Thunderbird for Good

Written by: Lieutenant Colonel Teresa Wolfgang, Artemis 2010 mentor, currently stationed in Afghanistan

My job in Afghanistan requires me to travel.  I get to meet, see and attend a good number of meetings in different provinces.   While in Bamyan Province, I had the opportunity to meet the new Director of Women Affairs, Fatima Kazimi.  The day prior we were downtown Bamyan City with USAID Rep. MJ, and stopped in to see her shop.  The shelves were fully stocked and her husband was behind the counter.  At that time, I did not know Fatima was a former T-Bird Grad (Project Artemis, Afghanistan).

Fatima Kazimi, Project Artemis Graduate 2006, Successful Business Owner , A graduate of Bamyan University 2008, and the new Director of Women Affairs for Bamyan Province.

The next day, I was scheduled to meet the new DOWA (Director of Women Affairs) to discuss a few programs and her “way ahead” strategy for Bamyan Women.  When I mentioned Project Artemis, Fatima proudly informed me that she was a 2006 graduate.  We talked for awhile about building a list of potential Artemis candidates, establishing a Woman’s Business Association and suggested that she and other Artemis grads like Zainab (2010 graduate and Teresa’s mentee) become mentors themselves.  They would be a great asset in assisting/coaching new business women prior to their arrival in Phoenix and providing mentoring for those who unfortunately do not get accepted.

Fatima’s office.  The room was filled with flowers.  She recently applied and was accepted as the new Director of Women Affairs (DOWA) for Bamyan Province.

MJ is currently the USAID Rep in the area.  We are lucky to have her because Gender and Private Sector Development are her main priorities.  She has been a strong supporter of Thunderbird’s efforts to educate Afghan businesswomen, helping to identify the very best applicants from the Bamyan community, and assisting them through the application and visa processes.  MJ meets with Fatima at least once per week – mentoring continues.

Fatima is a shining example of what can be accomplished when given encouragement and mentorship.

KUDOS to PROJECT ARTEMIS!

This is Fatima’s building.  Her new office space will be ready soon.  She was on her way out to meet with the Governor.

Downtown Bamyan City

Ladies out shopping

Posted: 12|20|10 at 2:02 pm.
Filed under: Project Artemis.
Pinging is currently disabled.