Ismail graduated from Smith College, Northampton in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Relations.

While at Smith College Ismail was the President of the International Students Organization from 1997-1998. She has worked for several organizations including Global Securities, a former joint venture of UBS AG, Switzerland. At Global Securities Ismail started at the institutional sales position soon rising to Dealer, Money Markets. Some of her responsibilities included managing local and foreign client relationships, including Credit Agricole, Mashreq Bank, PICIC, Deutsche Bank, NDLC and Orix Investment Bank. She also coordinated research efforts produced by the department for clients.

Ismail is now the Assistant Manager, Communications, Public Relations, Business Development, Research, Human Resources and Women Affairs at the First MicroFinanceBank (FMFB). Her organizational and leadership skills helped Ismail create and develop a comprehensive communication strategy for FMFB. She implemented communication strategy guidelines throughout the bank, and developed the bank’s vision, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards and code of ethical behavior.

She is the Vice President, Chairman’s Office at Habib Bank Ltd (HBL), where she is a core member of the HBL re-branding team; responsible for handling all trademarks relating to them.