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By Hilai Nasib (Freshta), HBSc, Psychology & Health Studies, Former TESL Professor, RBT Trainee It was a summer evening at a large family celebration attended by more than 200 guests. The banquet hall was filled with loud music, bright lights, laughter, conversation and the aromas of traditional foods. While everyone else seemed to be enjoying the festivities, I spent the evening chasing after my two-year-old son while trying to meet social expectations. One moment I was preventing him from pulling down the cake table; the next, I was stopping him from tripping over the musician’s equipment. As the evening progressed, exhaustion set in and all I could think about was finding a way to escape. The defining moment came when the music suddenly stopped, and an announcement echoed through the hall: “Please, whoever’s son this is, come and get him so I can continue singing.” The room erupted in laughter, followed by whispers and judgmental remarks about my parenting and my son’s behaviour. Overwhelmed by embarrassment and shame, I wished I could simply disappear. The reality was that my son was neither misbehaved nor intentionally disruptive. He was an autistic child navigating an environment that was overwhelming and difficult to regulate. The challenge was further compounded by our decision to keep his diagnosis private. In trying to protect him from stigma, we remained silent. Ironically, that silence often left us more vulnerable to judgment. Several years later, I attended another family gathering where I noticed an Afghan mother struggling with her child’s challenging behaviours while managing unsolicited advice and critical comments. Watching her brought back vivid memories of my own experience. I recognized the exhaustion, anxiety and emotional burden she carried. As I closely observed, I noticed early signs and red flags of autism in that young Afghan boy. I wondered whether that Afghan mother, too, was hiding a diagnosis or still searching for answers. Regardless, the moment highlighted a broader reality: many Afghan families continue to navigate neurodiversity and developmental disabilities in isolation due to stigma, shame, cultural misconceptions and limited awareness. That experience served as a wake-up call. It led me to ask: How long should Afghan autism families continue to hide? How long should we suffer in silence and navigate this journey alone? Motivated by these questions, I began sharing our family’s autism journey on Instagram through Fresh Soul. My goal was simply to tell our story and connect with others. To my surprise, I found fewer than five other Afghan mothers openly discussing autism. Like me, they were committed to challenging stigma and increasing awareness within our communities. As I continued sharing, I received private messages from Afghan autism parents across different cities and countries. Many described feeling isolated and misunderstood, while others admitted they had never spoken openly about their child’s diagnosis before. Their stories revealed the urgent need for a safe space where families could discuss autism without fear of judgment. In response, I founded Afghan Autism Parenting Journey, an initiative dedicated to amplifying the voices of Afghan families affected by autism. Through parent stories and professional perspectives, the platform seeks to increase autism awareness, foster acceptance, and promote inclusion within Afghan communities. As part of this work, I am currently conducting a survey to better understand the experiences of Afghans affected by autism. Although data collection is still ongoing, responses have already highlighted recurring themes of stigma, social isolation, misunderstanding, and limited access to culturally relevant resources. Many describe feeling pressured to hide diagnoses because of fear of judgment within their communities. My hope for the future is that no Afghan parent will feel compelled to hide their child’s autism diagnosis as a form of protection. I envision Afghan communities where autism is met with understanding instead of judgment, support instead of shame, and inclusion instead of exclusion. Ultimately, meaningful change begins with awareness, and awareness begins with conversation. By sharing our stories and creating spaces for dialogue, we can challenge autism misconceptions, reduce stigma, and build more inclusive Afghan communities. While much work remains to be done, I remain hopeful that future generations of Afghan autism families will no longer have to walk this journey alone.

#NexusTalkwithNila | Episode #15 | Season 2 Baktash Ahadi is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, human rights activist, and TEDx Speaker. Born in Kabul in 1981, he fled Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion, living in Pakistan before settling in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Susquehanna University and a Master's degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University. He served in the Peace Corps in Mozambique and worked as an interpreter for the US Marine Corps in Afghanistan. Ahadi is the founder of the filmmaking company Taleem and has served as Head of Training and Development at the US Department of State. His award-winning documentary work includes producing "Champions of the Golden Valley" (2025) and "The Afghan Champ." In this conversation, Baktash shares his journey from navigating the expectations of immigrant parents to building a meaningful career as a filmmaker and storyteller. He reflects on his pivotal decision to return to Afghanistan as a combat interpreter, discussing how being on the ground dismantled his early assumptions about humanitarian aid and deepened his understanding of human connection. Baktash also discusses the creative process behind his Emmy-winning documentary work, the responsibility of translating stories across different worlds, and how embracing uncertainty in identity and career can empower the next generation of creatives from underrepresented backgrounds. NexusTalk with Nila, produced by HerStory Initiative Society, is hosted by Nila Ibrahimi, Co-Founder of HerStory and the 2024 winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize. The podcast is funded by the KidsRights Foundation. Disclaimer: NexusTalk with Nila is a platform for conversation, not instruction. The views shared by guests are personal and intended to spark reflection. They do not replace professional advice and do not necessarily represent the views of HerStory Initiative Society, its producers, or its affiliates.

#NexusTalkwithNila | Episode #14 | Season 2 Zarifa Adiba is an Afghan musician, activist, and founder of the Zarifa Foundation, which supports Afghan women and girls. A former leader of the Zohra Orchestra and student at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM), she now resides in New York, where she is active in the arts and continues to advocate for music and education. In this conversation, Zarifa reflects deeply on her formative years at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM) and her pioneering role leading the Zohra Orchestra, Afghanistan’s first female orchestra. She offers a poignant look at her transition to life in New York, describing how she found a new sense of belonging in the city's unique subway rhythms and vibrant creative community. Additionally, she discusses her ongoing mission with the Zarifa Foundation, highlighting the vital importance of continued advocacy for Afghan women and girls. NexusTalk with Nila, produced by HerStory Initiative Society, is hosted by Nila Ibrahimi, Co-Founder of HerStory and the 2024 winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize. The podcast is funded by the KidsRights Foundation. Disclaimer: NexusTalk with Nila is a platform for conversation, not instruction. The views shared by guests are personal and intended to spark reflection. They do not replace professional advice and do not necessarily represent the views of HerStory Initiative Society, its producers, or its affiliates.

#NexusTalkwithNila | Episode #13 | Season 2 Zar the Star is a New York City-based stand-up comedian, content creator, and social media personality known for her sharp wit, character sketches, and viral prank call videos. Born in Tajikistan to an Afghan father and raised in Toronto, her comedy draws heavily on her multicultural background, identity as a Muslim woman, and experiences as a refugee. She has built a massive following across social media platforms and is known for her hilarious character work, impressions, and viral videos, including one of her most popular clips: prank-calling a scammer. Alongside traditional stand-up sets, she tours her live comedy shows (such as Scam Likely and the live Persian blind dating show Azizams), and keeps busy with her latest live projects and content creation. In this conversation, Zar shares her incredible life story of growing up in Canada within an immigrant family and working her way to where she is today. She opens up about her journey as a comedian and content creator, and discusses her passionate advocacy for Afghan girls and women still in Afghanistan, showing how she uses her platform and resources to drive awareness and support. NexusTalk with Nila, produced by HerStory Initiative Society, is hosted by Nila Ibrahimi, Co-Founder of HerStory and the 2024 winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize. The podcast is funded by the KidsRights Foundation. Disclaimer: NexusTalk with Nila is a platform for conversation, not instruction. The views shared by guests are personal and intended to spark reflection. They do not replace professional advice and do not necessarily represent the views of HerStory Initiative Society, its producers, or its affiliates.

#NexusTalkwithNila | Episode #12 | Season 2 Dr. Susan Aryan Antolin is the Executive Director of Women for Afghan Women (WAW). As the daughter of Afghan refugees, her personal background deeply informed her doctoral studies at NYU, her previous leadership positions, and her lifelong dedication to empowering women and girls. Since joining WAW in 2024, Dr. Antolin has been instrumental in leading the organization through complex environments, fostering creative solutions, and building stronger networks to advocate for women’s rights and empowerment in both Afghanistan and the United States. In this conversation, Dr. Antolin shares insights into her career journey and transition to leadership, the impactful work of Women for Afghan Women (WAW) and its programs, the significant impact of funding cuts and shifting global priorities on nonprofits, and the vital importance of continued advocacy and support for Afghan women and girls. NexusTalk with Nila, produced by HerStory Initiative Society, is hosted by Nila Ibrahimi, Co-Founder of HerStory and the 2024 winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize. The podcast is funded by the KidsRights Foundation. Disclaimer: NexusTalk with Nila is a platform for conversation, not instruction. The views shared by guests are personal and intended to spark reflection. They do not replace professional advice and do not necessarily represent the views of HerStory Initiative Society, its producers, or its affiliates.

#NexusTalkwithNila | Episode #11 | Season 2 Azita Ghanizada is an Afghan-American actress, advocate, and the founder of the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition (MAAC). She made history in 2022 as the first Afghan woman to perform on Broadway in "The Kite Runner." Her extensive acting credits include roles in "United States of Al," "Alphas," "Our Friend," and "Suits LA." Beyond her screen work, she is a dedicated activist, serving as an ambassador for Women for Women International and chairing the SAG-AFTRA National MENA Committee, where she has been instrumental in securing better representation for Middle Eastern and North African voices in Hollywood. In this conversation, Azita shares her journey from growing up as an Afghan refugee in the United States to becoming a trailblazing actress and producer in Hollywood. She reflects on the challenges of breaking into an industry where authentic representation was often lacking, her experience starring in United States of Al, and the importance of telling nuanced stories about Afghan communities. Azita also discusses founding the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition (MAAC), her efforts to create greater opportunities for Middle Eastern and North African artists, and how storytelling can be a powerful force for representation, advocacy, and lasting social change. NexusTalk with Nila, produced by HerStory Initiative Society, is hosted by Nila Ibrahimi, Co-Founder of HerStory and the 2024 winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize. The podcast is funded by the KidsRights Foundation. Disclaimer: NexusTalk with Nila is a platform for conversation, not instruction. The views shared by guests are personal and intended to spark reflection. They do not replace professional advice and do not necessarily represent the views of HerStory Initiative Society, its producers, or its affiliates.

#NexusTalkwithNila | Episode #10 | Season 2 Sitara Attaie is an Afghan-born American and Dutch actress, activist, and advocate for women’s rights. A polyglot, Sitara lived in India and the Netherlands before moving to the United States. She holds a BFA in English Literature from the University of Groningen and possesses certificates in journalism and teacher training from the Netherlands. Known for her work in the sitcom United States of AL, she is a trailblazer for Afghan representation in Hollywood, using her platform to highlight underrepresented stories. In this conversation, Sitara reflects on her life across three countries, her childhood, and her journey navigating multiple identities. She also discusses her role in the sitcom "United States of Al," a unique series featuring Afghanistan, and shares her deep passion for advocating for women’s rights and fighting for Afghan women. NexusTalk with Nila, produced by HerStory Initiative Society, is hosted by Nila Ibrahimi, Co-Founder of HerStory and the 2024 winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize. The podcast is funded by the KidsRights Foundation. Disclaimer: NexusTalk with Nila is a platform for conversation, not instruction. The views shared by guests are personal and intended to spark reflection. They do not replace professional advice and do not necessarily represent the views of HerStory Initiative Society, its producers, or its affiliates.

#NexusTalkwithNila | Episode #9 | Season 2 Manaz Raiszadeh is a prominent French-Afghan abstract artist based in California, recognized for bridging traditional artistic mediums and modern identity storytelling. Her extensive professional background includes works that deeply explore her identity as an Afghan woman navigating the diaspora. Having been born and raised in France before moving to the United States, her art reflects a complex, layered synthesis of Afghan, French, and Californian influences. This unique cultural geography informs not only her aesthetic choices but also her exploration of the balancing act between different facets of identity. In this episode of NexusTalk with Nila, Manaz shares her journey from growing up in France to moving to the US. She explores the intersections of identity, immigration, education, and language, detailing how her diverse background shapes her artistic perspective. Through her reflections on her family and the Afghan diaspora, Manaz discusses using her art to foster unity and bridge generational gaps. NexusTalk with Nila, produced by HerStory Initiative Society, is hosted by Nila Ibrahimi, Co-Founder of HerStory and the 2024 winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize. The podcast is funded by the KidsRights Foundation. Disclaimer: NexusTalk with Nila is a platform for conversation, not instruction. The views shared by guests are personal and intended to spark reflection. They do not replace professional advice and do not necessarily represent the views of HerStory Initiative Society, its producers, or its affiliates.

#NexusTalkwithNila | Episode #8 | Season 2 Tahmina Aziz is a prominent Afghan-Canadian journalist and content creator, recognized for bridging traditional broadcast media and modern digital storytelling. Her extensive professional background includes work with major Canadian media networks such as CBC, CTV, and CHEK. Despite initially holding a degree in Psychology, she successfully transitioned her career into the field of journalism. Furthermore, she is a recognized advocate on social media, where her platforms have garnered millions of views and more than 200K followers on Instagram. In this dynamic episode of NexusTalk with Nila, Tahmina Aziz offers a penetrating exploration of her identity as an Afghan-Canadian woman and her compelling professional trajectory. She provides an intimate account of navigating her early identity struggles, culminating in a powerful reclamation of her Afghan heritage, which informed her successful pivot into journalism and dynamic content creation. The discussion spotlights her significant experience with major media outlets, including CBC, and delivers a firsthand perspective on the critical news cycle surrounding the fall of the government in Afghanistan in August 2021. NexusTalk with Nila, produced by HerStory Initiative Society, is hosted by Nila Ibrahimi, Co-Founder of HerStory and the 2024 winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize. The podcast is funded by the KidsRights Foundation. Disclaimer: NexusTalk with Nila is a platform for conversation, not instruction. The views shared by guests are personal and intended to spark reflection. They do not replace professional advice and do not necessarily represent the views of HerStory Initiative Society, its producers, or its affiliates.

#NexusTalkwithNila | Episode #7 | Season 2 Mohadese Mirzaee is known globally as Afghanistan's first female commercial pilot. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, overcoming immense challenges as a woman breaking into this industry for the first time. In this powerful episode of NexusTalk, we sit down with Mohadese Mirzaee to hear the story of a true trailblazer. She takes us through the emotional and logistical hurdles of becoming a pilot, from studying in Canada and working general jobs to finance her training, to persistently negotiating her way into Kam Air's program against every rejection. She recounts the harrowing memories of the day Kabul fell, standing in uniform at the airport as the world around her collapsed, and the remarkable resilience it took to rebuild her career from scratch in Europe. This is a story of grit, courage, and flying high despite the weight of the world. NexusTalk with Nila, produced by HerStory Initiative Society, is hosted by Nila Ibrahimi, Co-Founder of HerStory and the 2024 winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize. The podcast is funded by the KidsRights Foundation. Disclaimer: NexusTalk with Nila is a platform for conversation, not instruction. The views shared by guests are personal and intended to spark reflection. They do not replace professional advice and do not necessarily represent the views of HerStory Initiative Society, its producers, or its affiliates.

#NexusTalkwithNila | Episode #5 | Season 2 Lutfullah Najafizada is a distinguished Afghan journalist, the Founder of Amu TV, and a recipient of multiple international awards for his work. During his tenure as the head of TOLOnews, he was instrumental in cultivating a landscape for independent journalism and advocating for media pluralism within Afghanistan. In this conversation, Najafizada details his professional journey and the complexities of reporting from Afghanistan, including his leadership at TOLOnews under challenging conditions. He further explores the transition to establishing Amu TV following the shift in governance and offers a thoughtful analysis of the media's evolution over the past two decades. NexusTalk with Nila, produced by HerStory Initiative Society, is hosted by Nila Ibrahimi, Co-Founder of HerStory and the 2024 winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize. The podcast is funded by the KidsRights Foundation. Disclaimer: NexusTalk with Nila is a platform for conversation, not instruction. The views shared by guests are personal and intended to spark reflection. They do not replace professional advice and do not necessarily represent the views of HerStory Initiative Society, its producers, or its affiliates.

#NexusTalkwithNila | Episode #5 | Season 2 Florence Pouya, former captain of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team, is now an aerospace engineering student at MIT—one of only 26 students accepted into the program annually. Her journey from Afghanistan to the U.S. highlights her resilience and passion for STEM, earning her spots on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and Vogue’s 21 Under 21 lists. With a dream of becoming Afghanistan’s first female astronaut, Florence’s story was recently chronicled in the 2025 film "Rule Breakers." In this talk, she discusses her early interest in science, the hurdles for girls in STEM in Afghanistan, her escape after the government fell, and what it’s like to carry the dreams of Afghan girls while studying at MIT. NexusTalk with Nila, produced by HerStory Initiative Society, is hosted by Nila Ibrahimi, Co-Founder of HerStory and the 2024 winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize. The podcast is funded by the KidsRights Foundation. Disclaimer: NexusTalk with Nila is a platform for conversation, not instruction. The views shared by guests are personal and intended to spark reflection. They do not replace professional advice and do not necessarily represent the views of HerStory Initiative Society, its producers, or its affiliates.