Board of Directors

Lina Rozbih

Journalist, Media Leader, Author & Poet

Journalist, media leader, author, and poet with over 20 years at Voice of America. As Managing Editor, Senior Editor, and Lead Anchor, she has led editorial strategy and coverage of Afghan affairs, women’s rights, and regional issues. Lina has interviewed senior global leaders and is the published author of four literary works exploring identity, resilience, and human rights. As a Banoo Foundation Board Member, she brings deep expertise in media, strategic communication, and Afghan women’s rights.

Marzia Babakarkhail

Former Family Court Judge & Women’s Rights Advocate

Former Afghan family court judge with decades of experience advancing justice, human rights, and gender equality. Founder of key women’s organizations and educational initiatives, she continued her advocacy in the United Kingdom after being forced to leave Afghanistan. As a Banoo Foundation Board Member, she brings over 30 years of expertise in law, community leadership, and women’s empowerment.

Nelufar Hedayat

Emmy Award-Winning Journalist & Documentary Filmmaker

Award-winning director, broadcast journalist, and filmmaker with over 17 years across BBC, Netflix, National Geographic, and more. Her work highlights vulnerable communities, human rights, and social issues, earning an Emmy Award, Gracie Award, and Peabody nomination. Fluent in five languages, she brings global storytelling expertise to Banoo Foundation’s Board, advancing advocacy and global communication.

Somaya Faruqi

Engineer, STEM Leader & Education Advocate

Former captain of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team and global advocate for girls’ education. A Forbes 30 Under 30 and BBC 100 Women honoree, she serves as UN Global Champion for Education Cannot Wait and founder of the #AfghanGirlsVoices campaign. Graduated in Mechanical Engineering from California State University. As a Banoo Foundation Board Member, she brings expertise in STEM advocacy, youth leadership, and global education advancement.

Zholia Parsi

Women’s Rights Activist & Civil Society Leader

Prominent Afghan educator, women’s rights defender, and voice of peaceful resistance. Co-founder of a grassroots women’s movement advancing rights, education, and dignity. Imprisoned by the Taliban for her advocacy, yet continues to stand fearlessly for Afghan women and girls. As a Banoo Foundation Board Member, she brings powerful firsthand experience in activism, community organizing, and civil rights leadership.

Wazhma Tokhi

Education & Empowerment Leader

Founder and Executive Director of Pohana Foundation, advancing girls’ education and youth leadership since 2013. Through community-based learning initiatives, she creates pathways for Afghan girls and young women to gain knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills. As a Banoo Foundation Board Member, she brings deep expertise in education advocacy, community programming, and sustainable women’s empowerment.

Meet our Board