Our Story
Global Empowerment Network, Inc. (GEN) began in 2021 as a free educational initiative serving Afghan women and girls, as well as women and families from Middle Eastern communities who faced barriers to education and opportunity. As the initiative expanded, GEN was formally established in Connecticut in 2024 and received federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3).
Since 2021, GEN’s programs and initiatives have reached more than 70,000 people, providing opportunities and support in education, access to pro bono legal resources, charitable initiatives, and personal and professional development.
Today, GEN supports underserved individuals and communities, immigrants, young people, men, and especially women through educational programs, professional resources and opportunities, community partnerships, and supportive initiatives in the United States and beyond.
GEN’s primary office is located in Washington, D.C., with branches in Connecticut, Texas, and California.
Our Team
Global Empowerment Network, Inc (GEN) is supported by a diverse team of dedicated professionals, volunteers, and leaders who contribute their knowledge, experience, and skills to advance the organization’s mission. Our team brings expertise across education, nonprofit leadership, community engagement, legal and professional fields, and charitable initiatives. Together, we work to expand opportunities, strengthen communities, and support individuals through meaningful and responsible programs.
Qari Abeera Ziayi
Founder, Executive Director & President
Abeera Ziayi is a former defense attorney, university lecturer, and legal advisor in Afghanistan, as well as a human rights advocate with more than 20 years of experience in legal advocacy, education, and community empowerment. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law and Religions, a Master’s degree in International Law, and an LL.M. in U.S. Law from George Mason University. She is currently pursuing an Advanced Standing Juris Doctor (J.D.) at American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C.
Before coming to the United States, Abeera worked for approximately eight years as a defense attorney, university lecturer, and legal advisor in Afghanistan. During her legal career, she represented and advocated for individuals in more than 1,000 diverse cases, with a strong focus on access to justice, women’s and children’s rights, education, and support for vulnerable communities.
After leaving Afghanistan in 2021, at a time when educational opportunities for women and girls had become severely restricted, she launched a free educational initiative while living in a U.S.-supported refugee facility and working with very limited financial resources. That initiative gradually expanded and ultimately became Global Empowerment Network, Inc (GEN). From 2021 through 2026, GEN’s programs and initiatives under her leadership have reached more than 70,000 people, providing opportunities and support in education, access to pro bono legal resources, charitable initiatives, and personal and professional development.
Akmal Durani
Vice President
Akmal Durani serves as Vice President and is a founding member of Global Empowerment Network, Inc. He brings experience in engineering, project management, and team leadership, and supports the organization’s leadership and strategic development.
Khadija Nasrati
Deputy Director, Afghanistan Programs
Khadija Nasrati serves as Deputy Director of Afghanistan Programs at Global Empowerment Network, Inc. During nearly four years with GEN, she has played an important and active role in coordinating, supporting, and implementing the organization’s programs in Afghanistan. Through her dedication, consistency, and strong commitment, she has contributed significantly to educational initiatives, women’s empowerment, community engagement, and local program delivery.
She is a journalism student with experience in media, online education, and language instruction, and she has also gained professional experience with the BBC. Khadija is a highly committed member of GEN’s Afghanistan team and continues to support program implementation, participant engagement, community coordination, and the organization’s ongoing activities with professionalism and responsibility.
Sohrab Halimi
Board Member
Sohrab Halimi serves as a Board Member of Global Empowerment Network, Inc. He has a background in engineering and project management and contributes to the organization’s governance and oversight.
