Ireen Ahmed (Maid of Honor)
Nishat’s older cousin Ireen is an absolute inspiration. Not only has Ireen been a mature, supportive presence in the family, but she is also one of the smartest people Nishat knows. The two cousins have bonded over everything from academic interests to pastries. Most importantly, they share a love for cats.
Originally from Searingtown, New York, Ireen is currently completing her residency in Child Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry, and Pediatrics at Tufts University. She will soon be joining the Tufts faculty as a child psychiatrist. We are thrilled to have her as the maid of honor for the wedding.
Tahsin Salman (Bridesmaid)
Tahsin and Nishat have always shared a fun fact—their names are palindromes. Having grown up one block apart as toddlers, they were almost inseparable. They shared everything—clothes, secrets, and even identities, considering relatives would always mix them up!
Originally from Manhasset Hills, New York, this full-time mom is about to start her chief year in residency, pursuing Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Stony Brook University Hospital. Tahsin has always been incredibly supportive of Nishat and is a most cherished bridesmaid.
Monica Majumder (Bridesmaid)
Monica and Nishat joined the South Asian Youth Alliance (SAYA) at Hunter together, and they bonded while spending countless hours choreographing dances, coordinating rehearsals, and laughing over SAYA details gone awry. Monica may be petite, but she lights up the room with her dance moves and her smile!
Originally from Brooklyn, Monica is currently working for Accenture in New York. She is the younger sister Nishat never had, and we are so excited to have her in the wedding party.
Michelle Leong (Bridesmaid)
Michelle, Nishat, and Shawn became acquainted through the Asian Pacific Student Coalition (APSC) at Penn. Late-night APSC meetings and debates became the foundation for incredible friendships. Michelle is not only one of the kindest and most supportive individuals Nishat and Shawn know, but she is also one of the strongest.
Originally from San Gabriel, California, Michelle is currently working for Simon-Kucher & Partners in New York. She travels often, but she always makes time to see us. We are so honored to have Michelle share in our special day.
Isabelle Shafiei (Bridesmaid)
Isabelle was introduced to the couple several years ago over a pancake-filled brunch and then met the couple again over dinner when the groom met Nishat’s parents at one of the family’s favorite restaurants in Queens. Although Isabelle grew up with Shawn, she now considers Nishat her favorite sibling (-in-law) thanks to a shared interest in all things topped with frosting.
Originally from New York, Isabelle is currently a high school sophomore in Massachusetts. An avid swimmer, Isabelle not only manages the day-to-day life of the couple’s cat but also got her braces taken off recently.
Michael Ro (Best Man)
Michael Ro has known Shawn through many phases, including Blond Shawn, Sailor Moon Shawn, and even EVO-semifinalist Shawn, and although their friendship began over chicken soup, Michael has been Shawn’s emergency contact ever since.
A graduate of Stanford University, Michael Ro lives in Washington D.C., where he develops insights on consumer values and behavior for Gartner. He is a Celtics fan, jazz enthusiast, and a connoisseur of Philadelphia’s best speakeasies.
Andrew Lum (Groomsman)
Previously college roommates, Andrew has known Shawn ever since they acted (and danced) in a play together. Apart from hosting Spring Fling parties with Shawn, Andrew has known the couple throughout their undergraduate years and has worked with the two of them on a number of activism efforts.
A Florida native and globetrotting adventurer, Andrew currently lives in Brooklyn. When he’s not working as a startup engineer, Andrew spends his time split between Equinox, Brooklyn Boulders, and GP81.
Vincent Nguyen (Groomsman)
When they weren’t spending countless hours driving the troupe around in rental cars, Vincent and Shawn would perform together as members of Penn Lions. They have fond memories of late-night board meetings, collegiate competitions, and the annual Delaware gig. Vincent also knows the Bride through the APALI leadership program.
After graduating from Wharton, Vincent pursued his childhood dream of becoming a consultant. He currently lives in Gramercy Park, Manhattan.
Saiham Shahabuddin (Groomsman)
Saiham is the older brother Shawn never had (and never really asked for). He has known the couple since they started dating and has been a large part of their lives by helping bridge the cultural barriers between Shawn and Nishat’s families.
A long-time New Yorker, Saiham lives in Brooklyn where he works as an ER doctor. He is a certified race car driver, holds a Class M license, and enjoys furniture shopping.
Thang Thai (Groomsman)
Thang has known Shawn since the second week of freshman year at Penn when they met in the basement of the ARCH building. They have bonded over the years through a shared interest in Checkers Drive-In food, Tom Brady, and karaoke.
A New Englander through and through, Thang currently works for the USPS. He is a talented singer and dancer, as well as a talented blackjack player.