Honoring Excellence and Community Dedication

Arfakhashad Munaim Recognized as a 40 Under Forty Honoree

In a celebration of professional achievement and community betterment, the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce proudly announced its 8th class of 40 Under Forty Honorees. The event, held at the elegant Hyatt Regency Westlake in Westlake Village on July 21, 2023, was a testament to the remarkable individuals who have excelled in their fields while actively contributing to the enrichment of their communities. Among these honorees is Arfakhashad Munaim of the Los Angeles Dawoodi Bohra community, whose dedication garnered him the Certificate of Congressional Recognition from the U.S. Congress, County of Los Angeles, California Legislature Assembly, and the County of Ventura Board of Supervisors.

At the event, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, CA State Legislature, applauded Arfakhashad as an influential young leader, and said, “your guidance in the community is commendable.” Danielle Borja, President/CEO of the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, shared her excitement for the winners, expressing, “We are thrilled to celebrate our 40 Under Forty honorees for their extraordinary professional accomplishments and their remarkable contributions to the Greater Conejo Valley community.”

A Dynamic Career

Arfakhashad Munaim, a practicing land use planner and published author, stands out as a beacon of community engagement within the Greater Conejo Valley. Currently serving as a Special Projects Manager at the prestigious Agoura Hills land use consulting firm, Schmitz & Associates, Inc Arfakhshad manages a multitude of projects in collaboration with a diverse team of consultants. His focus centers on harmonizing development initiatives with environmental protection and ensuring the preservation of the region’s natural beauty. His unwavering commitment to community welfare shines through his participation in the City of Agoura Hills’ Community Service Days.

A graduate of UCLA’s Urban and Regional Planning program, Arfakhashad’s academic journey led him to explore Design and Development, where he studied the interplay between communities, planning, and policy regimes. His impact spans the globe, encompassing research in Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan through the Urban Humanities Initiative. Notably, he received a Sasakawa Fellowship at the UCLA Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies for his research on the Fukushima disasters in Japan. Arfakhashad’s passion for urban planning extends to his roles as a guest lecturer at UCLA School of Architecture, Urban Design, Institute of Digital Research and Education, and even the Radioisotope Center at Niigata University, Japan.

Championing Critical Urban Issues

Arfakhashad’s contributions range from master planning neighborhoods in Southern California to architectural exploration of ancient Egyptian and Islamic structures in Cairo. His involvement in designing significant spaces like the Dawoodi Bohra masjid complexes in Woodland Hills, CA, and Fremont, CA, underscores his commitment to creating meaningful community spaces. He is a contributing author to various publications, including My Liveable City magazine, where he addresses critical urban issues such as water, sanitation, affordable housing, and more. Notably, his co-authored research in post-Fukushima Japan showcases his dedication to resilient cities and sustainable environments.

Arfakhashad’s journey is an inspiring testament to dedication, innovation, and community engagement. His impact stretches across continents, leaving a trail of positive change and empowerment. Through his achievements, Arfakhashad Munaim embodies the spirit of the Dawoodi Bohra ethos, where striving for excellence and the progress of the community converge to create a brighter future for all.