June 19, 2024
Photo by Eden Brown
Helai, who did not do the Ascend program but who managed to get to the U.S. as a refugee when Kabul fell to the Taliban in 2021, was brought to the event by supporter Lynette, from Reston, who knew Afghanistan and when she chatted with her at the factory where Helai works, suggested she come for the fellowship of other young Afghan women.