“ I’ve stood as a voice for refugee youth and helped build a worldwide network of women who advocate for the fundamental rights of women across the MENA region. As a storyteller, I’ve sought not just to inform—but to awaken, to breathe life into the statistics and headlines that too often numb us to suffering.”
Executive Director
The vision for Global FC was born from Mariya’s firsthand experience of her family’s struggle to adapt to a new country and culture. After her parent’s fled war-torn Afghanistan, she was a product of displacement in Iran and then India, before finally resettling in Canada in search of a brighter future.
Torn between the expectations of her Afghan Muslim heritage and the unfamiliar rhythms of the West, Mariya wrestled with questions of identity and belonging. In 2013, after relocating to Kansas City, she encountered the growing refugee population in the Historic Northeast community. Seeing reflections of her own childhood struggles in these young refugees, she felt compelled to understand their needs and provide the support she once longed for.
Rather than creating just another program in an already crowded landscape, a small group of dedicated individuals set out to build something deeper—a true community. They recognized the need for a universal connection, a shared language that transcended cultural divides. Soccer, beloved across the world, became that bridge. Global FC was founded as more than a team; it became a movement for transformation.
Today, Global FC serves youth from over 29 nations, standing as the leading organization for refugee and immigrant youth in Kansas City, MO—empowering the next generation through the unifying power of sport.
Speaker & Activist
Mariya has had the privilege of speaking to audiences across the world, infusing every speech with her personal journey to inspire and ignite change. Coming from Afghanistan, where women endure some of the most severe human rights violations, using her voice freely is not just a privilege—it is a duty. Her story—one of navigating faith, adapting to diverse cultures, enduring loss and betrayal, reclaiming her identity, and healing from trauma—has moved and educated audiences across the globe.
As a leading advocate for refugee rights, particularly for displaced youth, Mariya amplifies the urgent realities of the global displacement crisis. She leverages her platform to champion religious freedom, foster interfaith dialogue, promote peace and reconciliation, and fight for women’s rights, ensuring that silenced voices are heard and empowered. For the past decade, Mariya has been a leading expert in the intersection between sports and social change. From promoting inclusivity to addressing social injustices, sports have a unique ability to break racial barriers, and play a significant role in peacebuilding and shaping social progress.
Storyteller
Mariya is a certified storyteller and alumna of The Moth, having completed the prestigious Moth Masterclass in Kenya, in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She crafted and performed a powerful story for Moth Mainstage and Moth Radio, captivating audiences across the United States with her unique narrative and storytelling expertise. Mariya seamlessly integrates the art of storytelling into her speaking engagements, trainings, and advocacy work, emphasizing both the shared and diverse aspects of the human experience. A passionate advocate for the transformative power of storytelling, she believes that through personal narratives, we can uncover the common threads that bind us, even in our greatest differences.
Listen to Mariya on the Moth
Visual Storytelling
Mariya has joined forces with Empower Women’s Media to champion the power of visual storytelling as a transformative tool for advancing human rights. By using images, videos, and other visual formats, she works to amplify awareness, foster empathy, and drive action. These narratives humanize complex issues, giving marginalized communities a platform to advocate for their rights. Digital storytelling has become an unparalleled medium for global connection and communication, allowing voices to be heard in ways once thought impossible.
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