Zack Dafaallah

Zack Dafaallah (Born Ahmed Zakaria Ezz Eldin Dafaallah). Zack Dafaallah is a Sudanese-American Entrepreneur, Businessman, Management Consultant and an adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management. Zack was born March 28, 1960 in Omdurman, Sudan. He attended Biet-Ul-Amana Elementary School, Wud Nubawi Middle School and Mohamed Hussien High School; all in Ummdurman, Sudan. He received his Bachelors of Science in Architecture from the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at University of Khartoum, Sudan in 1985. He received his Masters of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship from the Mihaylo College of Business and Economics at California State University, Fullerton, California USA in 2009.

Zack mentors entrepreneurs at every stage of development. From undergraduate to graduate, his role as resident mentor at California State University of Fullerton allows Zack to emphasize the application of learning in real-world contexts. To this end, his work with the Center for Entrepreneurship at the Mihaylo College of Business and Economics has focused on new-venture creation where theory and practice merge to culminate in the launching of new businesses

Founder and Chairman SANAD Foundation
At the heart of his experiences, Zack understands the importance of relationships with people- not only in business, but in the larger, societal context. In this way, it is clear that he is active as a social entrepreneur. As an immigrant himself, Zack recognizes the challenges faced by first-generation immigrants children and their families who often find themselves adjusting to this new culture, Zack has established a non-profit organization. The Sudanese-American National Affairs and Development (SANAD) Foundation is now in its seventh year of operation. In addition to a Saturday school, SANAD organizes cultural events and seminars. The SANAD Foundation affords a sense of belonging and community that provides the young children with knowledge and pride of their heritage. SANAD Also teaches its members U.S. civics and citizenship, while also bridging cultural understanding between parents and their children.

Awards and recognition

 * Modern Reprographics Magazine- Profiled on the cover of November 2000
 * Entrepreneur Magazine-Profiled on the cover of July 2001
 * Ernst &Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award- Nominated twice
 * Orange County Business Journal “Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award” Nominated four times

Having migrated to the United States in 1987, Zack has been a Southern California resident for over 25 years. He lives in South Orange County with his wife, Marisol Rexach, a professor of education.