and professional insight. When her sister was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the resulting surgery left her paralyzed, and her eventual passing, brought a lasting awareness of the ethical responsibilities within healthcare and the profound impact neurological injuries can have on individuals and their families. Supporting her family through this experience revealed the challenges families face: navigating complex medical systems, advocating for quality care, managing emotional and financial burdens, and providing long-term support for loved ones while balancing their own lives. These experiences instilled a deep understanding of the sacrifices families make and the urgent need for resources, guidance, and community support.

Through both her professional practice and personal journey, Ms. Islami came to recognize that many neurodegenerative diseases—though clinically distinct—share common underlying mechanisms, including chronic inflammation, progressive neuronal loss, disrupted neural connectivity, and long pre-clinical phases that often go unrecognized. These insights shaped the foundation’s mission beyond a single diagnosis toward a comprehensive, research-informed approach to brain health—one that emphasizes early awareness, prevention, interdisciplinary care, and the essential role of families and caregivers. HAS Foundation was established as a philanthropic healthcare initiative dedicated to advancing awareness, research, and care for neurological disorders. Its mission further extends to supporting individuals affected by neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other conditions impacting the brain and nervous system. By bridging neuroscience, healthcare, creative cognition, and creative practice, the organization seeks to improve lives—not only through medical innovation, but through empathy, connection, ethical responsibility, and community.

Ms. Islami holds a bachelor's degree in Art, Dance, and Movement Studies. She also has furthered her expertise through Harvard University's Certificate in Strategy Execution for Public Leadership, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and impactful leadership in the public sector.