About Us - Afghan Coalition

About Our Agency

Formed in 1996, Afghan Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization. We are dedicated to strengthening Afghan families and other refugee and immigrant families, improving their access to social services, and building a strong and united Afghan American community. Located at the Family Resource Center in Fremont, California, the Afghan Coalition is the largest Afghan American organization in the United States. Serving over 1,000 community members per year, particularly immigrant women and children, bilingual/bicultural advocates bridge the language and cultural gaps between community members and financial and social services. All staff members and volunteers are trained for cultural competency, are able to communicate in several languages reflective of the community being served including English, Dari, Pashto and Urdu.

History

Rona Popal is bilingual in Dari/Farsi and English, is the Executive Director of the Afghan Coalition. She is also the project director for the Afghan Health Partnership Program. Ms. Popal has extensive experience in designing and organizing community service programs, as well as providing direct client service and advocacy. She is a recognized community leader. On October 27, 2007 State Assembly Member Alberto Torrico honored her with the 20th District Unity Award. A tireless community organizer and outspoken proponent of civil liberties and human rights, she was also voted International Woman of the Year by the Silicon Valley Women’s Organization in 2002. In October 2006, Ms. Popal presented a speech as oral testimony on behalf of the Coalition’s Afghan Women’s Association International to the California Commission on the Status of Women. Ms. Popal has worked in social services for over 20 years as an employment counselor and social worker and has headed the Afghan Women’s Association since 2001 and the Afghan Coalition since 2003. She holds a degree from California State Hayward in Political Science and International Relations.

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Meet our Board of Directors

Mr. Waheed Momand: President (Second from right, top row)

Bruce Green: Board Member (First from right, top row)

was first involved with the Afghan Coalition in 2004 through an interfaith program. His primary work since 2002 was to facilitate “Bridge Building,” which seeks to build better understanding between Christians and Muslims. Over the years he helped in several high-profile crisis situations with local Afghans facing everything from government mistreatment to murder. In 2006 he was invited to join the Afghan Coalition as a board member and has also served on the executive committee.

Aisha Wahab: Board Member (First from left, top row)

Haji Razmi: Board Member (Second from left, top row)

Haji Razmi, received bachelor’s degree in law and pollical science, and the equivalent of master’s in Internationa affairs.

Worked as a diplomate to the UN, taught Pashto language at Cal State and Stanford university, worked

as an eligibility technician and employment counselor for Alameda County. Published a collection of short stories and 4 novels in English, Pashto and Dari languages.