Zahra Sultani, an alumna of the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF), currently works with the World Bank’s Impact Evaluation (DIME) unit in Washington, D.C. Alongside her professional role, Zahra recently began pursuing a master’s degree in Business Analytics at George Washington University (GWU). She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from AUAF and a second degree in general psychology from Kabul Educational University.

During her time at AUAF, Zahra was recognized as Student of the Month for her volunteer efforts and was honored with the President’s Awards for academic excellence. Her advocacy for women’s rights and leadership of capacity-building projects promoting women’s empowerment highlighted her commitment to social causes in Afghanistan. At the World Bank’s Afghanistan country office, Zahra contributed to development initiatives through her work with the Social Inclusion and Gender team.

Zahra’s passion lies in advancing girls’ education and promoting social inclusion, areas she aims to focus on in her future research and professional endeavors.

Zuhal is a women’s affairs journalist with an extensive background in covering issues related to women in Afghanistan. Zuhal worked as a multimedia journalist with the BBC Afghanistan from 2018 to 2022. After the collapse of the Afghan government in 2021, she left Afghanistan to Dubai, where she continued to report on Afghanistan for the BBC, and later to Toronto, Canada, where she continued reporting as a freelance for the Guardian, Al Jazeera, and other international news outlets.

Zuhal was awarded the prestigious William Southam Journalism Fellowship, where she attended the University of Toronto as a 2022-2023 CJFE Canadian Journalists for Free Expression Fellow at Massey College. Zuhal also worked as an Associate Editor with Chatelain, a very well-read Canadian women’s magazine in Toronto, for a year until September 2024. Zuhal holds two bachelor’s degrees: bachelor’s of Business Administration from the American University of Afghanistan, and another bachelor degree in communication and journalism from Kabul University.

Currently, she is studying a Master degree in Marketing at Schulich School of Business at York University. She was awarded a full scholarship by a US-based non-profit organization, JREF Journalism Refugees Education Fund, to pursue this degree. Meanwhile, she continues to work as a freelance journalist, and she is going to launch and present a series of monthly podcasts focused on transitional justice and stories of Afghanistan that is a shared work by Zan Times; a women-led investigative newsroom, and AHRDO, an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting democracy, human rights, and social justice in Afghanistan.

“What makes AUAF truly unique is its resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. Despite being established in a difficult environment and facing attacks, criticism, a shift to online education, and relocation, AUAF has continued to achieve remarkable things and change lives.

I joined AUAF in the Fall of 2019 after graduating from Afghan-Turk High School, uncertain about my career path. The transition to online classes due to COVID-19 and the relocation of the university following the Afghan government’s collapse were challenging. However, graduating from AUAF in Qatar in the Spring of 2023 became an enriching experience. AUAF not only provided me with a world-class education but also taught me how to adapt and make tough decisions, just as the university itself did.

I have only been in the U.S. for a year, during which I’ve kept moving and taking on new challenges. Although unexpected events have constantly surprised me, I’ve learned to embrace the unpredictable nature of the world and adapt to whatever comes my way

I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in business analytics at the University of Tulsa. I’ve also gained valuable experience as a Peer Financial Coach and through an internship at Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores, where I applied data-driven techniques to optimize sales. AUAF’s impact on my journey has been profound, and I’m proud to be part of its community.”

Mohammad’s Memory of AUAF: Burgers and fries. When I started in 2008, most students were full time workers who craved a fun conversation between their evening classes. The cafeteria’s overpriced burgers and fries fueled laughter, strengthened friendships, and prepared tired students to go back into yet another stimulating class session.

Most of Mohammad’s research, productions and past work coalesce around youth. Mohammad is a media producer and researcher. Prior to studying television producing at Boston University on a Fulbright scholarship, Mohammad had served in development roles for nearly a decade. His communications leadership positions at several multinational development initiatives advanced economic opportunity, civic engagement and good governance. Mohammad’s independent productions have been screened in Afghanistan, Europe, Australia and the US.

As a doctoral candidate at Northwestern University, Mohammad studies science communication for minority adolescents. His dissertation work focuses on understanding barriers refugee Afghan adolescents face in their pursuit of STEM education. His start up company, Rigel STEM Media, advances science communication research and productions for minority audiences.

Mohammad and his wife, Manizha, have two (very) energetic daughters. Between collecting bugs, rocks and nonstop play, Mohammad enjoys listening to film scores and classical music, and reading science fiction.

Hameed Hassani is an accomplished entrepreneur, researcher, and business intelligence analyst with a strong academic background in international affairs. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Old Dominion University, earned through the prestigious Fulbright Program. Hameed’s academic foundation was established at the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF), where he demonstrated leadership as the elected President of the Student Government Association, served as a mentor, and actively contributed as an executive member of the AUAF Alumni Association.

Currently, Hameed works as a Business Intelligence and Research Analyst at the Middle East Broadcasting Networks. His work focuses on leveraging qualitative and quantitative research, survey analysis, and digital analytics to enhance organizational strategies. He is highly skilled in working with big data, utilizing various BI and programming tools.

Hameed has represented Afghanistan in multiple international conferences and forums, including the International Youth Leadership Conference (IYLC) in Dubai, UAE, and the Global Notebook Conference in The Hague and Brussels, promoting global citizenship and intercultural awareness. He also has published written pieces including his MA. thesis tilled, U.S.-China Trade War: Phase One Agreement and Self-Enforcing Contracts, which has been published at the ODU Digital Commons, and he also co-authored a policy paper published at Biruni Institute, titled, A conceptual framework for Afghanistan and Pakistan relationship: Better economic partners than political adversaries.

Beheshta Rasekh is a distinguished young leader, passionate debater, and dedicated legal representative. She holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) and a Master of Law degree from Syracuse University College of Law, which she obtained through the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship. She received two CALI Excellence for Future Awards (given to the law student with the highest grade in the class) for her academic excellence during her LL.M. program.

Beheshta was awarded a fellowship with the Hiscock Legal Aid Society, where she provides legal representation, counsel, and advice to Afghan refugees resettled in the United States. She has successfully represented Afghans in cases related to asylum, employment authorization, special immigrant visas (SIV), family reunifications, temporary protected status, and more.

Beheshta represented AUAF in several moot court competitions during her time there, including the moot courts in the Netherlands and Germany, and the national rounds of the renowned Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. Beheshta is also the founder of HAWA (Helping Afghan Women Advance), a resource providing educational and empowerment opportunities for Afghan women in Afghanistan and in exile.