ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Organizational Chart

Vision

Our vision is to build permanent structures for women and displaced families within the Afghan community, as we help them resettle, integrate, and become productive members of society.

Mission

The mission of A-AWA is to facilitate community services, integration support and cultural programs for Afghan women and displaced families.

Board of Directors

Dr. Homaira Behsudi

Founder, Vice President

Shahla Azizi

Founder, President

Nillab Pazhwak

Co-Founder, Executive Director

Dr. Homaira Behsudi

Co-Founder, Vice President

Dr. Homaira Behsudi-Wali

Position:
Founder & Vice President, Board Member and Co-Founder of the Afghan-American Women’s Association

Background:
Dr. Homaira Behsudi-Wali is Board certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians; licensed in the State of Virginia. She grew up in Afghanistan after earning her Medical degree (MD) from Kabul University, Faculty of Medicine, Kabul Afghanistan. She left the country due to war and political threat to her family. After living in India for one year, she settled in the US in 1987 to pursue her career.

Key Achievements:

Master’s degree in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University
Residency in family practice at Bethesda Hospital in Cincinnati
Assistant Clinical Professor of Health Care Science at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Founder of Vienna Integrative Healthcare in 2007
Member, American Academy of Family Physicians
Member, Northern Virginia Medical Society
Member, Institute for Functional Medicine
Past President and Member, Afghan Medical Professionals Association of America

She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two children. in her spare time, she enjoys tennis, reading, volunteering and spending time with family and friends.

Shahla Azizi

Co-Founder, President

Shahla Azizi

Position:
Founder, President and board member of the Afghan American Women’s Association

Background:

Ms. Shahla Azizi was inspired to launch A-AWA as a result of her steadfast involvement in other Organizations, where she witnessed a need to provide additional support for the special challenges faced by all Afghan people. After careful planning and collaboration with talented, similarly impassioned people, the first public appearance of the organization occurred in 2009. Shahla has contributed substantial growth to the organization by networking, developing opportunities, creating public awareness, and management of the foundation’s members. She serves as a liaison between Afghan women facing challenges, and the resources A-AWA can make available to provide support and assistance.

Shahla left Afghanistan and arrived in Montreal in 1983. After 11 years of challenging life and learning languages, in1994 she left Montreal, Canada – taking residence in Virginia. She has lived and worked in Virginia since then and has dedicated her passion to helping others by bringing to life the Afghan American Women’s Association.

Key Qualifications:

Master’s degree in business administration, Business Management.
Founder and primary spokesperson of NGO with a mission to assist refugee and immigrant families with securing housing, school enrollment, work placement, translation services, access to medical care, and cultural adaptation.
Member of the Afghan American Chamber of Commerce (AACC)
Member of the Purple Heart Foundation
Fluent in English, Dari/Persian and French.

Nillab Pazhwak

Co-Founder, Executive Director

Nillab Pazhwak

Position:
Board Member, Chair Community Outreach/Refugee Resettlement

Background:

Mrs. Nillab Pazhwak is a professional educator, community leader, and human rights advocate with a rich history of volunteerism and leadership. Since the inception of A-AWA in 2008, Nillab has served as co-founder and member of the Board of Directors, later assuming the role of Executive Director.

Beyond her work with A-AWA, Nillab actively participates in various advocacy groups, including the Together Stronger, AWN and the National Welcome Council initiative. With a diverse background in social work, she has served as a refugee resettlement counselor, regional mental health program coordinator, and UN Volunteer (UNV).

Nillab’s academic journey began in Afghanistan, where she completed her high school amidst the ongoing conflict. She holds BA and MA degrees in Political Science(India) and Education Management (USA) along with a post-graduate certificate in counseling (Canada) . Currently, Nillab contributes her expertise as a certified Quality Assurance Specialist and Faculty Trainer in online education at NOVA Community College leveraging almost two decades of experience in distance and adult education, including teaching as adjunct faculty. Committed to her family’s legacy of public service and inspired by her upbringing, Nillab remains dedicated to teaching and spreading compassion.

Key Achievements:

MAs in Political Science and Education Management
Adjunct Faculty at Strayer University, Stratford University and American Public University
Certified reviewer and trainer in e-learning and adult education
Member, Afghan Women Organization, Toronto, Canada
Member, Learning Resources Network (North American Faculty Club)

Mrs. Nillab Pazhwak lives in Fairfax, VA, her husband, Barmak Pazhwak and their three sons. In her spare time, she enjoys Afghan literature, political debates and nature walks.

Dr. Nahid Nasrat

Board Member

Dr. Nahid Nasrat

Position:
Board Member of the Afghan-American Women’s Association

Background:

Dr. Nahid Nasrat, a seasoned psychologist and full professor at the Chicago School’s Doctoral Clinical Psychology Program in Washington, DC, also holds the position of International Visiting Professor and Scholar at Leeds Beckett University, UK. With over 20 years of experience in teaching and mentoring, Dr. Nasrat specializes in diversity training and research, particularly focusing on refugees’ and immigrants’ psycho-social well-being in conflict and post-conflict regions.

Her accolades include the Outstanding Dissertation Award for her clinical manual aiding mental health professionals working with Afghan refugee women. Dr. Nasrat’s leadership extends to her role as Past-President of the American Psychological Association, Division 48, Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, and Violence- Peace Psychology (2021).

Acknowledged as a lifetime peace practitioner, she has received prestigious awards such as the Ignacio Matin Baró Lifetime Peace Practitioner Award and the Anthony J. Marsella Prize for the Psychology of Peace and Social Justice. Additionally, she has been recognized for her contributions to diversity and multicultural teaching excellence.

Dr. Nasrat actively contributes to various organizations, serving on the Executive Board of the Afghan American Women’s Association and as Co-Chair of the Afghanistan Mental Health Workgroup at SAMHSA. Her advocacy reaches international platforms through TV and radio appearances and extensive publications on the mental health and human rights of Afghan women.

Key Achievements:

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from California State University of Fullerton, CA
Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University, CA
Doctor of Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University, CA
Associate Professor at American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University.
Vice President of Afghan Education For A Better Tomorrow and Afghan Medical Professional Association of America, non-profit organizations, which provide health and education services in Afghanistan
Co-Chair of the Afghanistan Mental Health Workgroup at Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), helping Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health establish and reconstruct mental health services and develop mental health capacity.
Recipient of 2015 Ignacio Matin Baro lifetime Peace Practitioner Award, and Anthony J. Marsella Prize for the Psychology of Peace and Social Justice, as well as the National Colleges and Schools of Professional Psychology (NCSPP) 2016 Diversity Award
She lives in Maryland and enjoys reading, writing, and playing tennis and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Syed Amiry

Board Member

Dr. Syed Amiry

Position:
Board member

Background:
Dr. Syed A. Amiry is a board certified dermatologist who specializes in general dermatology, laser and cosmetic procedures. His private practice serves the Northern Virginia and Washington DC areas. Dr Amiry is affiliated with Reston Hospital in Reston, VA. Dr Amiry received his Bachelor of Science degree, with honors, from Grinnell College in Iowa. He went on to receive his medical degree from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri, and then completed internships at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital in Michigan, and Saint Mary’s Community Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He completed his residency in dermatology at Geisinger Medical Center in Davile, PA. where he became chief resident. He then completed a fellowship at Dermatology Associates of San Diego County in Mohs, laser treatments, liposculpture and other minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.

As a board certified dermatologist Dr Amiry is a member of many relevant national organizations including by the American Academy of Dermatology, Dr. Amiry currently practices at Reston Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in Virginia, where he specializes in a number of aesthetic procedures, including facial rejuvenation, laser skin tightening and liquid facelifts. He is considered an expert in cosmetic injectables and has taught other medical professionals the skill and art of dermal fillers. Committed to education in the medical field, he has served as a teaching assistant in courses on biology and organic chemistry, and his research on various skin treatments has been published in respected medical journals. He is also committed to giving back to his community, having served as a counselor for children with skin disorders at Camp Horizon.

Professional Experience

2003 – Present: Private Practice, Reston, VA

2002: Murad Medical Group, El Segundo, CA

Palwasha Hassan

Board Member

Palwasha Hassan

Position:
Board Member, Field Representative inside Afghanistan

Background:

Palwasha Hassan is the Senior Technical and Program Director for Mina’s List, overseeing all program implementation. Prior to joining Mina’s List, she was a senior fellow at Georgetown University, Institute of Women Peace Security. In Afghanistan, she was the former Executive Director of the Afghan Women’s Educational Center and a founding member of the Afghan Women’s Network. She has over 26 years of experience managing and leading complex projects in gender, development, humanitarian aid, and peacebuilding.

In addition to her work in Afghanistan, she has experience working in Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asia. She has facilitated regional dialogues among civil society to promote human rights, peace, and democracy in South Asia. Palwasha has in-depth experience and profound knowledge in research and has in-depth experience in initiating and setting up organizations, developing and coordinating projects and teams, and advocating for women’s rights and gender-sensitive laws and policies with local government and international stakeholders in Afghanistan and around the world.

Key Achievements:

One of the 1000 women nominees for Noble Peace Award Initiative from Afghanistan
Civil Society designated speaker in Afghanistan Development Forum 2003, 2004
Civil Society designated speaker and representative in Tokyo (2002) and Kabul (2010)
Civil Society nominee for Women Ministry 2010

Najia Arsalayee

Board Member / Treasurer

Najia Arsalayee

Position:
Treasurer

Background:

Mrs. Najia Arsalayee was born and grew up in Kabul; she completed her high school at Rabia Balkhi High School and went on to attend Kabul University pursuing a BA in Science. Like many other Afghans, Mrs. Arsalayee was forced to migrate to Pakistan in 1986. She immediately enrolled in medical training program and started working as medical aid at emergency hospital for Afghan Refugee Women and Children. Because of her passion and commitment, Najia was very soon promoted to work as emergency room nurse. In the US, Najia Arsalayee worked during the day to support her family and attended school at night. Mrs. Arsalayee has worked for several private and non-private organizations in such positions as Membership Director and Senior Accountant. She is currently working as HR and accounting Specialist at Priority One Services.

Key Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from George Mason University
Associate degrees in the fields of Computer Information and Business Administration from NOVA Community College
Co – founder of Rabia Balkhi High School online group with regular help sent in to support economically challenged Afghan women
Leading A-AWA’s pilot project with Daughter of Rabia Balkhi to raise funds and coordinate with partners on ground
Volunteer work with Afghan Academy and MakeSpace

Mrs. Arsalayee lives in Alexandria, VA, with her husband, Tariq Arsalayee and their three children, Heiwad, Sarah and Zack. Like many Afghans, Najia is dreaming for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan where she can go back and work on the passion she has left behind.

sabrina wali

Secretary for the Board

sabrina wali

Position:
Secretary for the Board

Background:

Key Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from George Mason University
Associate degrees in the fields of Computer Information and Business Administration from NOVA Community College
Co – founder of Rabia Balkhi High School online group with regular help sent in to support economically challenged Afghan women
Leading A-AWA’s pilot project with Daughter of Rabia Balkhi to raise funds and coordinate with partners on ground
Volunteer work with Afghan Academy and MakeSpace

Dr. Nahid Nasrat

Board Member

Dr. Syed Amiry

Board Member

Palwasha Hassan

Board Member

Nabila Sarwar

HR Manager

Nabila Sarwar

HR Manager

A-AWA GAK Youth Group
(Global Afghan Kids)

sajidah barakzai

pari bahrami

Zareen Mirwais

marwa hemat

Zaki Wali

eman ali

President