Azim N. Khamisa is Chairman, CEO and Founder of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF) and Sovereign Capital Markets, Inc. He is a successful international investment banker, advisor and consultant with over 30 years of experience. He has conducted business ventures in Africa, Middle East, Europe, Asia and the Americas. Mr. Khamisa was educated in England in Mathematics & Finance and is a well-traveled multi lingual United States citizen and resides in La Jolla, California. Mr. Khamisa serves on the Board of Directors of various for profit and non-profit boards.

TKF was founded by Mr. Khamisa in memory of his 20-year old son Tariq, who was murdered in January of 1995. Mr. Khamisa reached out in forgiveness to the grandfather and guardian of his son's killer, Mr. Ples Felix, who now serves as Vice Chairman of TKF. He has committed his life to defeating the continuing cycle of violence amongst youth. Mr. Khamisa is a highly regarded and respected leader in the San Diego community and nationally for his exceptional leadership in finding innovative solutions to prevent youth violence. He delivers keynote addresses on many topics at a variety of local, national, and international venues. He has spoken at over 200 conferences worldwide. He is an award- winning author of the book: Azim's Bardo - From Murder To Forgiveness - A Father's Journey and a three CD series called Forgiveness - The Crown Jewel of Personal Freedom.

Mr. Khamisa is a recipient of over 50 regional, national and international awards. Our nation's leaders have recognized him with the National Crime Victims Special Community Service Award presented to him in 1997 by President Bill Clinton and Attorney General Janet Reno. Mr. Khamisa visited the White house on three different occasions under President Clinton's administration. He recently received the prestigious 'Search for Common Ground' international award for 'Building Peaceful Communities' along with Archbishop Desmond Tutu & Ted Koppel.

In December 2003, Mr. Khamisa received the California Peace Prize and was one of twenty-nine people in the world who participated in the Synthesis Dialogues, which was held at the Pope's summer residence in Castelgandolfo, Italy with His Holiness the Dalai Lama from June 1st to June 7th 2004. His work has been highlighted in various local, regional and national printed media including the New York Times, People Magazine, Parade Magazine, Washington Post and U.S.A. Today. He has conducted numerous local, regional and national print, television and radio interviews, including NBC's Today Show and KPBS Fresh Air.

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