LEADERSHIP IN CRISIS: An Evening Honoring Exemplary IGL Alumni Contributions in Evacuating Afghan Schoolgirls

Please join the IGL on Thursday, March 3, 6pm In-Person: ASEAN Auditorium, Cabot Intercultural Center or livestreaming on Facebook: facebook.com/IGLTufts

Register here.

As Kabul was set to fall in August 2021, IGL Alumnus (‘14) and Afghan citizen Abuzar Royesh was working to evacuate as many schoolgirls as possible from the internationally-recognized Marefat School. Fearful for their fate under the rule of the Taliban – the girls are both educated and from the minority Hazara ethnic group -- he was reaching out to all his contacts for help, including the IGL alumni network. Among the many alumni who responded with various forms of help, Jennifer Selendy, IGL Alumna (‘90) the vice chair of the IGL External Advisory Board and founding partner at the law firm Selendy Gay Elsberg, joined Abuzar in his effort. Abuzar and Jennifer have a dramatic story to tell of the days surrounding the evacuation of more than 450 Afghans, predominantly schoolgirls, as Kabul fell. Their story brings us to the frontlines of a conflict that is very much alive and to the work that is yet to be done. Together they co-founded the 30 Birds Foundation, dedicated to ensuring the future of these evacuees. Half are currently relocated in Canada. But, half are in still in limbo in Islamabad. The foundation’s first step is to reunite all of the girls in Canada. What began as an appeal to the IGL community to help one alum has mobilized people, connections, and donations in the true spirit of the IGL’s mission of “Thinking Beyond Boundaries, Acting Across Borders.” Please join us to hear their story of determination, courage, and hope on Thursday, March 3 at 6pm in ASEAN Auditorium in the Cabot Intercultural Center. They will be honored with the Institute’s Dr. Jean Mayer Global Citizenship Award. Please RSVP here. If you cannot join us in person, we will also be live-streaming the event. On the RSVP form, please indicate that’s how you would like to join and we will send you the link.