Mina Bakhshi is a young Afghan woman who, in the summer of 2021, had just finished high school and was preparing to start university while pursuing her athletic interests in soccer and climbing. Her life was abruptly turned upside down the day Kabul fell. But with the help of Ascend Athletics, a nonprofit focusing on the empowerment of Afghan girls through climbing and leadership training, Mina was able to summon the courage to escape, start a new life for herself, and help others who remain behind.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- Mina Bakhshi talks about what it was like when the Taliban took over Afghanistan
- How Ascend Athletics empowers Afghan girls
- Where is Mina now, and how is she helping other Afghan refugees?
- Mina shares how Ascend helped her discover her potential — and her hopes for those left in Afghanistan
In this episode…
When the Taliban took over Mina Bakhshi’s province, her dreams were crushed. But with all odds against her, Mina found a way to flee to safety and now works to empower others with similar challenges. How did Mina do it?
In the summer of 2021, Mina made a life-changing decision. With the support of Ascend Athletics, she found a way out. Mina had to pack up her belongings in just five minutes, leave her family behind, and take a bus to a Northern province. After a long and uncertain journey, Mina settled in North Carolina and now serves as a translator for other Afghan refugees. Her message to those left behind? There is light after darkness — you just have to stay strong.
Inspired by Mina’s story of strength and perseverance, host Meredith Syms submitted this episode to The New York Times’ fifth annual podcast contest. Among submissions from over 1,600 students, Mina’s powerful story stood out, and Meredith’s episode was deemed a winner.
In this New York Times award-winning episode of the Sports Up Podcast, Meredith Syms sits down with Afghan refugee, Mina Bakhshi, to share her story of hope and bravery. Mina talks about the risk she took after Kabul fell, the organizations that helped her flee to safety, and her hopes for those left behind in Afghanistan.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Meredith Syms on LinkedIn
- Sports Up Podcast
- The New York Times | “Winners of Our Fifth Annual Podcast Contest”
- Ascend Athletics
- Marina LeGree on the Sports Up Podcast
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is brought to you by me, Meredith Syms.
My biggest personal and professional passion is to be one of the top female leaders in sports broadcasting—a typically male-dominated industry.
Communications, interviewing, and broadcasting are some of my biggest skills and interests, and I want to develop this podcast as a way of sharing my passions with you, the listener.
I am currently working toward my goal of interning for a professional sports team. If you know someone I should connect with, please send me an email at meredith@sportsuppodcast.com. I am willing to work my butt off!
I am always looking for more great guests to feature on the Sports Up Podcast. If you or someone you know is an inspiring female leader, I would love to hear from you.
To learn more about me and what I do, visit sportsuppodcast.com today!