My Mission is… to live consciously, speak authentically, and create spaces—online and offline—where healing, hope, and purpose intersect. I want to empower people, especially young women, to believe that their stories and voices matter.
AGE: 27
MY BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR HAS BEEN… when people ask me this question, my mind often goes blank because it’s not just one big thing—it’s the small, intentional steps I’ve taken over time. Whether personal, professional, or spiritual, I’ve consistently chosen growth over comfort. So I’d say my biggest achievement is developing a proactive attitude towards life.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Navigating life in the U.K. without the presence and support of my family has been a deep, personal challenge. Adapting to a new culture while trying to hold on to my roots forced me to redefine my identity. The real challenge was finding balance between who I was, who I was becoming, and how to honor both.
ONE THING YOU’D LIKE TO CHANGE PEOPLE’S MINDS ABOUT:
I’d love to change the belief that resilience means doing everything alone. Especially for women of color or those from refugee or migrant backgrounds, we often feel pressure to “prove” our strength. True strength lies in asking for support, resting, and refusing to shrink ourselves to fit in.
A GREAT PIECE OF ADVICE:
Don’t wait to be fully ready. Begin before you’re ready, speak before you’re confident, and take up space before you feel “qualified.” Life rewards action, not perfection.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR GENERATION?
We’re rewriting the script. We’re not afraid to talk about mental health, trauma, or injustice. What inspires me most is our collective bravery—to question, to heal, and to rebuild the world with more honesty and compassion.
BIGGEST OBSTACLE FACING WOMEN AND GIRLS TODAY:
The ongoing global misogyny and deep-rooted hatred towards women’s autonomy. One heartbreaking example is Afghanistan—where I’m from—where half of the population is being erased from public life. Girls are banned from secondary school and university, stripped of their basic rights simply because of their gender. But this isn’t just an Afghan issue—it’s a mirror for the world, reminding us that progress is fragile and that
we must never be silent when women’s rights are under attack.
ONE WAY TO HELP:
Create safe spaces. Whether it’s a support group, a classroom, or a digital platform—safe, inclusive environments allow women and girls to explore, express, and evolve without fear.
MOST IMPORTANT CAUSE:
Raising awareness about trauma and creating support systems for young people who’ve grown up in adversity. When we understand trauma, we can transform lives—not just treat symptoms.
RECOMMEND ONE BOOK, FILM, OR SONG:
The book A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini—a deeply moving story that captures the strength, pain, and resilience of Afghan women. It stays with you long after the last page. The film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button—a beautiful reflection on time, love, and how we carry loss and memory through life. And Studio Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle Soundtrack—there’s something healing about it.
THE WOMEN THAT INSPIRE ME ARE…
Women I’ve worked with through grassroots movements, especially those who keep fighting for justice, healing, and education, even when no one’s watching. Their courage, often born from pain, continues to inspire my work and purpose every day. But most of all, my mother and grandmother. Without the sacrifices they made, I wouldn’t be where I am. They raised generations while surviving civil war, displacement, and bombings. Their resilience—carried quietly through pain and perseverance—is a reminder of the strength I come from.
You can find heela at…@heelayoon25 on Instagram. Homepage image by Leda Am, inside image courtesy of UN Youth.
