Meet Naaz Malek of Malek Investments, Daariya Productions in Stone Mountain

Today we’d like to introduce you to Naaz Malek.

Naaz, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
“There are so many things!” used to be my response when I was mundanely questioned about my interests and future pursuits during college. Thankfully, it is still my response to people when I’m asked about what I do. What was once perceived as indecisiveness, by even my own mother, my jack of all trades nature allows me to do “many things” simultaneously and live a very fulfilling life. My mandate of service to mankind is the glue that unifies my different interests and ventures.

Thing #1
I work in the ER!

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Georgia. I have a Master of Health Sciences from the University of South Alabama and I am board certified to practice Emergency Medicine in the state of Georgia. I am the lead physician assistant for Vituity Physicians’ Group’s Atlanta site, at Emory North Decatur and Emory Hillindale Emergency Department.

I love what I do! I love taking care of patients across the age spectrum in an acute setting with complaints from any and every body system.

The practice of Emergency Medicine isn’t robotic; it’s emotive. An ER is the community’s safety net. In my seven years within these window-less walls, I have comforted miscarrying mothers, counseled victims of domestic violence, taken the stand in court for those raped, reported infuriating stories of child and geriatric abuse to the authorities, given those being trafficked a way out, found shelters for the homeless during winters, encouraged addicts to quit, and motivated young adults to take the nonviolent path the next time they are in an altercation so that they don’t end up as another gunshot casualty. I have delivered news of death to some, I have brought new life into the world for others. I have cheered negative test results with some while bearing news of conditions equivalent to that of a death sentence to others.

My position allows me to precept students and lecture at partnering physician’s assistant programs such as Morehouse School of Medicine, Philadelphia College of Medicine, and Emory School of Medicine.

I can’t think of a better way of doing “many things” while serving mankind than being in the ER.

Thing #2
I also have a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast News Journalism from the University of Georgia. I was a reporter for Grady Newsource, an on-air and digital publication by journalism students at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. I was a medical news intern for Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Elizabeth Cohen, chief medical correspondents for CNN.

I have always had a passion for video-based story-telling; I want to raise awareness about social issues relating to community, culture, and religion; this was the birthplace of my company, Daariya Productions.

I write, edit, and produce multimedia content for various organizations and non-profits.

Thing #3
Malek Investments, LLC is a portfolio of real estate investments that I have made as sole proprietor and in partnership over the past few years.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course not! It never is. But it hasn’t been terribly challenging either. I say that because my perspective of challenges having worked in the ER and traveled abroad to cover stories about others’ struggles is very different.

I have throughout the process had a roof over my head, food to eat, an education, resources to make my dreams come true, a healthy family, and supportive friends, and faith in God. So, essentially, I had it all!

My challenges were all within me. My self-esteem was my rate limiting factor. I was always too afraid to fail and too fearful of what others would think of me. Over the years, I have started to make better choices about the company I keep and how I speak to myself. These have had a tremendous impact on my positivity and self-confidence.

Please tell us about Malek Investments, Daariya Productions.
My company Daariya Productions volunteers video-based storytelling services. (www.daariyaproductions.com)
I write, edit, and produce multimedia content for various organizations and non-profits. You can say that it is my non-profit to help other non-profits.

My stories are about everyday people and their lives. I love to capture everything that will make one human relate to another without religious, political, or financial barriers. People’s emotions, struggles, triumphs, and resilience; this is what life is about. As humans, we all want the same thing: to protect and provide for ourselves and our families.

I am a Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim, a denomination of Islam, whose religious practices are rooted in maintaining a balance between the spiritual wellbeing and quality of life of an individual. (https://the.ismaili/community-0)

In my production career’s infancy, I created content for various organizations operating under the philanthropic umbrella of the Aga Khan Development Network. I got my biggest break when I produced, wrote, and narrated the audio tour for Rays of Light: Glimpses into the Ismaili Imamat, a 4,000 square foot exhibition depicting the life and humanitarian services of the Aga Khan. (https://the.ismaili/microsite/rays-light)

I traveled to India last year with the Himalayan Health Exchange. I practiced primary care medicine in health camps while capturing stories of Indian villagers, Buddhist monks and nuns, and Tibetan refugees against the scenic backdrop of the Himalayan mountains.

I am a real-life fairy! No, seriously… I am Leila, the Eid Fairy.
(http://eidfairymovement.com, https://www.etsy.com/listing/684180242/leila-the-eid-fairy-book, https://www.facebook.com/LeilaTheEidFairy/)
It’s a children’s book written by Sofia Khan Iqbal about a fairy who rewards good deeds done by kids during the month of Ramadan. The gifts are delivered during Eid, a Muslim holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan. The book is intended to assimilate Islam and it’s practices into the global culture and promotes its teachings of charity of philanthropy. Proceeds from the book go to charity. Daariya Productions offers marketing and digital media services to Leila, in addition to a real-life Leila.

I recently traveled to Khorog, Tajikistan with the Foundation for a Better Life (FBL: http://www.fblusa.org. www.facebook.com/foundationforabetterlife.com) as a volunteer offering my production services. I captured stories of families and individuals who have used humanitarian aid from FBL: an education, a skill, or micro-credit, to generate an income or access basic human rights. These stories were broadcasted at an annual showcase to raise awareness and funds.

I can do “many things” with a camera and my story-telling abilities and thanks to all the amazing opportunities that have come my way, all those things serve mankind.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have believed in myself sooner!
I have always been a dreamer. I dream really big! Unfortunately, I didn’t believe that I would ever be able to accomplish those dreams. I was too concerned about what people would think of me or how I would be perceived. I practiced my abilities according to others’ barometer of what I should be. The day I people from my life who were holding me back and constantly doubting my abilities changed my practice, I realized how much potential I have. I learned those good intentions go further than good connections. I learned that the people who mind don’t matter and what matters is what’s in my mind. I started speaking up, seeking opportunities, and saying yes when they came along no matter how afraid I was of failing. The sense of self-empowerment was so liberating! I would tell the younger me that I am enough and I am able.