Florence Pouya inspires as Afghan youth ambassador at MIT

Florence Pouya, a prominent advocate for education and gender equality, addressed a government meeting, sharing her inspiring journey as a member of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team, known as the Afghan Dreamers. Following the Taliban takeover, Pouya and several teammates were relocated to Qatar and Mexico, where they continued to champion opportunities for Afghan girls in STEM fields.

Currently residing in Massachusetts, Pouya is an undergraduate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she was one of only 26 students admitted to the Aerospace Engineering program this year. Her aspirations include becoming Afghanistan's first female astronaut, a goal she is actively pursuing despite the significant challenges she has faced.

In her speech, Pouya expressed gratitude to Deputy Secretary Wirrah and others who have supported Afghan individuals since the country's recent turmoil. She emphasized the importance of hope, perseverance, and the collective efforts of those committed to fostering a brighter future for Afghan youth. Her presence at the meeting serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and potential of young women in Afghanistan, as well as the ongoing need for international support in their pursuit of education and equality.