On October 23, 2025, we hosted our annual HER Gala, an unforgettable evening that brought together changemakers, advocates, and supporters united by one vision: a world where 100% of Afghan women and girls at WAW have access to health, education, and resettlement services.
The night was filled with inspiration, gratitude, and community. From heartfelt speeches to moving performances, every moment reflected the strength, resilience, and hope that define the women and girls we serve. This was our first gala held since 2019, and it was truly special to come together in person to celebrate HER.
Our heartfelt thanks go to our generous sponsors; Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, Schulman Insurance, Prodigium Pictures, Spectrum Marketing Companies, Mariam Osman, Homa Saleh, Homa Wahab-Draper, Dr. Lisette Nieves/Lingo Ventures, Betty & Carl Pforzheimer, Mo Kohistani, Charlotte Wolff, and the EY team. We also extend our gratitude to our committee members; Mariam Osman, Shamsia Osman Sheehan, Nima Saleh, Atiq Nusrat and our board of directors; Annie Pforzheimer, Sofia J. DeBlanc, Leslie Genier Cunningham, Yeldā Ali, Nawa Lodin, Hurunnessa Fariad, Mariam Hotaki, and Teresa Merkle, for making this event possible.
The evening was beautifully guided by our emcee Keti Mehta whose energy and grace kept the program flowing. Inspiring remarks from Executive Director Dr. Susan Antolin, Board Member Hurunessa Faraid, and honoree Nila Ibrahimi, reminded us of the power of collective action and the urgency of our mission. The keynote address by Lyla Kohistany, a Navy veteran, activist, and Afghan refugee, deeply moved the audience. Her voice was a powerful reminder of the resilience of Afghan women around the world. And to close the night, the incredible Meghan Kabir, multi-platinum Afghan American singer and songwriter, delivered a performance that left the room standing in ovation.
At its heart, HER Gala 2025 shined a light on our campaign to Invest in HER which is a call to action to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind. Each donation, partnership, and show of support helps Afghan women and girls reclaim their futures and build lives of dignity and independence.
When you invest in HER, you are investing in hope, empowerment, and resilience and that energy translates across families, communities, and generations to come.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in celebrating this mission and continue to stand with Afghan women and girls. Together, we are transforming lives, one story at a time.
Thank you for believing in HER. Join us in continuing this movement by donating at www.womenforafghanwomen.org
