I was born in Afghanistan—a country shaped by decades of war and instability. When violence escalated, my family was forced to leave everything behind: our home, our financial security, and any sense of certainty about the future. What we gained instead was safety and survival.
I still remember living in refugee camps in Pakistan, where extreme socioeconomic hardship taught us—far too early—how quickly life can change. Stability was never guaranteed, and resilience became a necessity rather than a choice.
My parents, despite their professional accomplishments—a Professor of Journalism at the University of Kabul and the President of Ayabat Hospital—never measured success by titles or wealth. Their priority was always our lives, our safety, and our education. Later, during seven years in Tajikistan with limited employment opportunities, we lived modestly but with dignity, grounded in perseverance and hope.
When the Government of Canada sponsored our immigration, my parents once again placed education at the center of our lives. They believed knowledge was not only a pathway to opportunity, but a responsibility—to give back, to uplift others, and to contribute meaningfully to society. That belief has shaped every chapter of my life.
Carrying These Values Forward as a Mother
Today, as a mother myself, I carry those same values forward. I have registered my children in the RESP program to support their future education and secured life insurance to protect them financially should the unexpected occur. Life is never guaranteed. As a single mother, it is my responsibility to ensure my children’s security and stability—no matter what challenges arise.
Preparation is not fear-based; it is an act of love.
Two Decades of Advocacy and Community Service
For more than 20 years in Calgary, I have worked in social services and community-based organizations, providing education, advocacy, and direct support. My experience includes working with:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary
- Calgary Catholic Immigration Society
- Heart of the Northeast
- Youth Probation Services
- Parent Link Centre
- Children’s Cottage Society
- City of Calgary Children and Youth Services
- Alberta Children’s Hospital
- And other community organizations
Through this work, I have supported marginalized and vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, substance addiction, exploitation, youth at risk, children with disabilities, new immigrants and refugees, teen parents, abused women, and families facing complex social challenges.
Across all these settings, one reality has remained consistent: many struggles are deeply connected to financial instability, lack of protection, and absence of long-term planning.
Where Advocacy Meets Financial Education
Educating families about financial independence, insurance, and preparedness is not just my profession—it is my mission. Life presents unexpected challenges at every stage, and being prepared can significantly reduce suffering.
If homelessness, financial collapse, and generational hardship can be prevented, then education becomes an act of compassion.
The Moment That Changed Everything
While working at a shelter, I met a man whose story profoundly changed my life. He was once an engineer, a homeowner, and a family man. The 2008 recession caught him unprepared. Job loss led to financial collapse, followed by depression, homelessness, and complete social isolation.
He said something I will never forget:
“With no money, you have no power—and without power, people forget your humanity.”
That moment reshaped my purpose.
I promised myself that I would dedicate my life to educating individuals and families about financial protection, independence, and resilience—so fewer people would ever have to experience such profound loss.
Education saves dignity.
Preparation preserves choice.
Protection protects humanity.
This is why I do what I do.
