Early Life and Background

I was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 1978, and grew up during the Soviet invasion and subsequent civil war. My family fled to Pakistan in 1993 to escape the turmoil. These early experiences of conflict and refuge profoundly influenced my commitment to human rights and social justice. In 1999, I received a scholarship from the World University Service of Canada to study at McGill University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Transition to Diplomacy

Despite starting my career as an engineer, I felt a strong calling to contribute to peacebuilding and development in Afghanistan. Returning to my homeland, I led several non-profit organizations focused on human rights and women's empowerment. My work on family law reforms earned me the Best Human Rights Activist Award from the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission in 2007.

Inspired to create larger-scale change, I pursued a master’s degree in public administration at Columbia University as a Fulbright scholar. My time at Columbia included consultancy roles with the New York Department of Education and the United Nations headquarters, further honing my skills in strategic planning and international relations.

Diplomatic Achievements

In 2011, I joined the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Senior Advisor to the Deputy Foreign Minister. The following year, I became the first Director General of the Regional Cooperation Directorate, where I played a pivotal role in developing the Heart of Asia Process, fostering regional stability and cooperation.

My trailblazing journey continued as I was appointed the first Afghan woman to serve as Ambassador to Indonesia, non-resident Ambassador to Singapore, and the first-ever Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). My tenure in Indonesia was marked by unprecedented advancements in Afghanistan and Indonesia’s bilateral relationship and economic collaborations, earning me the title of "The People’s Ambassador" by the Indonesia Tatler in 2017.

In 2018, I made history again as the first Afghan woman to serve as an Ambassador to the United States. During my tenure, I developed deep relationships with government officials, members of Congress, military leaders, think tanks, and veteran groups, strategically negotiating crucial decisions that benefited both Afghanistan and the United States.

My decade-long career in diplomacy, especially as the first female Afghan ambassador to the United States, was not an easy one. I had to jump over hurdles, maneuver beyond obstacles, change directions, and withstand daily challenges, all while navigating highly political positions with no traditional political insulation. I faced the typical hindrances that women encounter in their professional journeys, along with unique obstacles that other women leaders and ambassadors from different countries confessed they had never seen before. The only force propelling me was the refusal to quit.

Current Roles and Future Goals

Today, I am honored to serve as the Chair of Delphos International, a global financial advisory firm based in Washington D.C., which leverages knowledge and creativity to advance its goals while making a positive impact. I also serve as an Advisor to the Atlantic Council and a Senior Advisor at the Albright Stonebridge Group, among my other affiliations.

My overarching goals reflect my commitment to strategic leadership and innovative solutions. I bring a unique perspective shaped by my global experience and people skills, excelling in facilitating collaborations that benefit all parties involved. I focus on achieving tangible results and strive to implement multifaceted approaches, centered on enhancing impact and sustainability.

Personal Philosophy and Leadership

Guided by the motto "Make the best with what you have," I lead with empathy and a commitment to excellence. Being born as a girl child in Afghanistan, by virtue of which I had very limited access to resources and opportunities, I have learned that being dependable and giving my best in everything I do is crucial. I believe any vision is achievable if it can be reverse-engineered into actionable steps to be taken today. My story is one of perseverance, resilience, the unwavering power of self-belief, and yet having fun along the way!

I am grateful to you for stopping by and would love to stay connected, share, and learn.