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For Benazir Paikan, earning a degree was never the end goal. “I didn’t come here just to earn a degree – I came here to build a future, not only for myself but for the women and girls who are still being denied one,” she said.

Growing up in Afghanistan, where educational opportunities for girls are limited or entirely denied, Paikan understood early on that access to learning is both a privilege and a means for change. Her decision to pursue higher education wasn’t just about personal growth – it was a bold stand for equality.

Now graduating from ���غ��� with a Master Business Administration, with a concentration in marketing and business analytics, Paikan reflects on a journey shaped by purpose. “Coming to ���غ��� wasn’t just a new chapter for me – it was a defining turning point,” she said.

After leaving Afghanistan following high school – at a time when pursuing higher education as a woman was becoming increasingly dangerous – Paikan completed her undergraduate studies in Central Asia. Determined to continue her education, she sought more than just a strong academic program; she wanted a university that valued global perspectives, leadership and made meaningful impact. That opportunity came through the prestigious Afghan Future Fund/IIE Qatar Scholarship – a full, merit-based scholarship awarded to high-achieving Afghan students. For Paikan, it wasn’t just financial support – it was a lifeline.

“It wasn’t just a chance to study,” she said. “It was a chance to grow, contribute and lead.”

Although Paikan was raised in a household that valued education – her parents are university professors and political figures – she still couldn’t escape the barriers faced by girls in her country. “I refused to shrink myself,” she said. “I knew my potential, and I worked for every inch of space I’ve carved out since.”

Fluent in six languages – Farsi, Pashto, English, Turkish, Urdu and Russian – Paikan has a strong ability to navigate and connect across cultures. She also finds balance through music, swimming and dance – through these hobbies, she recharges and finds joy.

At ���غ���, Paikan made the most of every opportunity. She served as a senator in the and on the executive board of the Graduate Management Association, ensuring student voices were heard in matters of funding, events and policy. As a member of the Model United Nations Club, she engaged in global discourse through a student-led lens.

One of her most meaningful roles was as a writer and content creator for ���غ���’s social justice institutes. There, she led digital storytelling projects, interviewed researchers and human rights defenders, and helped translate complex academic work into accessible, public-facing content.

“I’m passionate about education, communication and women’s empowerment, and I’ve spent my time at ���غ��� trying to align everything I do with those values,” she said.

Beyond campus, Paikan built a robust professional portfolio through roles with NYC Tastemakers and the C5+1 Youth Council, where she created campaigns, wrote features and led digital branding efforts. Her approach transforms strategic marketing into a tool for advocacy and lasting change.

Paikan’s advocacy also reaches international platforms. She has collaborated with Afghan women leaders and immigrant organizers to expand access to education and uplift displaced communities. Through initiatives with UN Women – including the Global Convening on Women’s Leadership for Sustainable Peace and workshops on diplomacy and strategic communication – she has contributed to global conversations on gender equity, migration and peacebuilding.

“One thing I always say is that I never waited to be chosen,” she said. “I stepped forward, took initiative and created opportunities when they didn’t exist.”

As she graduates, Paikan isn’t closing a chapter – she’s stepping into a new one. She plans to continue working at the intersection of strategy, storytelling and advocacy, building platforms that amplify women’s voices and expand access to opportunity.

“Graduating isn’t the end of my story,” she said. “It’s the beginning of my impact.”