Upwardly Global helps Afghan scholar build connections for a brighter future
Mimla was part of a new generation of Afghan women receiving a college education. She had earned a U.S. Embassy scholarship to study at the American University of Afghanistan. But while attending a lecture in August of 2021, Mimla’s dreams shattered as the Taliban seized control of her country.
“Our professor told us to look out the window — the country had collapsed,” she remembers. “That was a very difficult point for all of us, not just for me, but for all the women in Afghanistan, because we knew that there was no more education after this. I can’t even explain how terrible it felt — it’s just beyond words.”
When the Taliban regained control, she was forced to flee her homeland on foot. With a small group of other U.S. Embassy scholars — mostly women — Mimla escaped to Pakistan under intense pressure.
With only an hour to cross the border, she remembers, “They were like, ‘It’s up to you how fast you can run.’ All of us ran so quickly because we all wanted a bright future and education for ourselves.”
“I left everything behind — my family, my friends, my entire life. It was terrifying, but I knew I had to keep going,” she says.
Despite the overwhelming loss, Mimla held onto hope. She completed her undergraduate degree in business administration and finance in Pakistan while simultaneously applying for graduate programs in the United States.
Continuing her education and finding support from Upwardly Global
In August 2022, Mimla received a scholarship to Bard College, which prompted her move to New York City and begin her master’s in economics.
“When we came to the U.S., it was like a completely new chapter,” she recalls. “Life was a little bit safer, but it was still very uncertain at that time because none of us had family here. Everyone was like, ‘I need a job, otherwise, what am I gonna do?’”
During her final semester at Bard, she learned about Upwardly Global, an organization providing career guidance for refugee professionals. It quickly became a lifeline as she faced the daunting task of entering the American job market.
“At first, I applied for over 200 jobs,” she says. “Then someone told me, ‘That won’t work. In the U.S., you have to build connections.’ Upwardly Global was perfect for that.”
Building connections in the U.S.
With the help of her career coach, Molly, Mimla began to understand the nuances of job searching in her new country. They worked together to refine her resume, improve her interview skills, and navigate the complexities of professional networking.
Although naturally introverted, Mimla stepped out of her comfort zone to embrace networking. With Molly’s guidance, she created a LinkedIn profile and began reaching out to potential contacts daily.
“The big thing that Molly told me was to tell your story,” she says. Sharing her journey with others became a powerful tool in building relationships. Over time, she honed her elevator pitch and clarified her aspirations in economics research.
Achieving her dream career
By June 2024, Mimla’s persistence paid off. Through these new connections, she secured a position as a Research Associate at the Center for American Progress, the second-largest think tank in Washington, D.C.
“We all respect each other a lot, and that makes it a wonderful place to work,” she says. “I’m feeling much more settled now, and I am still giving back to my people.”
In addition to her full-time role, Mimla works remotely as a Dari interpreter, helping fellow Afghans navigate resettlement and feel less alone. Despite ongoing political uncertainty, she remains dedicated to building her career and supporting her community.
“Don’t just apply to jobs — build networks and just don’t give up,” she says. “Keep trying as much as you can. The job is gonna come.”