About OPEN DC

The Washington DC chapter of OPEN is aimed at tapping into the strong and diverse Washington business community. Large financial companies such as Fannie Mae, Capital One, Freddie Mac, Sallie Mae and The World Bank make Washington a business capital of the world. Furthermore, DC is home to giant telecommunication companies like AOL, Nextel, MCI, Primus Telecommunications Group, XM and a host of others. In the defense sector there are organizations like Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics, which are among the world’s largest defense contractors. In Business and IT Consulting, there are industry giants like Booz Allen Hamilton and Accenture with significant presence specifically in the Washington DC Metro area. In addition to this array of private sector activity, Washington DC is the nerve center for the Federal Government. The Government, in it self, is a prime mover for tremendous business opportunities. All this results in a thriving business environment which offers immense potential for entrepreneurs to succeed. In this promising environment, the OPEN Washington DC Chapter is focused on facilitating your success.

In light of our mission, OPEN Washington DC’s goals are:

    * To help facilitate and encourage the growth of Pakistani-American entrepreneurs in the hi-tech and other fields
    * To draw attention to and promote Pakistani-American entrepreneurs within the greater community
    * To become the hub of information and contact for enterprises, talent, VCs and other like-minded organizations with Pakistani-American and/or South Asian focus
    * To develop ongoing events through which Pakistani-American executives network, amongst themselves, as well as with other influential individuals in the area
    * To recognize accomplishments by Pakistani-American entrepreneurs and executives in the hi-tech and related fields

OPEN Washington DC stands firmly on the strength of its Board of Directors and Executive Committee , and continues to work actively in the DC area as a source of facilitation and guidance for entrepreneurs in the area.

To learn more about how OPEN DC can work with you, visit our Membership page or write to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Pakistan Flood Relief 

Devastating rains and flooding has affected more than 15 million people in Pakistan. The official death toll is around 1,500 but the true number of people killed in the disaster may turn out to be higher, Ambassador Abdullah Hussain Haroon told the U.N. General Assembly at the end of a two-day conference on aid for Pakistan.

"We don't yet know how many are dead and how many have perished," he said. "We can only hold our breath and hope that the casualty figures have been fewer."

About one third of Pakistan has been hit by floods spawned by torrential rainfall. More than 4 million Pakistanis have been left homeless by nearly three weeks of floods.

Event Follow-up: Fireside w/ Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy

Event Follow-up: Fireside Chat w/ Mr. Monem Salam on Islamic Investing

Event Follow-up: Ambassador Abdullah Hussain Haroon

Rendezvous: Mr. Abbas Valliani, Co-founder, Primatics Financial

This is the latest in the Rendezvous series appearing on the OPEN website where we introduce you to the people behind OPEN DC. Each new Rendezvous section provides a glimpse into the life of an OPEN DC member while weaving a compelling professional narrative to the budding and established entrepreneurs alike. This issue profiles Mr. Abbass Valliani, OPEN DC board member and, co-founder of Primatics Financial.

On one fine Sunday afternoon I visited Mr. Valliani’s home. Answering the door stood this very young couple at the threshold. I didn’t realize that this couple were the same two people I had come to interview for the OPEN Rendezvous, Mr. and Mrs. Valliani. They live in one of the best locations in the Washington DC suburbia of Northern Virginia.

One of my first questions was how old he was? According to my guess, he was only in his mid thirties and at 34 years of age having accomplished a very successful business was a big WOW for me and I bet it would be for anyone. The couple has a very cute 3 year old son and such a well behaved child he is, I must say that. He showed everyone who cared to pay him attention all of his favorite toys, however, with the introduction of every toy, a necessary disclaimer was issued as a formality informing us that we were not allowed to take any of the toys home, as I am sure he himself was taught to do when he went to visit his friends.

Event Follow-up: Fireside Chat with Dr. Asher Hasan (Naya Jeevan) and Seema Aziz (CARE Pakistan)

In two outstanding presentations before a standing-only room gathering, Dr. Asher Hasan and Ms. Seema Aziz discussed their projects aimed at tackling two critical and crying needs of the low-income population of Pakistan; healthcare and education.

Mr. Javed Qamar, President OPEN Washington, presided over the two sessions, welcomed the speakers and thanked the participants for their attendance.

OPEN DC Annual Picnic

Come and join us for OPEN's annual picnic!  A day of socializing with fun people, eating good food and plenty of entertainment for the kids in a sheltered area.

Social and Business Networking Evening.

OPEN DC cordially invites you to a social and business networking evening at Lima Restaurant and Lounge in DC. Come meet your peers, connect with old friends or make new ones and network with professionals from a variety of backgrounds.  

Cost: Free for members/non-members

When: 6:00PM to 9:00PM on Thursday May 13, 2010

Where:  Lima Lounge, 1401 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 789-2800   

Fireside Chat with Todd Shea - Unleashing the Potential of People and Making Positive Change Happen.

Please join us for an exciting discussion with Todd Shea about his inspirational work in helping the poor in Pakistan, and learn how to join online marketplace to help causes and countries you care about.   
 

Cost: Member $5.00, Non-members $10.00, At the door $15.00

When: Saturday, May 8th from 10 AM to 12 Noon

Where: 8401 Greensboro Drive #550, McLean, VA 22102, (703) 342-0040