Bisma Qamar is a dynamic communications strategist and youth advocate bridging the gap between Pakistan’s grassroots talent and global platforms. Through her work with the United Nations and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, she leverages her dual-cultural background to champion Gen Z leadership and redefine Pakistan’s narrative on the world stage.

You built a strong presence in communications and youth advocacy; what first drew you to this path?
To be completely honest, my path was shaped by a dual perspective. Growing up in the United States and then transitioning back to Pakistan, I witnessed firsthand how the power of storytelling and strategic communication can catalyze change in ways that financial resources alone cannot. I realized early on that impact isn’t just about what you give, but how you connect.
The primary spark for my motivation was my late brother-in-law, Mr. Hunaid Hussain Lakhani. He, along with my sister, was deeply immersed in philanthropic work that touched the lives of many. Watching their dedication to social work, women’s development, and youth empowerment as a child was transformative. It wasn’t just about charity for them; it was about building a legacy of empowerment. That exposure rooted a desire in me to use communication as a bridge between the problems we face and the solutions we can create together.

Was there a defining moment when you realized the power of communication as a tool for change?
That realization solidified when I moved back to Pakistan. I was essentially a stranger in my own home—I lacked a network, faced a significant language barrier, and was unfamiliar with the local cultural nuances. I quickly understood that if I wanted to sensitize myself to this environment and make a difference, I had to master communication as a survival and transformation tool.
I began by identifying small, often overlooked societal issues and unconventional challenges. I started writing and speaking about these topics, and the moment people began to engage with these “unconventional” conversations, I saw the shift. It was a defining moment because it proved that authenticity and clear messaging could bypass lack of resources. By speaking truth to power and articulating the needs of the youth, I was able to develop authentic relationships that eventually opened doors to major opportunities.

How would you describe your personal brand today, and how has it evolved over time?
When I started this journey, I didn’t have a calculated blueprint for a “brand.” It evolved organically through action and consistency. If I look back now, I would say my personal brand is synonymous with passion. Whether I am advocating for rural development, women’s empowerment, or youth leadership, that core enthusiasm is what people recognize.
It has evolved from a series of scattered projects into a cohesive mission. I don’t view it as a static image I’m trying to project, but rather a living reflection of my commitment to Pakistan’s future. For me, personal branding isn’t about self-promotion; it’s about nurturing a reputation for reliability and advocacy that continues to grow as I do. I want my brand to remain a testament to the fact that when you lead with passion, the influence follows naturally.

Your association with the UN has been a significant milestone. What did that experience teach you about representing Pakistan on a global stage?
Representing Pakistan at the United Nations taught me that our country’s narrative is often missing its most vital element: the immense, untapped potential of our youth. Having seen both sides of the world—living in the US and then Pakistan—I noticed a massive disconnect between the talent that exists on the ground and how it is perceived globally.
Being a Gen Z representative for Pakistan is more than a milestone; it is an obligation and a source of immense pride. My experience taught me that representation is about translation. I have to translate the aspirations and capabilities of Pakistani youth into a language that global stakeholders understand. It’s a responsibility to ensure that our talent is not just seen, but effectively utilized, creating a pipeline of opportunities for the generations following in my footsteps.

What are some misconceptions about Pakistani youth that you feel need to be challenged internationally?
The most prevalent misconception is that Pakistan is still in a “developing” phase when it comes to talent—that we are “getting there” rather than “already here.” On global forums and in international educational institutions, we are still underrepresented in senior leadership and high-level decision-making roles. This creates a gap in how the world views our capabilities.
We need to challenge the idea that we are merely recipients of global aid or direction. The reality is that Pakistani youth are ready to contribute at the highest levels. It is now about channelizing that energy and using our government and member-state support to aggressively uplift the image of Pakistan. We are not just a country of potential; we are a country of performers who simply need the right stage.

How do you balance global perspectives with local realities when working on youth-focused initiatives?
I believe you cannot have an effective global voice if you haven’t lived the local reality. For me, it is a “reverse mechanism.” You can only advocate for change or eradicate misconceptions on a global stage if you have a deep, lived understanding of the ground-level sensitivities and challenges in Pakistan.
I make it a point to stay connected to the grassroots because that is where the truth lies. When I speak at an international forum, I’m not just sharing theories; I’m sharing experiences of women in rural areas or the struggles of young professionals in our cities. Balancing these perspectives means ensuring that global policies are actually applicable to our local context. I strive to be the bridge that ensures global resources meet local needs in a way that is respectful and sustainable.

How can educational institutions better prepare students for real-world communication and leadership?
Our educational institutions need to move beyond the rigid compartmentalization of degrees. We have created silos where students are taught specific technical skills but lack self-awareness and the ability to pivot. Real-world leadership requires a mindset that can adapt to unconventional paths.
We must encourage students to explore beyond their set curriculum and focus on talent and passion rather than just a GPA. If students are passionate about social change but are stuck in a rigid degree programmes, they often hit social and academic barriers that stop their potential in its tracks. Institutions should be facilitators of talent, helping youth navigate these barriers so they can branch out into areas that could fundamentally change the face of Pakistan.

Through organizations like the Pakistan Society for Training and Development (PSTD), you’ve worked closely with young professionals. What trends are you seeing in the new generation?

I’m seeing a massive shift toward “hustle culture,” which is quite inspiring. The new generation is no longer satisfied with a traditional nine-to-five; they are constantly upskilling and multitasking. There is a newfound realization at a very early age that learning and development are lifelong pursuits.
As the Head of Global Learning and Conferences at PSTD, I’ve worked at the intersection of multinationals, the social sector, and academia. I’m noticing that corporates are now much more inclined toward CSR and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) initiatives. They are starting to see Gen Z not just as “junior staff,” but as valuable contributors who can hold senior positions based on merit rather than age. This breaking of the “seniority equals experience” myth is a major trend that is opening doors for young leaders to redefine corporate culture in Pakistan.

You are working with Rana Mashood on the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme. How is it developing?
I am currently serving as a focal person for youth and global linkages for both the Pakistan and USA chapters, working closely with the Chairman of PMYP, Mr. Rana Mashood. Our focus is built on the “Four Es”: Employment, Education, Environment, and Entrepreneurship.
We are developing this by curating platforms that provide equal access to youth, whether they are in remote rural areas of Pakistan or part of the diaspora in London and New York. The goal is to create a sustainable loop where the successful Pakistani youth abroad can mentor and create opportunities for the youth back home. By leading delegations to international forums like the UN Economic and Social Forum, we are building the global linkages necessary to ensure that Pakistani talent is recognized, supported, and given a seat at every important table.

How has your family been supportive in the choice of your work?
I have been incredibly fortunate to have a family that didn’t just support my choices, but actively pushed me to be more. My older siblings have been my true mentors, guiding me through the nuances of my career and advocating for my independence.
Making the move from a comfortable life in the US to working on the ground in Pakistan—often in challenging conditions—required a lot of courage, but my parents never hesitated. Even when my work takes me to remote areas or requires me to travel internationally alone, my father and mother have always had an “always yes” attitude. They believed that if I felt a calling to do this, I should go for it, and we would figure out the logistics later. I wouldn’t be able to serve the government or represent Pakistan at the UN if it weren’t for their unwavering belief in my potential. They are the most integral part of every milestone I achieve.

The post A Beacon of Light for the Youth appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Aaleen Bukhari is redefining Pakistan’s presence in international dressage as the Pakistan’s first female rider to compete on global platforms. Inspired by the grandeur of Vienna’s Spanish Riding School, her childhood fascination evolved into a lifelong calling shaped by discipline, resilience, and faith. From overcoming prejudice abroad to carrying Pakistan’s flag with pride, she is determined to place her nation firmly on the global equestrian map.

1. How did your journey with horses begin, and at what moment did that relationship evolve into a deeper dialogue—one that led you to realize dressage was not just a sport, but your true calling?

I feel like horses have been in my blood long before I even opened my eyes to the world. Some of my earliest memories are tied to them. When I was younger than five, my father showed me YouTube videos of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, and I was completely mesmerized. The elegance, the discipline, the white Lipizzan stallions moving like they were floating, it felt unreal. As a little girl, I noticed there were no women riding there. Instead of discouraging me, it sparked something powerful. I wanted to be the first female there. I wanted to walk into those historic halls, learn their centuries-old techniques, and understand the artistry behind that precision and harmony. That place felt like Narnia, like Harry Potter, where tradition, mystery, and excellence blended together. That was the moment dressage stopped being just a sport to me and became my destiny.

• As Pakistan’s first female dressage rider competing on international platforms, have you encountered pressure or skepticism because of your gender or nationality—and how have those experiences shaped you?

During my time in the UAE, I went through one of the most difficult chapters of my journey. I experienced racism from one of my coaches purely because of my nationality. It had nothing to do with my dedication or work ethic, it was simply prejudice. It was painful and isolating, but it also strengthened me. It forced me to develop thicker skin, sharper focus, and stronger self-belief. It taught me that not everyone will judge you by your talent, some will try to reduce you to where you come from or to your gender. But I made a decision: I will never allow anyone to define my limits. That adversity made me more resilient and deepened my commitment to prove that excellence has no gender and no borders.

• You have trained abroad, so what is it that Pakistan’s equestrian ecosystem is missing?

Pakistan’s equestrian system still lacks the discipline and structure required to meet true international standards. Many basic foundations are overlooked: grooming and stable care are not always consistent, feeding programs vary, veterinary management isn’t systematic, and horse welfare protocols aren’t strictly implemented.

Beyond that, there is an absence of professional structure, accountability, and a culture of precision. Discipline is not just riding technique, it includes stable management, training methodology, ethics, and respect for the horse as an athlete. If we want to stand confidently on international grounds, we must raise our standards in every aspect, because excellence begins long before a rider enters the arena.

• Dressage relies on an unspoken bond between horse and rider. How do you cultivate trust and connection with your horse, particularly when the pressure of competition is at its highest?

A true bond with a horse has to come from gentleness and sincerity. It cannot be forced. Horses are extremely sensitive, they read your emotions, your breathing, and even the tension in your body. That is why I always approach them with calmness, a soft tone, and reassurance through touch. In competition, the pressure is intense, and the horse feels everything you feel. In those moments, I consciously recite the name of Allah to steady my heart and slow my breathing. I also keep gently patting my horse even while performing, because that physical connection creates familiarity and comfort. It reminds my horse that this is not something frightening, it is simply another ride for us. That shared calmness strengthens our partnership.

• Every athlete encounters moments when walking away feels easier than pushing forward. In those moments of doubt, what anchors you and keeps you committed to the journey?

There are days when I genuinely feel like giving up. The pressure of training, competing, preparing entries, and constantly trying to meet higher expectations can become overwhelming. Sometimes it feels like too much mentally, physically, and emotionally.

But what brings me back is something deeper than ambition. Even on days when I’m not riding, I still find myself thinking about horses, talking about them, or watching them online. That connection keeps me grounded. At the core of everything, beyond titles and competitions, is my love for the horse itself. That love is my anchor, and it always brings me back.

• Dressage is as much about mental discipline as physical mastery. How has this sport reshaped your understanding of control, patience, and your own inner strength?

In my personal life, I’m honestly someone who could sleep all day. But everything about me changes when it comes to horses. Working closely with an animal that cannot speak back has taught me a level of patience I never knew I had. Progress cannot be rushed, and communication has to be calm, subtle, and consistent. This sport has also built quiet inner strength. Guiding an animal that weighs 600 to 700 kilograms requires confidence, self-control, and emotional stability. Beyond that, horses have become essential for my mental well-being. Being around them brings me peace, lifts my mood, and keeps me emotionally grounded. That peace is one of the greatest gifts dressage has given me.

• What has the response from Pakistani audiences, both at home and within the diaspora, meant to you on a personal and professional level?

It is one of the greatest feelings to know your homeland supports you and stands behind you. That kind of support makes me feel seen and reminds me that all the hard work and sacrifice means something beyond personal success. Representing Pakistan carries deep emotional weight for me. When I travel abroad and someone says, “You’re from Pakistan and you’re doing so well in dressage,” it fills me with pride. It feels powerful to know that Pakistan is being recognized beyond cricket or politics. If my journey helps broaden that narrative, even slightly, it means everything to me. For me, this is not just ambition, it is national pride and responsibility.

•  Do global stages such as the Olympics or major international championships feature in your long-term vision, or are you charting a different definition of success?

Yes, they absolutely do. I have officially submitted my entry, and in doing so, I am making history for Pakistan. In the 78 years since independence, I am the first to send a dressage entry to the Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026. That milestone carries immense meaning for me personally and nationally. Competing at major events like the Asian Games and one day the Olympics has always been my vision, and I am also setting my sights on Los Angeles 2028. But my goals extend beyond competition. In the future, I hope to build something lasting in Pakistan, perhaps a school or a system that trains riders with proper discipline and international standards. For me, success is about legacy as much as medals.

• Looking ahead ten years from now, how do you envision Pakistan’s footprint in international equestrian sport — and what role do you hope to play in shaping it?

I believe I have already started paving the way, and I hope many young Pakistani girls will follow in the years to come. When one door opens, it becomes easier for others to walk through it with confidence. Over the next decade, I believe Pakistan can develop a meaningful presence in the international equestrian world. My dream is to see FEI-level dressage, show jumping, and endurance grow properly in Pakistan, with true international standards. I want Pakistan to become a fully active and competitive FEI-participating nation, producing riders for global events. When our flag stands confidently on the world stage in equestrian sport, it will be one of the proudest moments of my life.

The post Carving Space in Equestrian Sport – Aaleen Bukhari appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Empower Sports Academy hosted a high-impact press conference at recently, formally unveiling its mega project and strategic partnerships aimed at transforming the future of female sports and education in Pakistan. The event was attended by leading media houses, corporate partners, sports professionals, educators, and stakeholders from across the country.

At the conference, Malika Junaid announced a landmark partnership between the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) and Empower Sports Academy to launch a nationwide initiative that will identify, train, and empower 10,000 young female athletes every year across Pakistan, expanding further in the years to come.

Representing the Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Sindh, Coordinator Fahad Shafique expressed his delight at the progress made so far by Empower Sports Academy, and played a video message from the Minister and Chairman PMYP, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan. In the message Rana Mashood said, “This initiative reflects our government’s unwavering commitment to uplifting young women through sport. By reaching out to 10,000 girls this year and expanding even further in the years to come, we are broadening access to training, mentorship, and competitive opportunities.”

Malika further added, “Empower Sports Academy has already begun working with girls from all over Pakistan including girls in cities and underserved communities in remote villages of Balochistan, northern areas of Pakistan, Punjab, and Sindh.

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By Anusha Zahid

Alisha Junaid is the founder of Empower Sports Academy, which held the first women’s volleyball tournament in Pakistan last year. GLAM interviewed Alisha two years ago at the launch of Empower Sports Academy, and this is a follow-up interview now that their second national volleyball tournament has successfully concluded.

Originally from the United States, Alisha is a TEDx speaker, a recipient of the USAID Youth Leadership Award, and a student at Babson College. She has organized national volleyball tournaments throughout Pakistan and coordinated international tours, all while advancing her personal athletic and academic pursuits.

Congratulations on successfully concluding the second year of Pakistan Volleyball Championship. Do you think this year’s tournament was better compared to last year’s in terms of participation and overall excitement?

Yes definitely. This year, we expanded the preliminary round to eight different cities, a significant increase from last year’s three. We had teams from Abbottabad, Sadiqabad, Islamabad, Karachi, and Quetta, among others. This year, we also made a conscious effort to concentrate on the younger age groups, which was a deliberate decision to prioritise the development of our next generation.

To achieve this, we leveraged social media to promote the event, engaged with our networks to spread the word and encouraging teams to participate and then share their experience with their own networks. This grassroots approach led to a significant increase in participation. But what was truly heartening was seeing girls from various cities come together to a single location and participate in the tournament. The event saw a high level of engagement and exceptional sportsmanship, with teams from the same city coming together to support each other, especially at the final stages of the competition.

Were there any standout performances or emerging talents from this year’s championship?

It’s challenging to recall a specific standout athletic performance, but what really caught my attention this year was the exceptional sportsmanship and honesty displayed by the girls. In Pakistan, this can sometimes be lacking, but in this tournament, I saw a different dynamic at play. The girls were able to connect with each other, even with teams they were competing against; suggesting that collaboration and mutual respect are values that are being instilled in our young athletes, and that’s a promising sign for the future. Also, we were fortunate to have experienced coaches on board, including the national team coach and Eric Ballelos, who had travelled from the US to assist with the event. Their expertise was invaluable, and it was also a great opportunity for the girls to learn from them.

As for emerging talent, we selected a promising volleyball player from the national team last year named Khizra, who was sent to the US to play at a Division 3 college. Not only did she excel in volleyball, but she also successfully completed her undergraduate degree and is now a working psychologist. Our goal is to replicate this experience with more girls.

Who were the sponsors this year? Do you think they played a role in the success of this year’s tournament?

This time, we were fortunate to have some prominent names supporting us, which helped elevate Empower to the next level. Jazz came on board and signed a three-year contract, Interwood, which has been with us for the past two years, renewed their support with a three-year contract. We also secured a three-year partnership with Naya Nazimabad. Two electric motorcycle companies, Hyder and Crown also contributed by sponsoring the Player of the Match awards (one for volleyball and one for badminton) in the form of electric motorcycles to motivate the players. I am incredibly grateful to all our sponsors because running these tournaments is expensive. We cover the expenses for transporting all the players to Karachi, including bus tickets and their accommodation, because we want them to focus entirely on their game without worrying about logistics. Our sponsors and the prize money they provide are essential in making this possible. Last year, we heard a heartwarming story about a girl whose father started a business using one of these motorcycles, which significantly helped their family. That’s exactly the kind of impact we want to see, contributing not just to the girls’ athletic growth but also enabling them to support their families.

What were some of the challenges that you faced during this year’s tournament, and were they similar to or different from those you encountered in previous years?

From the girls’ side, I believe there were fewer challenges this time. We were able to clearly communicate the rules and ensure everyone understood how the tournament was being organised. However, challenges exist, mainly because we imposed certain restrictions on participation. For example, we have age limits, and we do not accept girls over the age of 19 or national team players. With the addition of our coach Eric this year, and discussions with our board, our focus remains on developing young players. We faced some challenges with over-age participants, though fewer than last year when we had an open age category. While we have thought about creating a category for players aged 19 and above, we’ve noticed that training and influencing older players is much more difficult because they tend to be more set in their ways, making it quite challenging to manage.

Have you chosen any young girls to take on coaching roles for the upcoming tournament?

We have selected a few young women to serve as coaches and are currently in discussions with some of them. These women have played on the national team and possess valuable experience and insights into the game and the competitive environment. However, to be eligible, they need to be over 25 years old. Our aim is to help them develop a coaching career and livelihood, while also ensuring that the timing aligns with their career stages – some are still active on the national team and wish to complete that chapter first.

In addition, we have identified several coaches from Pakistan, including both men and women, whom we are training during the summer. We are handling their visa arrangements, and hopefully by July, we expect to have our first group of around four coaches. These individuals will have the chance to learn from Stanford’s world-class coaching staff in the US.

With the increased visibility and support, what are your hopes for the future of women’s volleyball in Pakistan after this year’s tournament? 

Our hope for next year is to bring more athletes into the fold and expand what we’re doing with Empower. This year, we started incorporating sports like badminton alongside volleyball, and we saw a fantastic response. We plan to add more sports and gradually expand into various Olympic disciplines, but since taking on new sports is a logistical challenge, we’ll proceed step by step. Perhaps next year we will bring in squash and table tennis as well. Our objective is to show the girls that their involvement in sports can open doors for their future – their energy on the court, playing and having fun – especially this year after the prize ceremony when they all danced to classic desi songs and having an impromptu dance party – it was incredible to see them let loose and celebrate. We want to create more memories for them.

The post The Journey Continues appeared first on Glam Magazine.

The press conference featured prominent figures advocating for women’s empowerment and sports, including Mr. Sharjeel Memon, Ms. Khushbakht Shujaat, Ms. Hana Farhan Essa, Ms. Alisha Junaid, Ms. Malka Junaid, and Dr. Nayyer Jabeen. They passionately addressed the media, underscoring the significance of empowering women through sports. Their shared vision highlights the role of athletic platforms in promoting equality and offering young women the chance to shine on both national and global stages.

Alisha Junaid, CEO of Empower Sports Academy, expressed her enthusiasm for the tournament: “This tournament is not just about volleyball; it is about creating lasting opportunities for young women to excel in sports, education, and leadership. It’s a pivotal moment for women’s sports in Pakistan, and we hope to inspire the next generation of female athletes to aim for international glory.”

The tournament is set to feature over 60 teams and 600 participants, marking the first of its kind on a national scale. The finals are scheduled for December 23, 2024, aiming to showcase the talent and determination of female athletes across the nation. This initiative aligns with the academy’s mission to empower young women through sports, providing them the tools and platforms they need to aspire to greatness, including the potential to compete on a stage as prestigious as the Olympics.

Ms. Hana Farhan Essa, Director of Essa Lab, expressed her organization’s commitment to supporting this transformative event. “We believe in the power of women’s health and empowerment. Through initiatives like this tournament, we aim to inspire young women to break barriers and contribute to the betterment of society. Our support reflects our dedication to promoting a healthier, more inclusive future.”

Empower Sports Academy is a registered nonprofit organization, with a mission to nurture elite female athletes and provide them with opportunities to excel. As the tournament approaches, there is palpable excitement among participants and supporters alike, marking a new chapter for women in sports in Pakistan.

With this groundbreaking tournament, Empower Sports Academy is not only elevating the profile of women’s volleyball but is also setting a precedent for future women’s sports events in the country. The Empower by Essa Labs 1st National Women’s Volleyball Tournament promises to be a celebration of talent, perseverance, and the unyielding spirit of female athletes, heralding a brighter future for women in sports.

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Arshad Nadeem: Pakistan’s First Individual Gold Medalist in Athletics at Paris Olympics 2024

Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s first-ever individual Olympic gold medalist in athletics, made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With an imposing frame standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall, Nadeem won the javelin throw title in style setting an Olympic record of 92.97 meters.

Arshad’s journey started with the 2016 South Asian Games where he achieved a bronze medal with a throw of 78.33 meters. He continued to impress at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, finishing fifth with a throw of 84.62 meters while India’s Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal.

In subsequent competitions, Nadeem showcased his consistent improvement. He won a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games with a throw of 90.18 meters, his career best at the time. At the 2023 World Athletics Championships, he won the silver medal with a throw of 87.82 meters.

Nadeem’s crowning achievement came at the Paris Olympics where he broke the 16-year-old record set by Thorkildsen with his throw of 92.97 meters. Despite undergoing knee surgery earlier in the year and practicing with a damaged javelin, Nadeem’s determination and skill prevailed putting Pakistan on the international map for track-and-field athletics.

The post The Bright Side appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Duriya Farooqui – A Leader Par Excellence in Business Innovation

Hailing from Pakistan, Duriya Farooqui is an accomplished leader with a recognized track record of heading business transformation and innovation in the United States. Her expertise spans diverse arenas, from large-scale operations to fast-moving technology companies seeking new markets. She has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to take on complex opportunities and lead high-performing teams to success, instilling a culture of excellence along the way.

As an independent Board Director of Intercontinental Hotels Group, Intercontinental Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, Duriya has provided her expert guidance and leadership to some of the world’s most prestigious organizations. She also served as the Chief Operating Officer for the City of Atlanta, where she transformed a $2 billion operation, improving efficiency and service. Duriya reformed pensions, strengthened finances, reduced crime to historic lows, and expanded the busiest airport in the world. Additionally, she assisted in leading negotiations for the $1.5 billion Mercedes Benz stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United.

Furthermore, as the President of Supply Chain Innovation for Georgia Pacific, Duriya demonstrated her ability to bring diverse companies together to collaborate on over $150M worth of supply chain opportunities and implemented successful enterprise pilots. She also led ACP, a public-private partnership of Fortune 500 CEOs, civic leaders, and the mayor, leveraging the coalition to launch Engage, a fund, and innovation platform backed by 15 corporations, which now has approximately 60 companies in its portfolio. Her remarkable leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence continues to inspire individuals and organizations around the world.

The post The Bright Side appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Meet Alisha Junaid – a Pakistani-American born in California – who is part of Pakistan Volleyball national team as well as the founder of Empower Sports Academy – a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming the dreams of women athletes in Pakistan into reality and create safe spaces for women so that they can reach their full athletic potential in indoor sports.

GLAM magazine sat down with Alisha to learn what sparked her passion for sports and led her to establish Empower Academy, their activities and what’s on the horizon for this ambitious young entrepreneur.

GLAM: Tell us how did you get into sports, particularly volleyball and how long have you been playing it?

ALISHA JUNAID: I have been playing sports ever since I was young. I have been a swimmer for almost seven to eight years now. But after Covid hit, I decided I wanted to be part of a team sport, where I could collaborate with more people. I had a couple of friends who played volleyball, I started out with them and within no time fell in love with the sport. It is a very unique game and I felt like it is a great community in the US, in Pakistan and across the world.

GLAM: How did you become part of the women’s volleyball team in Pakistan?

AJ: It was while I was visiting Pakistan for holidays that I wanted to play volleyball because I did not want to be off training. Luckily I found a place in Karachi where I met one of the girls who played on the national team and she introduced me to some of the local coaches. We did a try-out and it went on from there.

GLAM: How did Empower Academy come about?

AJ: Well, the first time I trained with the national team, I felt that a lot of these girls are very passionate and athletic. They just needed more opportunities to grow. I could see their potential and really wanted to do something for them. That’s when the idea of setting up an academy came about. Right now we have started out with volleyball and we are helping out the national team but once we have built our facility, I really want it to expand to all women sports – indoor and outdoor – so that we can get as many women as possible to play, get educated, as well as learn that there is a lot out there for them.

GLAM: Tell us about these girls who are part of the national team. What are their aspirations, their socio-economic backgrounds and how supportive are their families?

AJ: The national women volleyball team is currently comprised of girls from different backgrounds. Some are leaving their villages for the first time to play. Also, what we’ve noticed is that despite the common conceptions, there are girls playing sports and a lot of them have really supportive parents; especially fathers who are willing to send their daughters out as long as they know there is a safe space for them to play. I think that is really good as we need to build on more of these safe places so that we can motivate more girls whose families are willing to send them.

GLAM: What kind of training are you offering these girls, and if you could also tell us a little about the international coaches Empower has hired to train them…

AJ: We were able to find an exceptional coach named Allesandra, through Empower’s board members throughout the world, including Giovanni Guidetti, Denise Sheldon. Allesandra has been with us for about four months now she has been training with her twice a day. Normally, they will do either skill training or athletic training in the morning and some game play in the evening. They will follow this routine for five or six days and then they will have some time off one day to rest their bodies.

Soon we will be taking the team to Italy for a three-week training camp where they would play a lot of practice matches. Empower has organised everything and our coach has put in a lot of effort in finding out the right places to play, for the team to stay, as well as the sponsors and we are really thankful for that.

GLAM: How difficult was it to get a foreign trainers on board?

AJ: Surprisingly, it was not too difficult. We made sure they enjoyed Pakistan AND that we were able to show them the good side of the country – not the side which people are usually shown in the media. We have had three coaches come to Pakistan so far and they all loved the country. The only thing that they struggle with is not having enough facilities or proper equipment to train the girls. It is hard when they are limited to such small space.

GLAM: So have these foreign trainers training local coaches as well?

AJ: Yes absolutely. We have two local coaches with the national team to make sure they are always learning. Also, let me add, we already have a few very good coaches in the country. It is just that we are bringing in a different perspective through foreign coaches that the team really need… just to reach that extra level.

Could you give us details on the Talent Hunt Program 2023 as well as the Pakistan Camp Empower organised?

For the Talent Hunt, we worked with the Prime Minister Youth Foundation and it entailed really just to go all over Pakistan so that we could find girls fit for the national team, and whether they had the athletic potential. It was also an opportunity for us to see more parts of Pakistan and main cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Now that we have identified those girls and we have their names in a database, we know which girls we are going to follow up with and hopefully get on board in future once we have our facility in place.

GLAM: Apart from offering them sports training, will Empower also help them participate in international events?

AJ: Of course, we want to empower and educate them and if they want to go play abroad we will support them. But since currently we do not have the facility built and the required manpower, we are more focused on the national team and training them with the help of Allesandra – who has identified a couple of players who will go play in the European leagues abroad. The international exposure will help them get more play experience, training practice and bring in new perspective back into the country.

“What we’ve noticed is that despite the common conception, there are girls playing sports and a lot of them have really supportive parents, especially fathers who are willing to send their daughters out as long as they know there is a safe space for them to play.” “”

GLAM: What role did Empower play in the National Championship that took place in Islamabad in February 2023?

AJ: The Pakistan Volleyball Federation hosts the National Championship every year, however, this was the first time that Empower sponsored and organised the entire event. With our help, we were able to get a record number of ten teams to have ever participated in the championship. Also, we were able to get sponsors for the first time. If the girls won first, second or third, they were able to get some prize money, along with awards for best player, best hitter etc. This was our way to inspire the girls and show their performance mattered and that they were seen. Through this we also wanted to inspire other younger girls in the audience to play volleyball and tell them that it was not some far-fetched idea, and if they wanted to, they could come forward and play. It’s rewarding.

GLAM: And do you think you were able to achieve that objective?

AJ: Yes, because the event attracted a lot more attendees and we were able to get it televised. It was a successful event overall. Moreover, the fact that we were able to get the Higher Education Commission (HEC) on board, as well as Interwood to sponsor the event and the prize money, showed the support companies and organisations could lend to see women succeed.

GLAM: How do you think more women can be encouraged to play sport in Pakistan and go on to represent the country in international events?

AJ: I feel a lot of women in our team have high aspirations and they are also educated. Athletics might not be a lifetime career for them, so they do have aspirations outside of it and Empower would like to help them gain other skills. We want to make Empower a place where girls can not only play but also learn how to coach and make a career for themselves and earn their own livelihood.

GLAM: Are there any challenges you foresee in realising the above?

AJ: I think despite the fact that we want to provide as much as we can, the challenge is that there are only so many jobs we can create. Also, we want to give everyone a fair and equal opportunity. But the good part is that as Pakistan is progressing and developing, there will be other people looking to help and support women as much as we do in sports and academics.

GLAM: By when do you think you’d be able to set up this academy and why did you choose Islamabad to set it up?

AJ: Well, we are hoping to find land in the couple of months and we will start building our flagship facility right away, and complete it in a matter of three years. Once we have that ready, we would like to set up smaller facilities all over Pakistan – to provide girls safe spaces to play and to build communities where they can learn and find more opportunities to grow.

As for why we decided to build it in Islamabad first, that is because we want to have a place where we could host international teams and since Islamabad is the capital city it is a more convenient location. We are trying to obtain land near the airport so that it is convenient for international coaches who visit frequently. Moreover, for athletes, training at an altitude is something that could help them grow. Islamabad’s geographical location and weather will help athletes create stronger muscles and lungs and get the best experience.

GLAM: What are you plans for the future? Do you want to continue sports in the long run?

AJ: In five years, I will be going to college and once done with it, I would like to still work on empower as a non-profit and help out in Pakistan. But at the same time, I want to start my own business, something through which I can sustain Empower and not rely entirely on funds.

As for what business would that be, I have absolutely no idea right now. But I have so many female role models in the family, including my paternal and maternal grandmothers, as well as my mother and aunts. They have carved their own niche in life, and that is something I would like to do as well.

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