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Discover powerful inspirational quotes from women rock climbers and mountaineers that motivate and empower. Elevate your spirit and embrace the climb!

A powerful new profile in The Irish Times  highlights the resilience of Afghan refugees who rebuilt their lives in Ireland after the Taliban’s return to power — including an Ascend alumna evacuated in 2021  whose journey from danger to safety reflects the broader experience of many displaced Afghan women.

Dr. Afzali will support Ascend’s mission to empower women and girls in Afghanistan and Pakistan through strategic leadership, fundraising, and program development.

Ascend has named former U.S. Ambassadors Ronald E. Neumann and Beth Jones, as well as award-winning journalist Tammy Kupperman Thorp to its advisory board.

By: Nazia, Ascend Entrepreneurship Program Graduate For most of my life, I believed that a girl without an education had no future. I grew up in a family where my father did not support girls’ education, and I was only allowed to study until grade 7. Watching my friends continue their studies while I stayed home made me feel small, hopeless, and left behind. I wanted to do something with my life, but I didn’t believe I could. Then one day, a friend told me about Ascend. At fi

When I joined Ascend, I was nervous and unsure. I had always been introverted and avoided speaking in front of others. But Ascend was different.

Zahra was only seventeen when she joined Ascend’s programs. At first glance, she seemed calm and quiet, but behind her silence, she carried a weight that was almost unbearable.