“ Stories are like treasures – catch them when they fall. ”
Afghanistan – Once Upon a Time….
Before the Soviet invasion and the eventual rise of the Taliban, my family lived a peaceful and fulfilling life in Kabul, Afghanistan. My father held a respected position in the government, while my mother dedicated herself to teaching. It’s now difficult to imagine an Afghanistan untouched by war, violence, and systemic human rights abuses—especially against women. Yet before 1979, the country, then a monarchy led by King Muhammad Zahir Shah, was undergoing a period of modernization and cultural flourishing. Kabul, often called “the Paris of Central Asia,” reflected this transformation with its vibrant energy, blending traditional values with modern aspirations. Though social disparities existed between the urban elite and rural communities, life in the capital was generally open, progressive, and full of promise.
Iran – Born in Displacement
Faced with the looming threat of imprisonment or death in war, my grandfather made the courageous decision to smuggle his sons out of the country. My mother, my eldest sister, along with other women in our extended family, remained behind—waiting for their turn to escape and reunite with the men. In a daring and dangerous journey, my mother and sister fled to Iran, where my father anxiously awaited their arrival. I was born there—like so many children of conflict, I was born into displacement.
Following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Afghan refugees in Iran endured immense hardships: unstable living conditions, limited access to basic services, and systemic discrimination. Many, including my family, settled in urban areas where they struggled to find work and integrate into society. Though initially welcomed, Afghan refugees later faced increasing hostility as Iranian policies shifted toward repatriation and restriction of rights.
India
When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, it triggered a massive refugee crisis. Millions fled the war, primarily to neighboring Pakistan and Iran. A smaller number (tens of thousands) fled to India, particularly to Delhi and parts of northern India. Our family experienced a mix of hardship, resilience, and gradual adaptation. As much as our lives were shaped by geopolitical upheaval, cultural displacement, and complex social integration in a foreign land, we fell in love with the vibrant Indian culture.
“Because I don’t belong anywhere, I belonged everywhere.”
Canada – Hope and Challenges
After years as UN-registered refugees in India, my family found asylum in Toronto—hopeful, yet unprepared for the cultural collision ahead. My siblings and I became cultural translators, juggling school, work, and the weight of two worlds: one rooted in Afghan tradition, the other shaped by Western freedom. At home, I was expected to uphold inherited values; outside, I was discovering a self that defied them. Torn between these identities, I spiraled—especially as I watched my sister forced into an arranged marriage. In my mid-twenties, I chose to break the cycle. I walked away—to reclaim my voice and forge a new path.
Mexico – Spiritual Transformation
While living in the Yucatán Peninsula, I encountered a Christian medical organization providing surgery to the impoverished Maya. They had built a surgical center in the village of Valladolid, where I began serving as an administrator. As an Afghan Muslim woman suddenly immersed in a Christian community, this marked the start of my spiritual journey—and a deep exploration of my faith and identity. Working alongside the marginalized Maya people was my first direct experience with the underserved. It captured my heart and ignited a lifelong commitment to a mission-driven life dedicated to uplifting the most vulnerable.
United States: Kansas City – Life Pressed Fast Forward…
In 2013, I moved to Kansas City, Missouri—right into the heart of the American Midwest and the height of the global displacement crisis, especially the Syrian conflict. The cultural shock was profound, but it became a transformative season of discipleship and reflection. With fresh eyes and deeper compassion, I came to understand my family’s refugee journey, reconciling my past with my present. I reconnected with my heritage and recognized the strength in our story. This awakening fueled a bold vision: to create Global FC—an organization dedicated to empowering immigrant and refugee youth with the support I once needed, at a time when the world was gripped by fear and misunderstanding. Fast forward, Global FC has become one of the most diverse and respected refugee youth organizations in the city.
Los Angeles
After eleven transformative years in Kansas City, I relocated to Los Angeles to elevate my advocacy, launch bold new projects, and fully step into my reclamation era.
