My name is Aleena Sarij. I am 16 years old and the Founder of FABA (For Afghans by Afghans). I am proudly an American Muslim teenager with an Afghan heritage and a New Yorker.

I’ve often felt that my connection to my Afghan heritage is different from that of my parents and older relatives. I struggle with Farsi, and I try my best to understand our rich culture. But I’ve come to realize that my strongest connection isn’t in our language, traditions, or foods. It’s my connection to the Afghan people. It’s to the resilience, hope, defiance, graciousness and unbreakable spirit of Afghans.

I founded FABA as a support organization for young Afghan girls and women from high school through to working-age professionals. This organization is for new Afghan immigrants to America just as much as it’s for those raised in American with an Afghan heritage. I am convinced that we can use the power of our community to help each other grow.

Great missions begin with small steps. We will take many steps - workshops, mentorship introductions, community get togethers.