The Power of Play was born from a journey of struggle, resilience, and transformation. Our founder, Reza Marvasti, was a child of war—shaped by conflict, chasing adventure, and seeking meaning. But after a near-death accident, he found himself lost, searching for a reason to live.
In that search, he was reminded of how play had saved him as a child—how no child can truly be a child without play, and how it shapes their mental and emotional well-being. Determined to transform children’s lives by restoring their childhood and their right to play, he sold everything he owned and set out to build playgrounds around the world—starting in the most marginalized place he knew, a South Sudanese refugee camp in Northern Uganda.
Today, The Power of Play is a global movement, working with universities around the world to design healing spaces and trauma-relief programs. Our playgrounds are built using recycled materials, ensuring sustainability while fostering resilience in communities affected by war and poverty. Designed with and for local communities, they are more than spaces to play—they are symbols of hope, recovery, and the right to be a child.
We believe the world will be a happier, more peaceful place when every child gets to experience the magic of childhood—growing with joy, connection, and a sense of belonging, instead of loneliness, resentment, and struggle. Play is not just a pastime; it is the foundation of a brighter future. Play is a right for all, not a privilege for some.
Join us in bringing the power of play to every child, everywhere.
With over two decades of leadership in driving change, community development, sustainability, and innovation, Reza is a humanitarian activist who has worked across 15 countries to create inclusive play spaces for communities affected by conflict and poverty. Through global partnerships and a dedicated international team, they lead The Power of Play with the belief that a playful childhood can inspire a peaceful world.
CEO & Founder
Ben has been with The Power of Play since 2019, supporting the team with digital marketing and running Google Ads campaigns, and joining on-the-ground builds in Lytton and Tanzania. As a founding board member, he helps out wherever he can, whether that’s running ad campaigns or moving playground parts. He’s just grateful to be part of something that brings so much joy to kids. And yes, he still thinks ice cream is the world’s greatest invention.
Founding Board &
Program Manager
Chris has spent 20+ years in strategy consulting, executive technology advisory, nonprofit, and operational leadership with Bain & Co, Corporate Executive Board, Gartner, Ghirardelli, and Fair Trade USA and completed a joint MBA+Peace Corps program where he increased revenue 145% for a women's social enterprise in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia. Chris enables organizations and their leaders to be their most effective through process improvement, effective technology adoption, and operational excellence.
Chief Operating Officer
Alaya is a heart-first leader with 20+ years of experience across private, non-profit, and post-secondary spaces. With roots in strategic sustainability, she blends big-picture thinking with people-first vibes to lead bold, planet-friendly change. Off the clock? She’s either exploring the outdoors or dancing in the living room with her kids, Coco and Garrett, and her partner-in-everything, Brendan.
Board of Directors
Coming from an international career in communication and media production with degrees from Harvard University and Rice University School of Philanthropy, I’ve had the privilege to learn from the best. Communication is not about your words but your actions.
I decided to take my career in the direction of helping others fundraise, develop, showcase, and promote their projects of humanity, sustainability and kindness to the world.
Board of Directors
Brian Delaney brings over 15 years of professional experience and is deeply committed to sport, community, and volunteer leadership. He mentors university students, supports youth development initiatives, and contributes to alumni and nonprofit organizations focused on education and lasting community impact. Drawing on his background in athletics and leadership, Brian is passionate about creating environments where young people can thrive through teamwork, access, and opportunity.
Board of Directors
Raheela Khan is a consultant, Oxford alumni and Yale World Fellow with a background in global finance and a passion for equity and social impact. Based in Vancouver, she serves on multiple boards and mentors youth, while creating children’s books that build cultural confidence and financial literacy. In her free time, she enjoys beach days with her two children aged 7 & 9.
Board of Directors
I’m a seasoned operations leader with over 16 years of experience in scaling performance and programs—but don’t let the polished exterior fool you, I’m really just a big kid at heart! I believe that a little play goes a long way, whether it’s sparking joy on the playground or tackling complex business challenges with creativity and collaboration. For me, it’s all about building connections, making an impact, and having fun along the way!
Board of Directors
For the past 15 years, Eric has supported the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) in helping to meet their audit readiness and sustainment goals. His goal is to help TPOP America implement and adhere to fiscally financial goals and policies. In Eric’s free time, he enjoys participating in athletic competitions such as track and triathlon.
Founding Board &
Program Manager
Sarah has a background in teaching English as a Second Language and international development. She has been with The Power of Play for five years as a volunteer and Operations Consultant. Her passion is working with youth and helping them grow. In her free time, she trains for and competes in triathlons.
Operation Manager
Amin Sameni is an Iranian community activist with a deep passion for social impact and child development. Driven by the belief that every child deserves the right to play. His commitment to charitable work is rooted in both his personal values and his lifelong involvement in community service. He has successfully organized numerous charitable concerts, blending his love for music with his dedication to giving back. These events have not only raised essential funds for various causes, but have also brought communities together in the spirit of compassion and generosity.
Fundraising team
Strong media and communication professional with a Bachelor of Arts focused in Media from 2005 University of Glamorgan, Wales. Passionate about creating content and video editing.
Video Editor
Adan Shaw is a landscape designer from San Francisco who studied landscape architecture at Cal Poly SLO. Aside from design, he enjoys getting out in nature to slackline, climb, run, and more.
Playground Designer
Peter is located in Squamish, BC. Peter is the owner of The Common, a coworking space serving entrepreneurs and startups. As well as supporting The Power of Play with a desk membership at The Common, Peter has been involved with TPOP for x years, has served on the fundraising committee and travelled to South America to work on the TPOP playground build in Cordoba, Argentia. Peter loves playing in the mountains, if you ever want to go for a trail run, climb or quick mountaineering expedition get in touch!
Operation team
I am a self proclaimed world traveller trying to help out my fellow brothers and sisters, that is when I am not stuck in my own egotistical shell. I can be shy at first, but when I open up, most people end up wishing I'd just stop talking. One thing I know for sure: In the end, love wins!
Project Manager
Elahe Fahimi Intentional artist with a background in architecture, blending structure with soul in every creation. She brings vision, precision, and heart to every project. A fierce advocate for self-expression, empowerment, and raising a free generation, she uses her art as a tool for transformation.
Project Manager
Committed to international development with a background in the European Parliament. Passionate about community building and skilled in coordinating meaningful events that bring people together
Fundraising team
Every child deserves joy
Designed with communities
Over 10,000 lives touched
Wendy Ang
David DeNeire
Selim Ensar Koksal
Alina Nedbailo
Ángela-Jo Touza-Medina
Anita Zangeneh
Maria Bulak
Mobina Masnavi
Damaris Rieger
Sarvi Loloei
Shivangi Sigh
Sohnia Sandu
Ana Cecil Perez
Stu Windsor