Finding My Way: Nazia’s Journey from Hopelessness to Independence

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 first, I hesitated. I thought, “How could I join a program like that when I didn’t even finish school?” I was afraid that I wouldn’t belong or wouldn’t be capable enough. But something inside me said, try once — you have nothing to lose.

When I joined Ascend, everything changed. It was completely different from anywhere I had been before. For the first time, I was in a place where my skills were seen and valued — not judged by my education level, but by my potential.

In the entrepreneurship program, I discovered that I didn’t need a classroom to learn — I needed belief. I loved drawing and designing patterns, something I had always done quietly for myself. At Ascend, I learned how to turn that passion into a business idea. With support from my mentors and teammates, I developed a plan, learned basic business skills, and started believing that I could create something of my own.

Today, I am working as a pattern artist, designing scarves and clothes. Each piece I create reminds me of how far I’ve come  from a girl who felt invisible to a woman who earns her own income and supports her family. My father, who once didn’t believe in girls’ education, now proudly tells others about my work.

I finally feel independent, capable, and hopeful. I can contribute to my family financially and make my own decisions about my future. Ascend helped me realize that even with limitations, there is always a way forward, if you believe in yourself and use the skills you have.

Now, I dream of growing my business, hiring other women, and teaching girls like me that education isn’t only found in schools ,  it’s found in courage, creativity, and action.

Ascend gave me more than skills; it gave me confidence, purpose, and a future I can see clearly ahead of me.