Today we’d like to introduce you to Zahra Rahimi.
Hi Zahra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story begins with movement, between countries, cultures, and responsibilities. I arrived in the United States from Afghanistan in 2019, and from the very beginning, I became aware of how much adjustment was required, not only for my family but for many others around us. Learning a new language, navigating unfamiliar systems, and finding a sense of belonging were daily challenges, but they also shaped how I understood community, responsibility, and care.
As I settled into life in the U.S., I naturally gravitated toward supporting others who were navigating similar transitions. I began by helping with refugee resettlement efforts, supporting families as they adjusted to new schools, neighborhoods, and expectations. In high school, I worked closely with international and newcomer students and later served as a student representative on the Alexandria City School Board of Education, where I advocated for the needs of immigrant and refugee students.
My involvement deepened through partnerships with community organizations such as NOVA RAFT, where I helped co-found youth tutoring programs for newcomer students. These programs focused on English literacy and academic support, including preparation for Virginia’s SOL exams. Working directly with students and community members reinforced how essential accessible, community-based support is, especially for those adapting to a new country while balancing academic expectations.
During this time, I also became drawn to storytelling as a way to create visibility and connection. I directed and co-produced a short documentary, Desperate, which centered the experiences of Afghan teenagers navigating displacement after the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban in 2021, and rebuilding their lives. Through this work, I began to see storytelling not only as expression, but as a tool for understanding, advocacy, and change.
These experiences eventually led me to create Zahra Insight Academy, an initiative focused on education and mentorship for Afghan girls and young women. The Academy was founded on the belief that access to education should never be determined by gender, especially in contexts where girls are systematically excluded. Building the Academy has been a learning process shaped by listening closely to the voices and experiences of the girls it serves, and by responding to the realities they face.
Today, I am a Posse Scholar at the College of William & Mary, where I major in Political Science with a minor in Film and Media Studies. My academic work continues to inform and strengthen my advocacy, allowing me to connect policy, storytelling, and community-based efforts in thoughtful and grounded ways.
My story has been shaped by two countries and the communities within them. Afghanistan gave me my roots, values, and sense of responsibility; the United States gave me opportunity, education, and space to grow. I carry both with me in everything I do, and I am deeply grateful for the people, lessons, and experiences I have known in each place. That perspective continues to guide how I learn, lead, and imagine what is possible.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think anyone’s journey is completely smooth, and mine hasn’t been either. Moving to a new country meant adjusting quickly, academically, socially, and culturally, while also finding ways to stay connected to my community and support others going through the same transitions.
Advocating for marginalized communities, especially Afghan girls and women, came with its own challenges. It was hard to see the barriers they face while knowing how limited my reach could be. Building initiatives like Zahra Insight Academy and learning to lead while still figuring things out myself wasn’t always easy, but it taught me patience, adaptability, and the importance of listening.
Every challenge has helped me understand my purpose more clearly. It’s shown me why this work matters and strengthened my commitment to creating opportunities and access wherever I can
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Most of my work focuses on supporting marginalized communities, particularly immigrants, first-generation youth, and Afghan women and girls whose opportunities are often limited. Through Zahra Insight Academy, we currently serve around 80 young Afghan girls, providing free education, mentorship, and leadership development to help them build confidence, skills, and a sense of possibility. I’ve seen firsthand how small opportunities, whether tutoring sessions, mentorship conversations, or leadership workshops, can create meaningful change in a young person’s life.
The most rewarding part of this work is witnessing the girls and community members I serve succeed and grow through the programs and initiatives I’m involved in. Each accomplishment, whether big or small, is a reminder of the resilience, creativity, and determination that exists within these communities. These moments reinforce my belief that giving back to the community is not just about helping in the present; it is also about building forward! That belief motivates me to support not only the communities around me here, but also those back home in Afghanistan, where access to education and resources is far more limited, especially for girls.
Working with these communities has taught me as much as I hope I’ve been able to give back. Their resilience and determination inspire me to approach every initiative thoughtfully and creatively, always looking for ways to connect education, opportunity, and advocacy. Supporting others—whether nearby or across borders—reminds me that meaningful impact is built through consistent action, and that belief continues to guide both my work today and my vision for the future.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My family has always been my first source of guidance and encouragement. Moving to a new country came with many challenges, and their support helped me navigate them while also pursuing my passion for advocacy. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to explore opportunities I might not have imagined for myself.
Teachers and community leaders in Alexandria also played a critical role. They offered advice, shared their experiences, and helped me think through how to turn ideas into action. Their guidance and perspective shaped the path I’ve taken and reminded me of the importance of learning from those who have walked similar journeys.
Along the way, I’ve been lucky to meet friends and mentors whose encouragement and support keep me motivated and inspired. Their belief in what I am trying to do has made it possible to take risks, try new approaches, and continue growing as a leader and advocate.
I couldn’t do this work alone. Every step forward has been shaped by the collaboration, encouragement, and wisdom of the people who have stood alongside me, and their support continues to drive my commitment to giving back and building forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zahrainsightacademy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zahra_insight_academy?igsh=NzBvYzhpOGI5a2Ny&utm_source=qr
