Zahra co-founded the Alekain Foundation and heads up all of their policy, advocacy, and external engagement efforts. Prior to joining the Foundation, Zahra volunteered her time to leading refugee organizations such as the Welcome to America Project, the Matthew House, and the Refugee Organization in Phoenix, Arizona.

Having grown up in Kabul, Afghanistan, Zahra has long been fighting for women’s rights, particularly to ensure the right of Afghan women to have access to higher education. Having earned her law degree in Kabul Afghanistan, Zahra went on to practice family law, fighting for the rights of women to divorce and their rights to maintain custody of their children. Not an easy feat in such an oppressive environment, once the Taliban took over in 2021, when Zahra and her family were forced to flee. They arrived in the United States in 2022.

Never one to give up, and as an Afghan refugee – Zahra received a scholarship from Arizona State University where in 2024 she obtained a master’s degree in law. Her background and degree have allowed her to focus on immigration law within refugee communities. Zahra’s passion in assisting the young women of Afghanistan in receiving an education coupled with her dedication to helping young refugees transition into American life is a true benefit to the Alekain Foundation.

Zahra’s passion for women’s rights is why she leads the Alekain Foundation’s Policy and Advocacy efforts today. Her deep understanding and passion for young girls comes from her own personal experiences in Afghanistan. Her tireless dedication is why many young girls are achieving their scholastic dreams today, regardless of the barriers put before them by the Taliban.

In addition to her Master’s in Law, Zahra holds an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts from the Kabul Fine Art Geodesy Institute. Further, and is an incoming Juris Doctorate student at ASU’s Law School. When not fighting for the rights of young women and refugees, Zahra raises to lovely children and enjoys painting and yoga – all of which helps her to maintain her focus and drive.