Biography of Seema Aziz: Entrepreneur, Businesswomen, Leader, Investor & Philanthropist
Founder of CARE Foundation
Journey of Seema Aziz: A Visionary Leader
Seema Aziz, born in 1950 in Lahore, Pakistan, is renowned as
both a businesswoman and a dedicated social activist. She holds the positions
of founder and managing director at Sefam (Bareeze), a prominent retail brand
in Pakistan, and serves as the founder and chairperson of CARE Foundation, the
largest educational non-profit organization in the country.
Seema Aziz, the founder of Bareeze, is a notable figure with
a net worth of $200 million (approximately 5600 crore PKR). Her journey is a
testament to dedication and entrepreneurial spirit.
Educational Background and Academic Achievements
Seema Aziz's educational journey began at the College of
Home Economics, Lahore, where she completed her college studies. She pursued
her Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from the University of Punjab, followed by
her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1987 from the same institution. Her
commitment to lifelong learning led her to complete an Executive Education
Program at Harvard Business School in Boston, USA, further enhancing her
strategic acumen.
Seema Aziz: Pioneering Pakistan's Fashion and Textile
Industry
Seema Aziz embarked on her illustrious career in 1985 when
she co-founded Sefam (Bareeze) alongside her brother, aiming to establish
Pakistan's first high-quality fabric brand. Recognizing the absence of domestic
producers of export-quality fabrics, their startup set out to fill this gap in
the market.
Seema Aziz: A Visionary Leader in Business and Education
Seema Aziz, a pioneering figure in Pakistan's business and
education sectors, founded CARE Pakistan in 1988, the country's largest
educational NGO. Her mission was to provide education to underprivileged
children who lacked access to schooling opportunities.
Entrepreneurial Journey and Retail Success
Aziz's entrepreneurial journey began in 1985 when she
co-founded Bareeze with her brother, Hamid Zaman. Bareeze quickly established
itself as Pakistan’s foremost high-end fashion retailer and became the first
local textile producer to export premium fabrics internationally, reaching
markets in India, the UAE, UK, and Malaysia.
From Local Success to Global Expansion
By the mid-1990s, Bareeze had gained widespread popularity
and became Pakistan's leading textile producer, renowned for its high-quality
fabrics. It achieved significant milestones by becoming the first Pakistani
textile brand to export internationally. Over time, Bareeze expanded its
footprint globally, reaching markets in the Middle East, North America, Europe,
and the UK. With over 460 stores across Pakistan and a growing international
presence, Bareeze solidified its position as one of the country's most
successful brands.
Continued Innovation and Expansion
Under Seema Aziz's leadership, Bareeze continued to innovate
and diversify its product offerings. The brand expanded its portfolio with six
new subcategories and established a presence in over 500 selling points
worldwide. This strategic growth further cemented Bareeze's reputation as a
leader in the fashion and textile industry.
Leadership and Contributions to Industry and Education
Beyond her entrepreneurial achievements, Seema Aziz holds
influential positions in various organizations. She serves as a board member of
Sarena, a sister industry of Sefam, and has been Chairperson of TUSDEC
(Technology Upgradation and Skill Development Company) since 2011. Her
governance extends to roles in TEVTA (Technical Education and Vocational
Training Authority), the Pakistan Fashion Design Council, Punjab Board of
Investment and Trade, Mobilink Foundation, and Punjab Education Foundation.
Biography of Seema Aziz:Entrepreneur, Businesswomen,Leader, Investor& Philanthropist/Founder of CARE Foundation/Pakistani Entrepreneur/social activist
Government Recognition and Leadership Role
In recognition of her expertise and contributions to
Pakistan's business landscape, Seema Aziz was appointed as a member of the
Council of Business Leaders by Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2018. The council,
headed by the Prime Minister, focuses on overseeing the implementation of
decisions related to exports and addressing trade deficit issues, underscoring Seema
Aziz's influence and leadership at a national level.
Influential Roles in Governance and Advisory Boards
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Seema Aziz plays
pivotal roles in governance and advisory boards. She is a member of the Punjab
Board of Investment and Trade, contributing her expertise to enhance business
opportunities in the region. Additionally, she serves on the global advisory
board of Harvard Business School, where she influences strategic decisions and
initiatives.
Seema Aziz: A Visionary in Philanthropy and Education
Seema Aziz is widely acclaimed as a prominent social
activist and philanthropist dedicated to transforming education for
underprivileged children in Pakistan. In 1988, she founded CARE Foundation
Pakistan in response to devastating floods, initially establishing a single
school in Lahore.
Building a Legacy of Education
Under Seema Aziz’s leadership, CARE Foundation has grown
exponentially, now boasting 888 schools across Pakistan. These schools cater to
285,000 students and employ over 3,775 teachers, making CARE Foundation one of
the largest educational NGOs in the country. The organization also operates a
robust scholarship program and a dedicated Teacher Training Center to enhance
educational quality nationwide.
Leadership and Philanthropy
Married with three children, Seema Aziz has held influential
roles since 2011, including Chairperson of TUSDEC (Technology Upgradation and
Skill Development Company) and governance positions at TEVTA (Technical
Education and Vocational Training Authority). She also serves on the boards of
organizations like the Pakistan Fashion Design Council, Punjab Board of
Investment and Trade, Mobilink Foundation, and Punjab Education Foundation.
Impact and Recognition
Seema Aziz’s philanthropic efforts have garnered significant
recognition, including being named Philanthropist of the Year by Hello!
Pakistan Magazine. Forbes highlighted her achievements in an article titled
"Fashioning A New Future For Pakistan," underscoring her commitment
to providing every child with access to education.
Honors and Awards
In 2016, Seema Aziz was honored with the Barclays UK Woman
of the Year Award, celebrating her exceptional contributions to education in
Pakistan. Recognized for her unwavering belief in the right to education for
all children, she has significantly improved the futures of hundreds of
thousands of young Pakistanis through CARE Foundation.
Seema Aziz continues to inspire and uplift communities
through her dedication to education, leaving an indelible mark on Pakistan’s
social fabric and paving the way for a brighter future.
