“Education is a compass that guides us through the maze of our challenges and leads us toward liberation of mind and the transformation of our world.”

Zakia Maryam Najafizada is a senior Computer Science major at Methodist University. She earned a full scholarship to the university, working as a teaching assistant and researching the intricate interplay of AI and cyber security. 

Born as a refugee in Pakistan and raised in Afghanistan, Zakia is intimately acquainted with the barriers that women face accessing education. The Taliban takeover in 2021 exacerbated the plight of Afghan women, depriving them of their fundamental right to education. Fueled by her own experiences and passion for learning, Zakia founded Amoozesh, a mobile app which seeks to empower Afghan women and men by providing an English learning platform in Persian, transcending geographical constraints. This innovative application is a beacon of hope, offering a transformative opportunity for individuals who are eager to learn and improve their lives despite challenging circumstances. It exemplifies Zakia’s commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a brighter future for her community. As an advocate for education and an embodiment of strength against adversity, she resolutely stands as a beacon of inspiration.