Our Team
Jason Criss Howk (USA)
Director of Global Friends of Afghanistan
“GFA exists to help Afghans have a space to discuss their future. We aim to help the world understand Afghanistan and the needs of the Afghan people.”
-GFA Director, February 2022
John Agoglia (USA) Deputy Director for Partnerships
“GFA is also proud to be assisting and advocating for the humane resettlement of our Afghan allies, soon to be our "Fellow Americans," across the United States.”
-GFA Deputy Director, February 2022
Education Council
The GFA Education Council helps guide the organization to meet its mission and to help fulfill its goals in the field of education. GFA's Education Council is made up of academics, scholars, and educational leaders who are working with Afghans around the world. The council oversees GFA's programs and initiatives concerning education.
Mariam Solaimankhil MP
(Afghanistan)
GFA Fellow
Kevin Rardin
(United States)
GFA Fellow
Fawzia Koofi
(Afghanistan)
GFA Fellow
Homeira Qaderi (Afghanistan)
Advisory Committee
Mark R. Jacobson (USA)
Advisory Committee
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Hosna Jalil
(Afghanistan)
GFA Fellow
Shaira Karimi
(Afghanistan)
GFA Fellow
Aqela Nussrat
(Afghanistan)
GFA Fellow
Zakira Rasooli
(Afghanistan)
GFA Fellow
Partnerships Council
The GFA Partnerships Council works with our partners in the charity sector and the veteran community. They are working on evacuation and resettlement issues.
GFA aim is to work with partner organizations to amplify and enhance collective efforts around the world. A rising tide should raise all boats.
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(USA) Advisory Committee
Nasirullah Safi (Afghanistan)
Advisory Committee
Shermineh Salehi Esmati (Canada)
Friend of Afghanistan
Megan Minnion (Canada)
Advisory Committee
Henry Rowland (USA)
Advisory Committee
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Dr. Ahmad Farhad Fidai (Afghanistan)
Friend of Afghanistan
Kawser Amine (Afghanistan-USA)
Advisory Committee
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Aimie (Orman) Thomas (USA)
Fundraising
Doug Livermore (USA)
Advisory Committee
Ronald Leonard Smith Sr. (USA)
Advisory Committee
Kate Howard (USA)
Advisory Committee
Outreach Council
The GFA Outreach Council is working around the world to help Afghans. We are helping to promote all organizations working on Afghanistan.
GFA aims to be a leading organization for amplifying Afghan voices and new initiatives. Afghan talent is currently being wasted by the current de facto government in Kabul. We want to use this talent to work for change and progress for the whole of Afghanistan.
Global Friends of Afghanistan (GFA) is partnered with A Voice for Two Nations, a platform for stories that share a common soul, explore the fringes of combat and the devastation of war, and the deep bond between the people of the US and Afghanistan.
Resettlement Affiliates
Please visit our resettlement partners working on Afghan evacuations and resettlement issues in the United States of America.
Our partners have lots of excellent resources and information from legal advice to healthcare. Just click on the logos on the right to take you to their sites.
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GFA proudly partners with the Afghan- American Women’s Association. The A-AWA seeks to serve the Afghan community in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area through numerous different outlets. The all-volunteered-based organization currently offers platforms for Afghans in resettlement, networking, mentorship, and education.
GFA proudly partners with Afghan Home USA. The Afghan Home USA is a nonprofit that seeks to promote the culture and heritage of Afghans residing in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Currently, the organization focuses on resettlement and logistical support for the influx of Afghan refugees. In addition to this Afghan Home USA also plays an active role in advocating for global dialogue, unity, and understanding.
GFA proudly partners with the Afghan Medical Professionals Association of America (AMPAA). The AMPAA is an NGO that has done work directly supporting the government’s efforts to resettle Afghan refugees. During evacuations, AMPAA works alongside the CDC and other organizations to provide quality medical assessment and care to incoming Afghans. In addition to this, AMPAA also supports Afghans that are in or pursuing, health sector fields. They do this through their extensive network, numerous training, and education programs, as well as promoting STEM education for Afghan youth.
GFA proudly partners with the Fresh Start Refugee Assistance Center. The mission of Fresh Start is to aid in the resettlement of refugees and immigrant groups in the Washington D.C. metro region by providing resources, and opportunities that promote self-sufficiency. Uniquely led by a board of Afghan-Americans, Fresh Start has a deep understanding of the difficulties and cultural challenges that are faced in the transition to western life. With this knowledge, Fresh Start carefully and efficiently helps refugees in the areas of resettlement, education, and community integration.
GFA proudly partners with Husayn for Humanity. The mission of Husayn for Humanity is to provide selfless service by mobilizing resources and staff to those who need it the most. Husayn for Humanity has done extensive work in aiding evacuations out of Afghanistan. Specifically, they have worked directly with government organizations to provide supplies, transportation, and direction to refugees arriving in the D.C. area.
GFA proudly partners with the Muslim Association of Virginia (MAV). The Mission of the MAV is to establish and maintain a vibrant community based on the teachings of Islam, through programs that support the religious, social, and educational advancement of the community they serve. Its mission also includes establishing and strengthening relationships with other Muslim and non-Muslim organizations that share their values. In addition to this, the MAV has also coordinated with government organizations to offer comprehensive services to Afghan refugees in the D.C. area.
GFA proudly partners with React DC. React DC is a military spouse and veteran-led non-profit which serves the D.C. metro area. Consisting of an extensive volunteer network, React DC is using its resources and skills to provide compassionate, comprehensive, and cost-effective resettlement assistance for recently arrived refugees. Specifically, they aim to enable families to be self-reliant and integrated into their new communities.
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