Women Engineers Spotlight

Dr. Farokh Kakar is an award-winning environmental engineer and water sector leader with over a decade of experience in research, innovation, and technical leadership. Her achievements have been recognized through numerous national and international awards, including Canada’s prestigious Vanier Scholarship and Water Canada’s “Emerging Leader” title, along with more than 20 awards in teaching, leadership, and public speaking.

Rohina Ghafori is a renewable energy professional and sustainability leader dedicated to advancing climate-resilient solutions in Afghanistan. She is the Founder of the Sustainers Initiative and currently serves as a Solar Energy Engineer with UNDP Afghanistan under the SESEHA Project.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Industrial Engineering and is pursuing her MBA at Anna University through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship. Alongside her formal education, she has earned a professional certification in Business Communication from Cornell University and completed further studies in Energy Economics and Gender Economics at the University of Central Asia (UCA).

Sodaba chose architecture not because it was easy, but because it was worth pursuing with persistence and purpose. Trained in architectural engineering, she built her career step by step, beginning with drafting roles and steadily advancing into full architectural design through hands-on project delivery, technical rigor, and continuous learning in a traditionally male-dominated profession. Her work includes coordinated contract drawings, code and ADA compliance, field verification, and 3D visualization, reflecting a balance of creativity and technical precision. 

Nilab Wahab Zada is a civil engineer specializing in structural engineering and concrete systems, with international academic and professional experience. She earned her Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Kardan University and a Master’s in Turkey, and has worked across Afghanistan and the United States in precast concrete and construction coordination. A licensed engineer, she applies her expertise to complex projects while mentoring and advancing her technical skills. 

Malalai Youssofzay is an architect with over a decade of experience in BIM coordination, Revit modeling, and construction documentation for major projects across Australia. She has contributed to developments with firms including Crone Partners, Mirvac, and Scentre Group, spanning residential, commercial, retail, and infrastructure projects. Recognized for technical precision and collaborative leadership, she also mentors junior architects and provides Revit training to strengthen team capacity.

Eng. Khalida Tawakully is a senior civil engineer with over ten years of experience in infrastructure planning, design, and project supervision in Afghanistan. She has led multidisciplinary teams at the Ministry of Urban Development and Land and the National Development Corporation, contributing to major projects including water canals, public buildings, and feasibility studies for dams and power plants. A published researcher and board member of the Afghan Urban Development and Architecture Association, she also mentors young engineers and advocates for women’s empowerment and gender equality in STEM.

Regina Maihan is an urban planner with dual Master’s degrees in City and Regional Planning and Business Administration, specializing in project management and globalization. With over five years of experience in urban, land use, and transportation planning, she focuses on sustainability, climate action, and inclusive development. She co-founded the Afghan Women Engineers Association, serves as a Global Goodwill Ambassador, and has represented Afghanistan in international youth platforms. Her work empowers communities and Afghan youth, particularly women, to engage in shaping sustainable and resilient cities. 

Mehrangez Danishwar is an architectural designer and educator with a Master’s in Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona. With over 13 years of teaching experience, she develops industry-aligned curricula and mentors students for careers in engineering, architecture, and design. She established a CTE pathway at Sylmar Charter High School, secured significant grant funding, and has coordinated major urban development projects. Her work combines academic rigor and real-world expertise to prepare the next generation of architects and engineers. 

Sara Wahedi is an engineer and civic technologist using technology to strengthen governance and public services in crisis-affected regions. She founded Ehtesab, Afghanistan’s first civic alert system, and leads Civaam, empowering local technologists. With experience at Oxford and advising UN agencies, her work recognized by TIME, Forbes, and MIT Technology Review shows how technology grounded in local realities can improve resilience, accountability, and access to essential services. 

Sanam Ahmadi is an urban planner with a Master’s from HafenCity University Hamburg, specializing in sustainable and inclusive city development. Her work combines research, advocacy, and community engagement, focusing on empowering Afghan refugees and promoting participatory planning. She has conducted research on refugee integration, led workshops amplifying Afghan voices, and advocates for women and youth inclusion in urban development, aiming to build resilient, livable cities in Afghanistan. 

Huda Mahmood is a civil engineer, researcher, and lecturer with dual Master’s degrees in SAGAS and Construction Engineering & Management. Her work focuses on sustainable urban development, heritage preservation, and community-based research in Afghanistan. Through research, policy work, and teaching, she supports the next generation of engineers and contributes to knowledge-driven development beyond physical construction.