Meet Our Team

Sediqa Bakhtiari, VP

Sediqa Bakhtiari is a social researcher from Afghanistan. She has a PhD in Sociology and has worked with research organizations in both Afghanistan and the UK. Her research has focused on gender, ethnic studies and migration.

As an Afghan woman and scholar, her personal and professional journey has positioned her to champion the rights of girls in Afghanistan who are deprived of education. In her role as Vice President of MAP, Sediqa is committed to the organization's mission of providing access to quality education for Afghan girls. She brings both research expertise and heartfelt dedication to this work, striving to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead

Following her displacement from Afghanistan, Sediqa has centered her work on the education of refugees and migrants, using her expertise and lived experience to shape more inclusive and participatory research.

Zahra Fayazi is a passionate advocate for Afghan women’s empowerment through sport and education. She holds a bachelor’s in Business Administration Management from the prestigious American University of Afghanistan and a master’s in Sport Business Management and Policy from Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK.

As a professional volleyball player, coach, and referee with an FIVB International Coaching qualification, Zahra brings over a decade of national athletic experiences that showcase her strong leadership both on and off the court.

Following the political changes in Afghanistan and her relocation to the United Kingdom, Zahra has remained unwavering in her commitment to serve Afghan girls who have been deprived of their right to learn. As president of MAP (Mentoring and Access Program), she continues to lead with dedication, channeling her expertise and passion into initiatives that empower and uplift Afghan girls.

Zahra Fayazi, President

Mursal Rasa holds a BBA from the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) and a master’s in Gender, Peace, and Security from the London School of Economics (LSE). Currently, she is a research assistant at University College London (UCL).

Mursal is a dedicated advocate for education, gender equity, and peacebuilding. Growing up as an orphan in a hostile environment, she faced significant barriers to education—an experience that drives her commitment to empowering young women and girls. As the mentoring lead and co-founder of the Mentoring and Access Program (MAP), she works to expand educational opportunities for Afghan girls.

Mursal’s work extends beyond mentorship and research—she is also a published writer, with contributions to The Guardian and academic research on women’s displacement. She is passionate about using education and storytelling to amplify Afghan voices and create lasting change.

Mursal Rasa, Mentoring Lead

Samira Rezaye, Financial Lead

Samira is the financial lead at the Mentoring and Access Program, where she channels every ounce of her energy into making sure each dollar lifts up Afghan women chase their dreams through education. She began her journey with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, focused on finance and data science at the American University of Afghanistan, later transferring to American University of Iraq, Sulaimani where she graduated in 2022. Soon after, she earned her Master’s of Science in Business Analytics at University of Louisville in 2023.

She’s built her expertise through years of working in nonprofits in the US, including educational institutions like Spalding University. Now, she’s all about making sure our finances line up with our mission—supporting women not just financially but emotionally and academically, too. She is working hard to grow in her career, not just for herself but so she can one day share an inspiring story with her future students about what’s possible when you stay committed.

Masoma Alipour is a strong proponent of Afghan women's empowerment, currently pursuing a Master's in Luxury Marketing and Brand Management at Rennes School of Business in France. With a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the American University of Afghanistan.

she combines academic excellence with a profound commitment to her community. Masoma's decade-long experience as a national volleyball player for Afghanistan has instilled in her the values of teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Her voluntary engagements reflect her passion for social impact and storytelling. At MAP, she leads social media initiatives, aiming to amplify Afghan voices and narratives to a global audience.

Masoma Alipour,

Social Media Manager