Our Founding Team

Sahar Kanani

Chief Executive Officer

A proven executive titan in the realm of tech program management, boasting an impressive track record spanning over three decades. Sahar excels in handling vast, intricate multi-country initiatives and has secured a prestigious leadership honor in recognition of her vital role in the tech sector.

She consistently champions the cause of both children and adults within the Autism spectrum. Additionally, Sahar serves as a steadfast supporter for women and the LGBTQA+ community. Her commitment to service is evident in her tenure on the boards of various non-profit entities focused on empowering disadvantaged youngsters and children.

Mojdeh Ghodousi

Chief Technology Officer

An experienced software designer and repeat entrepreneur with a career spanning more than twenty years. Mojdeh is the founder of numerous successful tech businesses and has earned a U.S. government grant in recognition of her company’s constructive social contribution. Her leadership and technical expertise serve as pivotal forces of innovation at SaMoDa Labs Inc.

Azar Afif

Chief Design Officer

With over five years of experience in tech and startups, Azar excels at aligning design strategy with business goals, driving impactful creative direction, and setting high standards for design excellence.

Azar is passionate about building and supporting design teams, fostering a culture where creativity thrives without barriers. By deeply understanding user needs through research, they ensures every design decision enhances the user experience. Dedicated to promoting design thinking across the organization, Azar collaborates with leadership to ensure design is central to key decisions, driving innovation and business success.

Katrin Arefy

Head of Music Education and Strategy

As the founder of Golden Key Piano School (Berkeley, 2003) and Manhattan Piano Academy (New York, 2020) Katrin has trained music teachers in the Russian method and worked closely with parents and students for over two decades.

She is a graduate of the prestigious Gnessin School of Music in Moscow, the author of multiple piano method books, and has lectured on Artobolevskya’s method at Music Teachers Association of California Conferences, universities in the United States and internationally.

She won the 2020 Influential Businesswoman Award and was named Most Inspirational Woman in Music Education (Northern California) by Acquisition International.

Katrin brings her twenty years of experience as a musician, entrepreneur, and pedagogue to elevate SaMoDa Lab's educational quality.

Katrin Arefy

Head of Music Education and Strategy

Katrin brings her twenty years of experience as a musician, entrepreneur, and pedagogue to elevate SaMoDa Lab's educational quality.

As the founder of Golden Key Piano School (Berkeley, 2003) and Manhattan Piano Academy (New York, 2020) Katrin has trained music teachers in top Russian methods and worked closely with parents and students for over two decades.

She is a graduate of the prestigious Gnessin School of Music in Moscow, the author of piano method book. She has lectured on Artobolevskya’s Russian method at universities including Oregon and Ohio and at the Music Teachers Association of California Conferences.

Katrin won the 2020 Influential Businesswoman Award and was named Most Inspirational Woman in Music Education (Northern California) by Acquisition International.