ALPA in Exile
College Administration
Sayed Ashraf Muzafari
Director
Ahmad Vali Behnood
Deputy Director for Academic Coordination
Alexandra Pars
Chair of the Faculty Senate
Geeta Hiaty
Curriculum Coordinator
Farima Moqawam
Faculty Registrar
Roya M.
Student Registrar
Rangina Ahmadi
TA Registrar
Sajia S.
Student Registrar Deputy
Hafiz Qambari
Senior Moot Court Manager
Nasiruddin Nezaami
Senior Academic Advisor
Faculty
Dr. Bashir Mobasher
President of ALPA
Department - Gender, Justice and Society
Dr. Bashir Mobasher is a postdoctoral fellow at the American University (DC), an adjunct at the American University of Afghanistan, and an affiliate with EBS Universität. Bashir is an expert in constitutional design in divided societies. He has authored, reviewed, and supervised numerous research projects on constitutional law, electoral systems, and identity politics. His recent research projects are centered around decentralization, social justice, and orientalism. Bashir obtained his B.A. (2007) from the School of Law and Political Science at Kabul University and his LLM (2010) and PhD (2017) from the University of Washington School of Law. Recent Publications •2023. "Politics Before Law: The New Panel Code of 2017 and Its Limited Protection of Ethnic Minorities" in Criminal Legalities and Minorities in the Global South •2023. Missed Opportunities: How Jihadi Elites Mishandled Constitutional Reforms in Afghanistan, InterRegional Institute for Strategic Analysis. •2022. "The Constitution and the Laws of the Taliban 1996-2001: Hints From the Past & Options for the Future" International IDEA •2022. “Deproblematizing the Federal–Unitary Dichotomy: Insights from a Public Opinion Survey about Approaches to Designing a Political System in Afghanistan” Publius: The Journal of Federalism •2022. "Terrorizing Education: Afghanistan’s Educational Sector Grapples with Taliban’s Extremism" Inter-Regional Ins. for Strategic Analysis. •2021. “Designing A Constitution: Bridging the Gap Between Political Ideals and Political Practices in Afghanistan,” in Risks, Identity, and Conflict •2021. “Examining the Taliban’s Words, Thoughts and Deeds—II: The Taliban’s Hostage Diplomacy” The Diplomat •2021. “Examining the Taliban’s Words, Thoughts and Deeds—I: The Myth of Taliban 2.0” The Diplomat •2021. "Should the Taliban Be Given Afghanistan’s UN Seat? A Test of the Integrity of International Law" The Diplomat •2021. “The Leadership Factor: How Has a Fixable State Failed in Afghanistan?” Inter-Regional Ins. for Strategic Analysis. •2021. “What Does the Future Hold for the New Taliban Government?” Inter-Regional Institute for Strategic Analysis.
Zahra Tawana
Director of Local Voices Center
Department - Gender, Justice, and Society
Master of Sociology at the American University of Central Asia (2022) and Public Administration at James Madison University (2023), Zahra Tawana is a founding member of ALPA's Online Education Program. She has a Bachelor of Political Science and Public Administration from the American University of Afghanistan (2021). She works as the Student Assistant for the OSUN GLOBALED Program. She has the honor of authorship of the scholarly article “Afghan Peace on the Horizon? An Examination of Public Opinion on the Ongoing Peace Talks” which is published in the Asian Journal of Peacebuilding. Moreover, her in-progress manuscripts are “Unrepresentative Parties in an Unwelcoming Society: Examining Public Perceptions about Afghan Political Parties”, and Republic vs. Emirate. Mrs. Tawana has a long time experience of working voluntarily as the president of Survey Club, in the Udayan Care, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. So far, she encouraged and motivated youths by persuading and providing the platform for them to do research and survey. She did perform her role as a leader and role model for other unvoiced girls in Afghanistan and tried to stand for their rights and voices.
Hijratullah Safi
Board Member
Department - Law and Political Science
Hijratullah Safi, assistant professor of law at the Nangarhar University, was born in 1986 in Kunar province. He received his LL.M degree in Asian & Comparative Law from the University of Washington School of Law in 2016, and his LL. B degree from the Nangarhar University (NU) in 2011. In 2012, he joined the Law School of the mentioned university as lecturer. In addition, he has chaired the curriculum committees of the NU and the law faculty. From 2014 to 2015, he served as head of the Night Shift Program of the NU Law School. He has authored multiple textbooks (in Pashto and Dari) and research articles (in English and Pashto). The textbooks he has authored are Legal Research and Writing, The Principles and Methods of Legislation in Islamic Fiqh and Statutory Law, and Criminology. One of his articles, “Ensuring Compensation for Wrongful Detention and Wrongful Imprisonment in Afghanistan” has been published in the California Western International Law Journal in 2016. In addition to working in academia, he has served as Program Office for the Afghan-US Law Alumni Association (ALAA) between June 2019 and June 2021. Since July 2021, he is serving as 1st Deputy Director of ALAA. He has also worked with multiple foreign NGOs such NRC (as Information Counselor), Checchi (as ToT Expert), Afghanistan Legal Research and Development Organization (as Legal Translator), and the Asia Foundation (as the Legal Writing Trainer).
Dr. Alexandra Pars
Chair of Department
Department - Human Rights & Sociology
Alexandra Parrs, PhD, is a senior professorial lecturer in the department of sociology at the American University in Washington, DC. She is a member of AU’s immigration research lab. She previously taught at the American University in Brussels, University Rene Descartes Paris V (Sorbonne), and the American University in Cairo where she taught for the sociology department and the Center for Migration and Refugees Studies. She was a research associate at the Center for Migration and Intercultural Studies (CeMIS), at Antwerp University. Her research focuses on gender and refuge, ethnic and religious minorities’ identity construction and diasporic practices. Dr. Parrs spent three years in Namibia, where she worked with the Ju/’hoansi communities of northern Namibia on educational and cultural projects. She has also lived and taught in Burma and the Sultanate of Oman.
Dr. Elisa Queenan
Department - Business and SMT
Elisa Queenan is a Professor of Business and Economics at Porterville College and has a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership. She has taught within California Community Colleges for over 19 years. Her research primarily focuses on (1) the economic value of postsecondary education for underrepresented populations, poverty, and homelessness, specifically in California, and (2) the impact of entrepreneurship on creating strong international collaborations with the intent of building empathy.
Dr. Naimat Zafary
Department - Language Learning & Academic Preparation
Naimat Zafary is a highly motivated Afghan scholar with a deep passion for education and development. He is currently pursuing his PhD in International Development at University of Sussex. He gained his master’s degree in governance, development and public policy at the University of Sussex on the prestigious Chevening scholarship 2021-22. The scholarship provides funding for Naimat to pursue his studies in the UK and offers a unique opportunity to network with other future leaders in the field of international development. Prior to his studies in the UK, Naimat worked as National Human Development Report – Pitfalls and Promise- Coordinator since 2016. Mr. Zafary has more than 11 years of professional experiences in Coordination, Programming, and Communications of various development programs funded by various donors, UN agencies, government and coordinating complex programs with diverse stakeholders involved in Sustainable Development of Afghanistan. Naimat is committed to helping improve the situation in his country in any way he can. His experiences as an Afghan scholar and refugee give him a unique perspective on the challenges facing his country and the world, and he is poised to make a significant contribution in the field of international development in the years to come. Some of his work and interviews can be find below: https://www.hepi.ac.uk/2023/01/16/500-days-of-desolation-why-ending-the-gender-apartheid-in-the-education-of-women-and-girls-is-the-key-to-unlocking-the-future-of-afghanistan/ · https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents//2020nhdrafganistanenpdf.pdf · https://www.hepi.ac.uk/2021/09/20/reflections-of-an-afghan-chevening-scholar/ · https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/how-universities-can-support-refugee-students-and-academics · https://ukcisa.org.uk/blog/6875/A-scholarship-to-safety-Afghanistan-to-the-UK · https://www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-world-views-2022-8-afghanistan-to-england-one-year-later/ · https://universitybusiness.co.uk/features/a-better-world-through-education/ · https://greatbritishmag.co.uk/student-stories/a-scholarship-to-safety-afghanistan-to-the-uk/ · https://www.sussex.ac.uk/alumni/support/sussexfund/the-impact/naimat-little-book-of-thank-you
Dr. Haqmal Daudzai
Department - Law and Political Science
Haqmal Daudzai (Ph.D. University of Erfurt, 2019) is an Afghan-German International Development Cooperation Professional with extensive experience researching Afghanistan's sociopolitical and security dynamics. Haqmal Daudzai completed his Ph.D. in 2019 from the Faculty of Law, Economics, and Social Sciences, University of Erfurt, Germany. His doctoral research focused on the state-building efforts in Afghanistan following the US/NATO military intervention in 2001. As a DAAD scholarship holder, he earned his Master of Public Policy and Good Governance degree from the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, University of Erfurt. He has published several scholarly articles and a book on Afghanistan’s politics, governance, and security. In his co-authored book, “Glocalized Security: Domestic and External Issues in International Security” (under review at the Indiana University Press), Daudzai discusses the US/NATO unconditional withdrawal from Afghanistan and its security consequences in the region. Before his current position, he has worked for different international development organizations in various capacities. For example, he worked as a Programme Manager for Afghanistan/Pakistan at IPSO International in Berlin until 2022. Between 2008 and 2011, he worked for USAID as a Political Advisor to the Afghanistan National Parliament in Kabul. He was also a short-term guest lecturer at Kabul University between 2017 and 2019. Selection of publications: Daudzai, H. (2021). The State-Building Dilemma in Afghanistan: The State Governmental Design at the National Level and the Role of Democratic Provincial Councils in Decentralization at the Sub-National Level. Verlag Barbara Budrich. Abawe, Z., Daud, B., Daudzai, H., Jabarkhail, M., Yousaf, F. (2023). Global Policy 14 (1), 192-198. Miller, K.E., Omidian, P., Rasmussen, A., Yaqubi, A., Daudzai, H. (2008). Daily Stressors, War Experiences, and Mental Health in Afghanistan.
Dr. Ali Shariati
Department - Law & Political Science
Ahmad Ali Shariati is a Law Tutor and PhD researcher based at the School of Law, Politics, and Sociology within the University of Sussex in England. He is a British Council Scholar, funded by the Department for Education, and is Chevening alumnus. Ahmad Ali previously earned his LLM in International Commercial Law from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland and another LLM in Public International Law from Khatam al-Nabieen University in Afghanistan. With a comprehensive background in Public International Law and International Commercial Law, Ahmad Ali’s academic specialties encompass International Climate Change Law, Islamic Law, and Corporate Governance. His doctoral research focuses on the critical examination of States’ responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions. Noteworthy beyond academia, Ahmad Ali actively contributes as a judge in international competitions such as the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition and the ICC Moot Court Competition. Prior to his academic pursuits, Ahmad Ali demonstrated his legal skills as a Senior Legal Adviser, lending his expertise to entities including Ariana Afghan Airlines and the former Afghan Ministry of Finance. Publications: · A. A. Shariati, ‘The Purpose of Corporations in the Context of ESG Concerns: Continuing Shareholder Primacy or Countenancing Radical Reform?’ (forthcoming, 2024) European Business Law Review · A. A. Shariati, ‘Examining States’ Emissions Responsibility: Assessing the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Production-Based Accountability System for Greenhouse Gases’ (forthcoming, 2024) Environmental Liability · A. A. Shariati et al., ‘The Helmand River Dispute: International Legal Perspectives on the Afghan-Iranian Border Conflict’ (2023) Opinio Juris · A. A. Shariati et al., ‘The return of ‘environmental pirates’? Greenpeace v. Shell on the Atlantic Ocean’ (2023) NTU Expert Blog · A. A. Shariati et al., ‘COP27 did not seize the opportunity to open the debate around States’ greenhouse gases emissions accountability’ (2022) International Law Blog · A. A. Shariati et al., ‘Did NATO’s withdrawal from Afghanistan inspire Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine?’ (2022) Jurist
Dr. Paul Kareem Tayyar
Department - Language Learning & Academic Preparation
Paul Kareem Tayyar holds a Ph.D. in Literature from the University of California, Riverside, and he is a Professor of English at Golden West College in Southern California. His books include “Keats in San Francisco & Other Poems” (Lily Poetry Review Books), “Let Us Now Praise Ordinary Things” (Arroyo Seco Press), and “The Prince of Orange County” (Pelekinesis), the latter of which received the 2020 Eric Hoffer Award for Young Adult Fiction. His work has appeared in numerous literary journals, including Poetry Magazine, Prairie Schooner, North Dakota Quarterly, and The Santa Monica Review, and he has been the recipient of a Glenna Luschei Poetry Prize and a Wurlitzer Poetry Fellowship.
Dr. M Nasir Jallah
Chair of Department
Department - Personal Dev. & Mental Health
Dr. Mohammad Nasir Jallah isn't just a doctor; he's a bridge builder, a champion of knowledge, and a tireless advocate for health equity. Armed with his 2008 Doctor of Medicine degree from Kabul Medical University, he navigated the intricate path to Canadian licensure, conquering both the MCCEE and NAC OSCE exams. He doesn't rest on his laurels, though. As CEO of the Canada Afghanistan Association of Health Professionals (CAAHP), Dr. Jallah empowers Afghan healthcare professionals, paving the way for seamless integration into the Canadian healthcare system. His passion for education knows no borders. Since 2016, he's ignited the minds of Afghan medical students, guiding them through the intricacies of medicine. And since 2022, he's opened his doors to international students, ensuring no aspiring healer is left behind. But Dr. Jallah's impact extends beyond classrooms. He's been a beacon of medical awareness for Afghans everywhere since 2008, wielding the power of social media to dispel myths and empower communities. Dr. Jallah's dedication is multifaceted. When he's not mending bodies or minds, he's empowering individuals as a certified Canfitpro Personal Trainer Specialist, proving that well-being is a holistic journey. He's even lent his expertise to combatting the Covid-19 pandemic as a contact tracing expert with Johns Hopkins University. And did we mention his journalistic prowess honed at Internews? It seems Dr. Jallah truly believes in the power of communication to bridge divides and foster understanding.
Fran Faraz
Department - Law and Political Science
Fran Faraz is an Associate Professor of Global and Peace Studies at Golden West College. Her professional and academic work is centered on Conflict Resolution, Social Justice, Environmental Justice, and Nonviolent Activism. For the past fifteen years, she has organized Golden West’s International Peace Conference, as well as numerous global peace-themed forums, screening documentaries, discussion panels, speaker series, and multiple workshops on several international and contemporary issues, such as genocide, migration, human trafficking, trauma recovery, environmental sustainability, and other events. An advisor to the Leadership Club, she mentors students with their academic studies and career paths. She has established four fellowships in the areas of Diversity, Social Justice, Environmental Sustainability, and Compassionate Communities. She has also established a scholarship for Black Student Union (BSU) at Golden West College. A board member of the Center for Citizen Peacebuilding at U.C. Irvine, and the Euphrates Institute, she is active in Global and Peace Studies-centric work with a variety of institutions and organizations, including The Euphrates Institute and the Ojai Cultural Center. She has a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science and a Master of Arts in History from Northeastern University. She was a 2022-2023 EPIC Fellow at Stanford University.
Dr. Zabiullah Obaidy
Director of ALPA Research Excellence Center
Department - Law and Political Science
TBD
Michael Sullivan
Department - Law and Political Science
Michael Sullivan is an attorney and international relations expert specializing in national security and international humanitarian law, with a particular emphasis on Afghanistan. He graduated from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy and has developed extensive expertise in the rule of law across several conflict zones, including Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, and Kosovo. From 2010 to 2013, Sullivan, a member of the U.S. Department of State, served in Kandahar, Afghanistan. During this period, he established and directed the U.S. Rule of Law program for the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team. His role was crucial in improving legal frameworks and advancing justice, with a special focus on enhancing the rights and conditions of women and children. He worked closely with Afghan legal professionals to enhance the judiciary's compliance with international human rights standards and his initiatives included steps toward improving conditions and legal protections at Sarpoza Prison and the Juvenile Detention Center in Kandahar city. After his work in Afghanistan, from 2014 to 2021, Sullivan was seconded by the U.S. State Department to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. There, he held several command positions including leading a team of 150 monitors operating in both government-controlled and separatist-controlled areas of Donbas. Monitors under his leadership were responsible for assessing ceasefire violations, monitoring heavy weapons storage sites, and supporting the implementation of the Minsk agreements. Currently, Sullivan teaches a course on documenting war crimes at American University and leads a team at the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative, where he oversees programs in South and Southeast Asia.
Zuhal Ahmadzai
Department - Language Learning & Academic Preparation
Zuhal Ahmadzai is an L.L.M. student specializing in international commercial arbitration at Bucerius Law School in Hamburg, Germany. She earned her L.L.B. from the American University of Afghanistan and was actively involved in extracurricular, including serving as a Communication Officer at the Law Student Association, participating in model United Nations and JESSUP International law moot court competition, she was also a campus ambassador intern at the International Model United Nations. Alongside, she is involved in various community service projects and volunteer work. Currently she is part of the comparative law in action competition. Moreover, she has co-authored a survey research paper titled “Afghan peace on the horizon? An examination of the public opinion on the on-going peace talks.” Which was published in the Asian peacebuilding journal. She has also worked as a Master Trainer on a project related to gender equality and the decision making process in Afghanistan. Zuhal completed an exchange program at the American University of Central Asia, and post-graduation, she became a Junior Consultant at ZB legal Research and Translation LLC and also worked as Project Coordinator for "The Voice of the People” program. Currently, she is teaching girls in Afghanistan through Afghanistan’s law and political science association.
Khadija Ibrahim
Chair of Department
Department - Language Learning & Academic Preparation
Khadija Ibrahim recently graduated from the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) with a Bachelor’s degree in Law. She worked as a legal intern at the Afghanistan Consulate in Dubai and works remotely as a legal translator at Zb Legal Research & Translation in the United States. She is also a teaching assistant at the AUAF. In addition, Khadija remotely teaches refugees the English language located in Massachusetts, United States. She also had the opportunity to participate in the Philip C. Jessup Moot Court Competition as a member of the AUAF team. Additionally, she is now a fellow at the University of Toronto through The Afghan Women’s Fellowship Program.
Abdulatif Zaki
Department - Language Learning & Academic Preparation
Abdulatif Zaki is a professional with an extensive background in commerce, law, and public administration. His academic journey began at Bharati University in India, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce (2015). Mr. Zaki then advanced his education with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the American University of Afghanistan (2019). He further augmented his educational portfolio by securing the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, enabling him to complete a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University (2023). In his professional career, Mr. Zaki has garnered substantial experience spanning several years in Afghanistan's private and public sectors. His tenure as a program associate at the World Bank's Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) allowed him to contribute significantly to developmental initiatives. He later assumed a crucial role as a Legal and Policy Fellow in the Speaker's Office at the Texas House of Representatives, where he displayed his adeptness in legislative processes and policy formulation, overseeing the Election Committee. Mr. Zaki is a Budget Analyst at the Travis County Budget Office in Texas. In this capacity, he leverages his expertise in financial analysis and public budgeting to ensure effective management and allocation of public resources.
Tawab Danish
Department - Law and Political Science
Tawab Danish, a remarkable individual with roots in the scenic Bagram District of Parwan, Afghanistan, where he was born in the warm month of August 1985. Tawab's academic journey is quite the inspiration—he embarked on his higher education at Albironi University in Kapisa, obtaining his law degree with flying colors in 2007. With a thirst for knowledge, he then ventured to Pune University in vibrant Maharashtra, India, where he expanded his horizons with a master's in public administration and political science between 2009 and 2011. His passion for law and public service didn't stop there; he further honed his expertise with an LLM from the prestigious University of Washington School of Law in 2018-19. Tawab's dedication and hard work paid off handsomely when he was chosen for the esteemed role of assistant professor at Parwan University's Faculty of Law and Political Science in 2013. He didn't just teach; he led with distinction as vice-dean and then dean of the law faculty up until 2019. His specialties? None other than the pillars of justice—Constitutional Law, Public International Law, and Human Rights Law. 2019 marked a significant milestone for Tawab as he received the honor of being appointed by the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan as a Senior Advisor to the Speaker of the House of Representatives for International Affairs—a testament to his profound expertise and integrity. But Tawab's contributions extend beyond the halls of government; he's a trailblazer in education too! In 2014, he founded Bagram Bastan Private High School, lighting the path to learning for over a thousand eager Afghan boys and girls. Following the dramatic changes in Afghanistan, Tawab and his beloved family—his wife and three wonderful children—relocated to the United States. Here, he continues to share his wealth of knowledge as a SRF Fellow and Visiting Scholar at the distinguished Cornell School of Law, now in his second year. His journey reflects a relentless commitment to education, law, and the rights of people everywhere.
Ahmad Zaki
Department - Language Learning & Academic Preparation
Ahmad Zaki is a graduate of Kardan University with honor. Additionally he holds a TEFL certification in teaching English language. He is currently working as Senior English Instructor at International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).He is a dedicated and passionate English Language Instructor with a strong commitment to fostering language proficiency and cultural understanding. With a background in linguistics and extensive experience in teaching English as a second language, Ahmad is known for his engaging and student-centered approach to language instruction. He is adept at creating dynamic and inclusive learning environments that cater to diverse learning styles and abilities. Ahmad is dedicated to equipping students with the language skills and cultural awareness necessary for success in a globalized world. Outside of the classroom, he is actively involved in promoting intercultural exchange and language learning initiatives.
Qasim Mirzaye
Department - Language Learning & Academic Preparation
Qasim Mirzaye is a development practitioner and researcher based in the UK. He holds a master’s degree in governance, development, and public policy from the University of Sussex. He has served as a research officer and research assistant at the renowned Institute of Development Studies (IDS) in the UK, and has also worked in the development sector in Afghanistan. Mohammad Qasim has achieved several national and international awards, including the Golden Sussex Spirit Award from the University of Sussex, Best Overall Oralist Award of the national rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in 2021, Honourable Mention Award for the Best Respondent Memorandum in the 18th Willem C. Vis (East) International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court held in Hong Kong, and both the Best Respondent Memorandum Award and Honourable Mention Award for the Best Respondent in the Vis Afghanistan Pre-Moot in 2021.
Mentors
Bibi Sadiaa Habib
Mentor & TA
Bibi Sadiaa Habib is a deeply passionate individual who strives to make a positive impact on her community through activism and academic pursuits. Armed with a Political Science and Public Administration degree from AUAF and currently pursuing a second BA in Journalism and Mass Communication at AUCA, her passion for change fuels her pursuit of knowledge and impact. Bibi's academic journey has been marked by excellence. She has earned recognition from the President's office by the prestigious President's Honor and High Honor Awards. An aspiring writer, she has actively engaged in research, with her paper "Maintaining Security, Peace and Stability Post US Troops Withdrawal" published by the distinguished Afghan media house, Zawia Media. This piece originated from her coursework at AUAF. Beyond academia, Bibi has volunteered her time and skills to well-known organizations such as Children of War, a prominent NGO in Afghanistan. Her internship experience at Edgu Bilig Online Magazine as an editing intern honed her knowledge and passion for writing, while also gaining experience in online media. Currently serving as an active student ambassador of AUAF, she is dedicated to fostering positive connections and representing the values of her academic institution.
Fariwar Abed
Mentor & TA
Fariwar Abed is a graduate of the American University of Afghanistan with an academic background in Political Science and Public Administration. Her passion for understanding the intricate dynamics of political systems and public governance has been a driving force throughout her academic journey. Building upon her foundation in political studies, Fariwar started pursuing a Master's degree in Business Administration at the American University of Central Asia and is now an MBA candidate at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, further enriching her knowledge and skills. Fariwar's academic pursuits align with her profound interest in contributing to projects and research related to Afghanistan. She has previously worked with the Rumi Organization for Research, where she engaged in comprehensive research on various topics pertinent to Afghanistan. Fariwar Abed is dedicated to using her academic foundation and practical experience to make meaningful contributions and positively impact the future of Afghanistan through her work and research endeavors
Ramzia Sarwary
Mentor & TA
Ramzia Sarwary is a highly accomplished graduate, holding a degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the esteemed American University of Afghanistan. Her academic journey has been marked by excellence, earning her distinguished accolades, including the prestigious President's Honor and High Honor Awards, a testament to her outstanding achievements recognized by the President's Office. In addition to her academic prowess, Ramzia has displayed a profound commitment to societal betterment. Her active involvement in Women and Peace Dialogues showcases a keen interest in promoting women's empowerment. Moreover, her dedication extends to the critical realm of child education, exemplified through her voluntary contributions to organizations such as Khorasan, where she focuses on advancing girls' education. Ramzia Sarwary's multifaceted approach to community service reflects a deep sense of responsibility and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Her endeavors in both women's empowerment and child education commendably contribute to the betterment of society.
Fawzia Mohammadi
Mentor and TA
Fawzia Mohammadi, currently pursuing law studies at the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) with an average GPA of 3.86, holds a first bachelor's degree in Dari Literature from Kabul University, enhancing her cultural and linguistic understanding. In 2023, she served as the president of the Law Student Association (LSA) at AUAF. Her experience includes working as a Freelance Translator in Kabul at Afghan Primus Consultancy where she translated data between English and Dari/Farsi and vice versa. Fawzia is passionate about contributing to women's rights issues and education, aiming to make a meaningful impact in these areas.
Fazel Hajikhil
Mentor & TA
Fazludin Hajizada holds an LLM from Al-Mustafa International University's Department of Criminal Law and Criminology. He founded and serves as the program officer of the International Law Moot Court Alumni Association (IMCAA). Four years ago, Fazludin participated in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, where he also represented his team in the international rounds held in Washington DC in 2015. Hajizada possesses a strong background in both international and criminal law and is passionate about working in the field of international law. Although his bachelor's degree is from the Sharia Faculty of Panjshir University, his contributions extend beyond academia. Fazludin actively judges prestigious international competitions, including the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition and the ICC Moot Court Competition. Prior to his academic pursuits, he honed his legal skills as a clerk at the Jawzjan Appellate Court and with other legal consultants. Notably, he served as the executive director of the High Council for National Reconciliation (AOP). Publication: Turkmens in Politics of Afghanistan: From Interim Government to End of the Republic (2025), https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:ap:61466283-c722-46b3-9c1e-c7a4850337f9?viewer%21megaVerb=group-discover
Najiullah Basharat
Mentor & TA
Sayed Najiullah Basharat is currently an undergraduate student at Cornell University, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science. His academic journey is marked by a fervent passion for technology and its potential to transform lives. Beyond his technical skills, Najiullah is deeply committed to empowering others to achieve their educational aspirations, dedicating himself to assisting peers and prospective students in navigating the complexities of college admissions and project work. Najiullah’s dedication to academic and personal excellence has been recognized on multiple occasions by Cornell University, where he has received various awards for academic excellence. This acknowledgment serves as a testament to his hard work, scholarly achievements, and the positive impact he has made on the university community. With a heart set on making a difference, Sayed Najiullah Basharat leverages his expertise in computer science and his passion for mentorship to help others reach their dream universities. Through his assistance on projects, guidance in the application process, and sharing of insights on academic success, he is an invaluable resource to those aspiring to advance their education. Najiullah’s commitment to fostering an environment of support and excellence is a cornerstone of his character, making him a distinguished member of the Cornell community and a beacon for prospective students aiming for higher education.
Nazifullah Samim
Mentor & TA
Nazifullah Samim Akbari, a passionate first-year student at Cornell University, is embarking on an academic journey focused on unraveling the complexities of economics. Beyond his commitment to understanding the factors that drive economies, Nazif is equally dedicated to fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration. In addition to his studies, Nazif finds fulfillment in guiding his fellow peers, believing in the latent potential within each individual. He is driven by the conviction that a small nudge in the right direction can result in significant transformations in one's skills and capabilities. Nazif's fascination with the economies of countries is not confined to theoretical exploration; it extends to a vision of actively contributing to economic landscapes. His ambition is to apply his knowledge and insights to make a positive impact, whether on a national or global scale. At Cornell University, Nazif stands as a beacon of academic enthusiasm and collaborative spirit. His dual passion for economics and mentoring reflects a holistic approach to education, where learning is not only about personal growth but also about uplifting those around him. With a commitment to nurturing talent and contributing meaningfully to economic discussions, Nazif aspires to leave a lasting impact on both his academic community and the broader world.
Fasiha Barakzai
Mentor & TA
Fasiha Barakzai is a senior law student at the American University of Afghanistan, dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and excellence in the field of law. Throughout her academic journey, she has actively engaged in various roles that have shaped her skills and perspectives. Currently, she is contributing her skills and passion for law as an intern at ALPA, where she is gaining valuable practical experience. Serving as a peer mentor at her university has allowed her to support and guide fellow students, fostering a collaborative and supportive academic community. In 2022, she had the opportunity to work as a translator at Nexus Company. In addition, as a teacher at Kabul International Model School in 2021, she created a supportive learning atmosphere for her students Fasiha's journey in law is fueled by a deep passion for justice, ethics, and the impact of law on society. She is committed to continuous learning and growth to contribute meaningfully to the legal landscape.
Edris Yawar
Mentor & TA
Edris Yawar, a former Marketing and Finance student at the American University of Afghanistan, is currently pursuing a double major in Economics and Computer Science at Williams College. He is deeply passionate about behavioral economics and the application of computational techniques, such as machine learning models, in behavioral and social research. Edris is also interested in teaching and has worked as a peer tutor at AUAF and a language instructor at the Red Crescent Society.
Tara Parsa
Mentor & TA
Tara Parsa is an undergraduate student at American University studying Political Science and Public Health within the Honors Program. Passionate about effecting change and filling in the gaps, Tara is dedicated to working with various nonprofits in the DMV area. As a Research Assistant at The Immigration Lab, she delves into impactful research pertaining to the immigrant experience in the DMV, while her role as a Staff Writer for the Undergraduate Law Review and The Ruth Project reflects her passion for expressing ideas through the written word. Eager to make a difference at the intersection of public health and politics, Tara is dedicated to creating positive change through her academic pursuits and hands-on involvement. Tara is committed to social justice issues pertaining to women’s rights, healthcare policy, and education equity and aspires to educate people and make improvements in these areas.
Kubra Rezaee
Mentor & TA
Kubra Rezaie, a junior student at the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) majoring in Computer Science with a focus on Software Engineering. Prior to this, she completed a two-year course in Business Administration and Management at the Kabul Accounting and Administration Institute. Her professional journey includes roles such as Finance and Admin Assistant at Fanoos Accounting and Consulting Services Company (2017), Finance Officer at Hope and Development for Afghanistan NGO (2018-2021), Coding Mentor at Aghaz Mentorship Organization (2024), and Administrative Assistant Intern at ALPA Organization in spring 2024. Additionally, she has participated in several prestigious programs, including being a Research Fellow at Unisfere Research Fellowship,(2024) Group Leader of the U-Tokyo Joint Program (2024), and a participant in various Model United Nations (MUN) programs. Currently, she is honored to work as a Teaching Assistant and Mentor with the ALPA Organization, where she continues to contribute to the academic and professional growth of students, particularly Afghan girls, who are currently deprived of their fundamental rights such as rights of education. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with a strong foundation in administration, finance, and research, and she is passionate about using her skills to make a positive impact in her community.