About Us
WHO WE ARE
17+ Years Of Turning Hope Into Opportunity.
Rise and Grow HER Legacy
Empowers women, children and families through education, vocational skills, nourishing food and opportunities for greater self-reliance.
What began with one woman's belief in the power of education has grown into 17+ years of community impact, three schools in Afghanistan, and opportunities reaching hundreds of women and children.
That commitment continues today through the heart of our work:
H.E.R. Pathway (HER = Hope, Education & Resilience)
17+ YEARS
Serving Communities
3 SCHOOLS
In Afghanistan
750+ STUDENTS
Learning & Growing
THE WOMAN BEHIND THE VISION
RAHIMA FROTAN - Founder/Director of Education
Rahima Frotan is an Afghan-born educator and women’s rights advocate, now based in Northern Virginia, USA. For 17 years, she has dedicated her life to creating safe spaces where women and children can learn, develop skills, and build brighter futures.
In 2009, Rahima opened her first vocational community center for girls and women in Kabul, Afghanistan, followed by two additional centers in 2017 and 2022. Driven by her belief that education is a pathway to independence, she expanded her work to include academic programs and vocational sewing classes that equip young women with practical skills and economic opportunities.
Today, her work continues through three schools serving more than 750 students and through Rise and Grow HER Legacy—carrying forward the mission she began 17 years ago.
MEET OUR TEAM
Seena Frotan Mahmood
Director of Health Initiatives
Rohina Baser-Panah
Director of Development
HELP HER VISION KEEP GROWING
For 17+ years, Rahima has turned hope into opportunity for women and children. Your support helps continue that work—providing education, nourishing meals, practical skills, and opportunities for brighter futures.
Rohina Baser-Panah
Director of Development
Rohina Baser-Panah is a dedicated nonprofit professional and community volunteer with more than 16 years of experience working in the NGO sector. Throughout her career, she has served in various leadership and service roles, including Outreach Coordinator, Project Manager, and Resettlement Coordinator. Her work has focused on supporting individuals and families, strengthening community connections, and helping people access essential resources and services.
Rohina has also dedicated many years to serving her community through Mustafa Center Islamic. For the past 12 years, she volunteered as the Social Services Director, a role she held until recently. During her time in social services, she worked closely with individuals and families, providing support, coordinating resources, and helping address the needs of community members.
For the past two years, Rohina has also served as the Education Director at Mustafa Center, where she has supported educational programs and initiatives designed to strengthen learning and community engagement.
In addition, Rohina volunteers as an administrator for Mustafa Center Dignity Home, contributing her organizational and administrative skills to support its mission and services.
Rohina is passionate about serving others, empowering individuals and families, and creating opportunities for education, dignity, and community support. Her years of professional and volunteer service reflect her commitment to making a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Rohina Baser-Panah
Director of Development
Rohina Baser-Panah is a dedicated nonprofit professional and community volunteer with more than 16 years of experience working in the NGO sector. Throughout her career, she has served in various leadership and service roles, including Outreach Coordinator, Project Manager, and Resettlement Coordinator. Her work has focused on supporting individuals and families, strengthening community connections, and helping people access essential resources and services.
Rohina has also dedicated many years to serving her community through Mustafa Center Islamic. For the past 12 years, she volunteered as the Social Services Director, a role she held until recently. During her time in social services, she worked closely with individuals and families, providing support, coordinating resources, and helping address the needs of community members.
For the past two years, Rohina has also served as the Education Director at Mustafa Center, where she has supported educational programs and initiatives designed to strengthen learning and community engagement.
In addition, Rohina volunteers as an administrator for Mustafa Center Dignity Home, contributing her organizational and administrative skills to support its mission and services.
Rohina is passionate about serving others, empowering individuals and families, and creating opportunities for education, dignity, and community support. Her years of professional and volunteer service reflect her commitment to making a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Rohina Baser-Panah
Director of Development
Rohina Baser-Panah is a dedicated nonprofit professional and community volunteer with more than 16 years of experience working in the NGO sector. Throughout her career, she has served in various leadership and service roles, including Outreach Coordinator, Project Manager, and Resettlement Coordinator. Her work has focused on supporting individuals and families, strengthening community connections, and helping people access essential resources and services.
Rohina has also dedicated many years to serving her community through Mustafa Center Islamic. For the past 12 years, she volunteered as the Social Services Director, a role she held until recently. During her time in social services, she worked closely with individuals and families, providing support, coordinating resources, and helping address the needs of community members.
For the past two years, Rohina has also served as the Education Director at Mustafa Center, where she has supported educational programs and initiatives designed to strengthen learning and community engagement.
In addition, Rohina volunteers as an administrator for Mustafa Center Dignity Home, contributing her organizational and administrative skills to support its mission and services.
Rohina is passionate about serving others, empowering individuals and families, and creating opportunities for education, dignity, and community support. Her years of professional and volunteer service reflect her commitment to making a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of others.