Aziza Ismail

Fast facts

First generation American of Afghan descent, born in NY
First and only woman on her mother's side to graduate high school and college, and within the first generation on her father's side
Undergraduate thesis in 'Improving Adult Literacy' by designing a mobile literacy application which led to the formation of LiteraSeed
Lives life outside of her comfort zone so she can make a difference and inspire others

A background of adversity

Life, it seems, has never been easy for the Ismail family. Evacuated from their homeland of Afghanistan to escape war during the Soviet invasion, they sought safety and shelter in the USA.

While they were lucky to make the journey, on arrival they faced hardship. With limited education history and English language skills, they struggled. Aziza's father worked hard for many years to build security and ensure they could have a better life.

Inspired by her father, Aziza worked hard at school. Coming from a conservative culture, though, she was met with heavy opposition from family about continuing her education, rather than pursuing a more traditional path and an arranged marriage. In another cruel blow, the biggest recession in recent history destroyed the American economy. Her father lost nearly everything, including the family business he struggled many years to start. Despite these hardships, Aziza persevered and went onto college, earning honors upon graduation. The resistance she faced, coupled with the now financial challenges and pressures, significantly compounded the challenges of being a first generation college student. In the midst of it all, she came home to her mother feeling very depressed. Her mother had been thinking about how her father never taught her how to read, and that if she had learned to read she could have helped to make life for herself and her family better. Saddened by this reality, Aziza wanted to look for ways to help. This was the original impetus for what would become Aziza’s life’s work.

In 2016, the family suffered a further tragedy with the loss of Aziza's beloved 10 year old cousin to a treatable condition. A communication barrier with doctors caused a delay in the ER, sadly she didn't get the essential treatment fast enough. The effect of losing her has been incredibly difficult to bear.

This history opened the door to Aziza's expertise in adult literacy

This disaster marked a turning point for Aziza. She wanted a detailed understanding of the problem that caused delayed treatment for her little cousin, so she could go out and prevent the same thing from happening to others.

She learned that language and communication barriers are common, as are understanding barriers stemming from low health literacy. Results of this include incorrect diagnoses, delayed treatment, and death.

Strong-willed

Aziza means 'powerful' and 'beloved'. Her parents couldn't have chosen a more appropriate name for her! In her quest to understand she became a single-minded, relentless, powerhouse, and she lives her life with grit and determination.

Being this way is not traditional for a woman of Afghan descent. Aziza is paving the way for future generations of women by refusing to conform to cultural restrictions. Although this sometimes causes tension with family, Aziza believes that she can and will make a difference.

While she might come from a challenging background, Aziza has a promising future as an influential leader, with the ability to change the world!