Zaahira is a scientist by training with over 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and global health sectors. Her expertise spans immunology research, project and program management in Medical Affairs, Global Health, and Stakeholder Engagement. She has held key roles at Novartis and the Novartis Foundation, and has collaborated extensively with major regulatory and global agencies including the WHO, Swiss Medic, FDA, various Ministries of Health, and NGOs. Zaahira brings a global health perspective to program and project management, with a strong focus on translating initiatives into measurable impact and improving patient outcomes.

She is currently pursuing an MBA in International Health Management at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute in Basel.

Zaahira joined the PMI Switzerland Chapter to further strengthen her project management expertise and gain insights into the evolving future of the discipline. She is enthusiastic about exchanging knowledge with peers and contributing to a vibrant professional community.

Outside of her professional endeavours, Zaahira enjoys painting, traveling, and hiking.

You can learn more about Zaahira by visiting her LinkedIn profile.

Johannes serves as a Cybersecurity Portfolio Director, leading strategic initiatives that bolster enterprise resilience and advance cybersecurity maturity. His expertise lies in portfolio management, KPI development, and strategy execution, enabling organizations to navigate increasingly complex security landscapes. Johannes is particularly focused on enhancing decision-making by fostering greater transparency, focus, and operational efficiency.

Johannes joined the PMI Switzerland Chapter with the goal of expanding his professional network and deepening his knowledge in project, program, and portfolio management. He is eager to share his experience with fellow PMI members and engage in meaningful exchanges that contribute to collective growth and excellence.

Outside of his professional life, Johannes enjoys hiking and mountaineering in the Swiss Alps, spending quality time with his family, and exploring new destinations through travel. He is currently working toward obtaining the Swiss Certificate of Competence for Ocean Yachting, reflecting his passion for adventure and continuous learning.

You can learn more about Johannes by visiting his LinkedIn profile.

Ash Leyva is a seasoned real estate and project development executive with over two decades of experience spanning human resources, residential and commercial real estate, non-performing loan (NPL) servicing, and multifamily affordable housing development.

He began his career as a General Manager in the staffing industry (2001–2006) before transitioning into real estate in 2006 as a Realtor with RE/MAX in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Amid the 2008 financial crisis, he was recruited by Kondaur Capital Corporation, where he honed deep expertise in NPL servicing, loss mitigation, asset valuation, and loan default resolution strategies. His work included negotiating complex transactions such as deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, short sales, loan modifications (HAMP, HARP), and title lien settlements, while also serving as a corporate representative in foreclosure proceedings across Florida.

In 2015, Ash joined Wedgewood, a multi-state real estate investment firm, where he led acquisitions and management of foreclosed and bank-owned properties. His NPL acumen also supported HMC Assets and Civic Financial, contributing to due diligence and valuation of collateral for investor-focused hard money loans.

Ash’s next chapter began in 2018 with Offerpad, where he served as a Home Marketing Consultant, evaluating residential assets for acquisition and renovation. In 2021, he was promoted to National Renovation Operations Manager, overseeing property acquisition, renovation, and resale strategies across multiple states.

In 2022, Ash was appointed Vice President of Project Development at Blue Sky Communities in Tampa, Florida, where he presently leads the development and construction of multifamily affordable housing communities across the state—combining operational insight with a mission-driven approach to housing equity.

He recently joined the PMI Switzerland Chapter following a visit to the country that left a lasting impression. Captivated by Switzerland’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and reputation for business excellence, he was inspired to deepen his understanding of real estate development and construction project management within the Swiss context. Based in the United States, Ash views his involvement with the Chapter as a strategic opportunity to expand his global perspective, foster meaningful professional relationships, and engage with Switzerland’s dynamic project management community.

Ash holds multiple industry designations, including:
- Project Management Professional (PMP) – PMI
- Construction Document Technologist (CDT) – CSI
- Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA) – CSI
- Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) – NAHB
- Licensed Florida Real Estate Agent – FL DOS

He is a published author who enjoys writing poetry and fiction novels. He is passionate about sports, outdoor life, reading great literature, and learning new languages. Born in Cuba, he speaks fluent Spanish and English and is committed to achieving proficiency in French and German in the immediate future.

Shahidah Foster is a certified Project Management Professional (CAPM®) and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt with a Master’s in International Management & Information Systems. She is currently R&D PMO Manager at Jungbunzlauer, where she leads portfolio governance, Stage Gate methodology, and digital transformation initiatives.

Shahidah began her career in customer service leadership across diverse industries including airline (passenger transport), aviation (engine parts and aircraft accessories) and luxury cosmetics, before transitioning into portfolio and project management in the life sciences sector. At Sartorius and Jungbunzlauer, she has coordinated global R&D portfolios, authored business cases for enterprise project management systems, and co-leading the rollout of ClickUp for product development projects and driving Salesforce for customer-driven projects.

In addition to her PMO leadership, she directed a 16-person leadership team for a 600+ member global women’s network, embedding DEI and employee engagement initiatives in partnership with HR and Communications.

Passionate about creating community and fostering collaboration, she thrives on building frameworks that enable cross-functional collaboration and accelerate strategic outcomes.

Shahidah joined PMI Switzerland to deepen her expertise in project management offices and connect with peers who share her passion for innovation, transformation, and knowledge exchange.

Fluent in English and German with knowledge in Spanish and French, she brings a strong international perspective, having lived and worked across the US, Germany, and now working in Switzerland. Outside of work, she enjoys strength and flexibility training, hosting dinners and events for friends and family, exploring global cultures through travel groups and language exchange meetups as well as building her personal brand around women’s leadership and career growth.