bUILDING A SUPPORTIVE, EMPOWERED, AND ENGAGED AFGHAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY

Advancing the Afghan-American community through education and outreach, and promote civic and social engagement

about us

our focus areas

We are dedicated to creating a supportive, empowered, and engaged community for Afghan-Americans and allies.

OUR IMPACT

Since its founding, the Afghan-American Community Organization (AACO) has been a pillar of resilience and support, empowering Afghan communities locally and globally. In 2023, AACO took a significant leap by hiring its first paid staff to deepen its reach and impact. Through initiatives like aiding earthquake recovery in Afghanistan and funding urgent medical relief in Gaza, AACO remains steadfast in its commitment to humanitarian support. In the U.S., AACO provides educational scholarships, laptops for Afghan newcomers, and hosts the Afghan-American Conference—a vital space for community engagement, advocacy, and unity. Join us in shaping a brighter future, together.

Learn more about OUR IMPACT

2025 impact report

Our 2025 Impact Report reflects a year of meaningful progress: showcasing the programs, initiatives, and community-driven efforts that brought our mission to life. From educational outreach to civic engagement and social connection, this report highlights the measurable difference AACO made throughout the year. Click here to read more.

2024 Aac Comprehensive Survey Results

In collaboration with Nura A. Sediqe, Ph.D., this research report presents in-depth findings from surveys conducted with AACO participants. The data reveals powerful insights: conference attendance significantly boosts participants' sense of belonging, identity, social networks, community perception, and political efficacy. These findings affirm the transformative potential of our work and its enduring impact on our community. Click here to read more.

We’ve earned our 2024 Gold Seal with Candid

We are excited to share that AACO has received the esteemed Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid. This recognition reflects our dedication to transparency and accountability in all our activities. The Gold Seal of Transparency highlights our commitment to offering clear, accurate, and accessible information to our stakeholders, including funders, nonprofit members, and the community we serve.

We are delighted to have achieved this milestone and remain committed to our mission with renewed dedication, knowing that our efforts contribute to a more transparent and equitable nonprofit sector.

what we have been up to

Layma Murtaza’s path into humanitarian and development work has been defined by resilience, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to community. From growing up in Fremont’s Afghan refugee community to serving on the frontlines of aid work through Aseel, her journey reflects the power of listening, co-designing change, and leading with purpose. Layma reminds us that resilience is not about controlling the journey, but about rising with clarity, love, and hope each step of the way. “I don’t really consider myself a visionary. I’ve always thought of myself as a worker bee. However, as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate the value of experience. I see the bigger picture now. I see how to lead things forward. That kind of confidence didn’t come overnight. It came from throwing myself into uncomfortable spaces: moving to new countries, working in conflict zones, witnessing starvation, navigating boardrooms where I was the youngest, the only woman, or the only Afghan in the room.” If you would like to read more Beyond the Hyphen Spotlights and help us recognize the remarkable individuals and businesses making a positive impact within our community, join our newsletter via the link in our bio and reach out to info@aa-co.org! ________________________ #beyondthehyphen #aaco #afghanamericancommunityorganization #community #uplift

Dr. Chelze Zamani is a Marriage and Family Therapist who turned personal pain into purpose. As a queer, mixed Afghan, Dr. Zamani shares her journey of navigating family expectations, launching a private practice during the pandemic, and building mental health spaces rooted in authenticity and healing. “My vision for the future? Genuine connection. Communities that root for each other, that offer real support. Not just survival but thriving. And to anyone out there struggling in silence: You were already enough before the world made you feel like you weren’t. Your voice is significant. There are people out there who get it. Trauma might try to trick you into believing otherwise, but it’s not the truth.” If you would like to read more Beyond the Hyphen Spotlights and help us recognize the remarkable individuals and businesses making a positive impact within our community, join our newsletter via the link in our bio and reach out to info@aa-co.org! ________________________ #beyondthehyphen #aaco #afghanamericancommunityorganization #community #uplift

Samera Yousuf’s story is woven into the very fabric of AAC and AACO. As one of the founding organizers of the first AAC, Samera has spent the past decade cultivating spaces where Afghan Americans can feel seen, connected, and empowered. In this reflection, she shares what it meant to help build AAC from the ground up as well as how her experiences as an Afghan American shaped her path in international aid and activism. Samera provides a powerful reminder of what we can create together when we lead with love, vision, and community. “Being Afghan-American is a strange place to inhabit, because Afghan and American aren’t just two cultures, they’re two disparate worlds, so completely opposite in almost every way. Riz Ahmed put it best when he poignantly said, ‘We are the inheritors of the scars of Empire, but also the spoils of Empire.’ We’re simultaneously oppressed and complicit in oppression. Yes we’re Afghan, but we are also very much American. And as Americans, economically we’re the top 10% globally, and I never lose sight of that.” If you would like to read more Beyond the Hyphen Spotlights and help us recognize the remarkable individuals and businesses making a positive impact within our community, join our newsletter via the link in our bio and reach out to info@aa-co.org! ________________________ #beyondthehyphen #aaco #afghanamericancommunityorganization #community #uplift

For much of her life, Mina felt culture-starved. Growing up in a post 9/11 world, she learned to suppress her Afghan identity for safety and ease. That changed in 2017 when the Houston Afghan community showed up for her family, sparking a renewed pride in her heritage. Through the Afghan American Conference, she met Zaynab and Sahra Ahmad, and together they co-founded Attanistan, an organization dedicated to preserving Afghanistan’s national dance. For Mina, Attan is both art and resistance, a way to celebrate Afghan joy, build community, and keep her culture vibrant across generations. If you would like to read more Beyond the Hyphen Spotlights and help us recognize the remarkable individuals and businesses making a positive impact within our community, join our newsletter via the link in our bio and reach out to info@aa-co.org! ________________________ #beyondthehyphen #aaco #afghanamericancommunityorganization #community #uplift

The School of Freedom founder, Walid Jailani, and co-founder, Moheb Salemi, are working to keep education alive for Afghan students despite immense challenges. As Afghanistan faces internet blackouts, Walid and Moheb are exploring solutions like Starlink to ensure teachers and students can continue learning without disruption. Their work reminds us that resilience grows strongest when nurtured by community care and shared vision. “We’ve confronted many obstacles: limited funding, teacher retention, time zone hurdles. Still, these challenges feel small when we see the girls thriving and growing. The knowledge that educated girls will, in turn, educate their families, communities, and even generations to come is what truly fuels our commitment. Unlike a man’s education, a girl’s education has a multiplying effect.” If you would like to read more Beyond the Hyphen Spotlights and help us recognize the remarkable individuals and businesses making a positive impact within our community, join our newsletter via the link in our bio and reach out to info@aa-co.org! ________________________ #beyondthehyphen #aaco #afghanamericancommunityorganization #community #uplift

Meet Toba Adina-Jao, an Afghan mother, author, and advocate for embracing mixed heritage. Through her journey of interfaith marriage, raising multicultural children, and writing Me, Mommy, Mantu, Toba reminds us that identity is not about choosing one side, it’s about honoring every piece of who we are. “Embrace your differences and communicate openly. Blending cultures takes time, but the richness it adds is invaluable. Educate those around you, set boundaries with negativity, and accept that your family might look different and that’s okay.” If you would like to read more Beyond the Hyphen Spotlights and help us recognize the remarkable individuals and businesses making a positive impact within our community, join our newsletter via the link in our bio and reach out to info@aa-co.org! ________________________ #beyondthehyphen #aaco #afghanamericancommunityorganization #community #uplift

The moment Farhad Darya stepped onto the stage, the entire room rose to its feet. After 17 years away from the U.S. stage, his presence filled the historic room with emotion, pride, and unity. We were deeply honored to recognize Farhad Darya as the Cultural & Humanitarian Honoree at the 2025 AACO 10-Year Anniversary Gala. As one of Afghanistan’s most celebrated cultural icons, Darya’s music has transcended borders, giving voice to generations and carrying the spirit of Afghanistan around the world. Beyond his artistry, he has served as Goodwill Ambassador for UNDP, UNODC, Save the Children International, and SAARC, championing causes from education and women’s rights to peace and humanitarian relief. His nonprofit Kochah has uplifted thousands of street children, and his song “Kabul Jaan” became an anthem of freedom after the fall of the Taliban. This unforgettable night was more than a performance — it was a homecoming, a reminder of the power of music, of service, and celebrating our Afghan community.

As we near the end of 2025, we’re reflecting on a night that embodied the heart, history, and future of AACO. This September, nearly 450 community members gathered in Washington, D.C. at the historic Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium to commemorate AACO’s 10-year milestone. What began in Berkeley a decade ago came full circle in the nation’s capital. The evening was filled with performances that served as an ode to our rich culture, honoring our Community Champions and Trailblazers, and reflecting on a decade of impact made possible by those who believed in this work. Together, we celebrated how far we’ve come while investing in what lies ahead. To everyone who joined us in Washington and to those who supported from near and afar, thank you. Here’s to 10 years of impact and to the many chapters still waiting to be written ✨ pc: @nilabphoto _________________ #AACO #afghanamericancommunityorganization #afghanamerican #aacogala #AACOGala2025

Every year, AACO has the privilege of bringing our community together for the annual Afghan-American Conference, a tradition made possible through the dedication and partnership of Afghan Student Associations across the country. As we begin planning for AAC 2026, we’re excited to connect with ASA’s interested in being part of something meaningful in the year ahead. Together, we can create an unforgettable conference that celebrates community, culture, and the spirit of hosting our dost with pride. If your organization is interested in hosting AAC 2026, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out at info@aa-co.org, we look forward to the possibility of working together!

With the year coming to a close, we felt it was the perfect moment to share our AAC 2025 Recap video and take a moment to reflect on this year’s theme, Resilient and Rising. As our community continues to grow, we know there will be challenges ahead, ones none of us should face alone. But together, we remain strong. Together, we rise. We will keep showing up for one another with the support, courage, and connection that make this community so special. We can’t wait to step into 2026 with you and see each other at the next conference! 🎥 Credits: @baluchx

✨ We did it, together! ✨⁠ ⁠ Thanks to your generosity, compassion, and community spirit, we officially hit our Giving Tuesday goal. ⁠ ⁠ Your support helps Afghan students soar and succeed, and we’re endlessly grateful. 💙⁠ ⁠ Here’s to lifting the next generation higher.🪁

With USCIS announcing new national security measures and the Trump administration pausing asylum applications and halting visas for Afghans, many in our community are facing uncertainty. Join us for a townhall to learn how these changes may impact Afghan immigrants, asylum seekers, students, visa applicants, and families navigating the U.S. immigration system. ⁠ ⁠ Topics to be covered include: Your Rights During International Travel, ICE/FBI Encounters, Trump Administration’s Proposed Immigration Restrictions for Afghans and 19 Other Nationalities, and more. ⁠ ⁠ 🗓️ Thursday December 4th at 3pmPST/6pmEST⁠ ⁠ Register at aa-co.org or via linktree.

Maryam Karimi’s academic journey and activism reflect a simple truth: Afghan students deserve access to education, opportunity, and a future without limits. The AACO Scholarship helped her continue that mission, and now she’s on her way to becoming a global educator and advocate. Join us this Giving Tuesday in supporting the next generation of Afghan scholars. Give, share, and check your corporate match to multiply your impact. _________________________ #GivingTuesday #AACO #afghanistan🇦🇫 #afgan #ToSoarAndSucceed

Wali Amilee reflects on his relationship with his father, sharing fond memories of flying kites and spending quality time together. Now, Wali and his siblings stay connected with their father, visiting him in person and video chatting with him. Despite generational differences and sometimes running out of things to say, Wali emphasizes the importance of maintaining communication with parents, cherishing every moment before it’s too late. “My father was an only child and his father passed away when he was only three. My father was an authoritative person but was never harsh with us or anything. I was younger than my siblings so the age difference between my father and myself was huge compared to his with my siblings so he was stricter with me. My favorite memory with him is flying kites with him. He would help us prepare the thread and show us how to assemble everything. It was a great experience. He would sit down with us and spend that time together often.” If you would like to read more Beyond the Hyphen Spotlights and help us recognize the remarkable individuals and businesses making a positive impact within our community, join our newsletter via the link in our bio and reach out to info@aa-co.org! ________________________ #beyondthehyphen #aaco #afghanamericancommunityorganization #community #uplift

Afghan-American Community Organization (AACO) statement on US Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS) halting immigration requests for Afghans.

From organizing Chicago protests in support of Afghan women and girls to studying International Relations & Economics at George Washington University, Asma has always been guided by one purpose: leave every community better than she found it. As a teen, she stayed closely connected with her cousins in Afghanistan— sharing dreams, photos, and late-night calls, while watching their freedoms shrink overnight. That experience shaped the leader she is today: enterprising, compassionate, and determined to make change on a global scale. The AACO Scholarship has helped her pursue that mission with confidence, opening space for her studies, her activism, and her continued involvement in AACO’s work uplifting Afghan communities. This Giving Tuesday, help us support the next Afghan student who dreams of creating change, whether on campus, or across the world. Give. Share. And don’t forget to check if your employer offers corporate matching to double your impact. #GivingTuesday #AACO #ToSoarAndSucceed #AfghanWomen #AfghanDiaspora

From scholarship recipient to Analyst at the U.S. Department of Commerce, AACO believed in him long before the title. In this week’s Giving Tuesday Scholar Spotlight, Alex shares how the AACO Scholarship supported his graduate studies at the University of Denver, strengthened his work with a nonprofit serving Afghan asylum seekers, and inspired him to stay engaged with AACO over the years, from conference roles to being selected as one of this year’s Gala speakers. Your support creates leaders like him. Give, share, and help another Afghan student soar. And don’t forget to check if your employer offers corporate matching to double your impact. #GivingTuesday #AACO #ToSoarAndSucceed

For her family, education was more than a goal, it was a sacred promise. But as immigrants from Uzbekistan rebuilding their lives in America, pursuing that promise was often out of reach. Her parents were starting over from nothing, and she and her brother clung to school as their refuge, their one constant source of hope. “Scholarships opened doors that would have otherwise remained closed.” For Afghan students like her, opportunity is not guaranteed. That’s why she turned to AACO, an organization created to ensure Afghan immigrants are not disenfranchised from educational opportunities. To her, applying to the AACO Scholarship was more than seeking financial support, it was an act of reclaiming opportunities Afghan students are so often denied. It was a way to honor her culture’s deep respect for learning and to continue building the future her parents dreamed of when they uprooted everything for her. “I felt truly seen and valued by my community, and this reinforces my commitment to it.” She had always poured herself into uplifting others, never asking for anything in return. But this time, her community lifted her, emotionally, academically, and financially. “It reminded me that my community stands with me and believes in my potential.” This Giving Tuesday, she shares this reminder: Your generosity doesn’t simply fund education. It prevents Afghan students from being pushed to the margins. It restores dignity. It builds belonging. It creates safety nets for families striving for a better future. And most importantly, it ensures Afghan immigrants have access to the opportunities they deserve. _________________________________⁠ #ToSoarAndSucceed #GivingTuesday #GivingTuesday2025 #DonateToday #SupportStudents #SupportEducation #ScholarshipFund #NonprofitImpact #InvestInEducation #AfghanStudents #AACO #AfghanCommunity

For Harris, education has always been at the heart of his family’s dreams, dreams interrupted in Afghanistan by political instability.⁠ “I wanted to achieve my goals of pursuing higher education, especially when many members of my family were unable to.”⁠ The AACO Scholarship helped make that possible.⁠ “Receiving the award meant I could pursue my education with fewer economic barriers and become part of the new generation of Afghan academics.”⁠ That moment became a turning point.⁠ With AACO’s support, he completed a biomedical engineering degree, gained access to competitive research opportunities at Columbia University and the NIH, and built an academic path that ultimately carried him all the way into medical school.⁠ This Giving Tuesday, he reminds us why your donation matters:⁠ “Investing in the future generation of Afghans will help increase opportunities for all of the Afghan-American diaspora.”⁠ Your support opens doors and empowers tomorrow’s Afghan leaders. 💙✨⁠ _______________________________⁠ #ToSoarAndSucceed #GivingTuesday #GivingTuesday2025 #DonateToday #SupportStudents #SupportEducation #ScholarshipFund #NonprofitImpact #InvestInEducation #AfghanStudents #AACO #AfghanCommunity⁠

Before @nadeemasafi ever became an AACO Scholar, she was a full-time student balancing two jobs and dreaming of a community she hadn’t yet found.⁠ “I kept tabs on AACO and waited for something to call my name.”⁠ ⁠ When she finally sat down—at the very last hour—to submit her application, she didn’t know that a single decision would reshape her relationship to the Afghan-American community.⁠ ⁠ The interview process alone made her feel “seen, supported, and comfortable.”⁠ And when she heard the words “you’ve been selected,” she describes it simply: “Instant tears.”⁠ ⁠ Receiving the scholarship gave her more than financial relief. It gave her purpose.⁠ “It lit a fire in me… I felt this pull to give back to my community the same way they poured into me.”⁠ ⁠ Today, she reflects on her journey with gratitude and a reminder for all of us this Giving Tuesday:⁠ “We have a bright and successful community. Whether it’s $5 or $500—Qatra Qatra Darya Mesha—we all reap the rewards together.”⁠ ⁠ This Giving Tuesday, your support helps students like her not only finish their degrees — but rediscover community, confidence, and the motivation to soar. 💙✨⁠ _______________________________⁠ #ToSoarAndSucceed #GivingTuesday #GivingTuesday2025 #DonateToday #SupportStudents #SupportEducation #ScholarshipFund #NonprofitImpact #InvestInEducation #AfghanStudents #AACO #AfghanCommunity

With the year coming to a close, we felt it was the perfect moment to share our AAC 2025 Recap video and take a moment to reflect on this year’s theme, Resilient and Rising.

As our community continues to grow, we know there will be challenges

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