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From Kabul to Portland: A Tale of Resilience and Hope in Afghanistan and Beyond
April 16, 6:30 PM
FreeMasooda Habibzai, a dedicated Pashto, Dari/Farsi Family & Community Specialist, lives in Portland. Masooda's journey is one of resilience and determination.
As the eldest daughter of eight children, Masooda was born and raised in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. She attended Lacey Maryam, where she completed her high school education. At seventeen, she got engaged, and was married at nineteen.
Arriving in the United States in 1996 amidst the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban, Masooda embarked on a new chapter of her life filled with both challenges and opportunities. She enrolled in ESL courses, determined to master a whole new language and culture. She learned English while adjusting and learning to navigate the intricacies of American society.
Masooda's commitment to education led her to pursue a career in Early Childhood Development, working nineteen years in the field. Currently she serves as an interpreter at the Multilingual and Multicultural Center for the Portland Public Schools.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Masooda finds joy in her personal life, enjoying life with family. She enriches the lives of her community through her work as a Family & Community Specialist. She has recently returned from visiting her family in Afghanistan.
This talk is jointly sponsored by The Student Executive Board of the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs and the Mid-Maine Global Forum. Registration is not required. The talk will be preceded by a reception at 6:00 with refreshments.