Tahera is counting on Afghanistan’s progress
Posted on 15. Nov, 2010 by Rena Fried in 1. Afghanistan, Bpeace Blog
It only takes a few minutes with Tahera to understand why she has been such an inspiration to the women in her family. Tahera grew up in Iran–her parents sought refuge there as newly-weds when the Taliban seized power. After returning to Afghanistan five years ago, Tahera instantly knew that she wouldn’t be sitting idle watching while her brothers became fully immersed in a country she always considered her own, but never truly experienced. Tahera was the first woman in her extended family to get a job outside of the home, and now 20 female relatives have followed her example.
Tahera is the manager of the Balkh Business Development Company–a consulting firm in Mazar, Afghanistan. After her visit to the U.S. during the Bpeace Apprentice Road Trip (BART), she is ready to expand her firm’s services to include budgeting, bookkeeping and accounting. In fact, Tahera might well become Afghanistan’s first woman charter (certified) accountant!
Mention the word QuickBooks, and Tahera lights up at the name of this accounting software. As the manager of a firm that helps other entrepreneurs grow their businesses, Tahera knows the importance of organization and accurate accounting. Tahera spent her time in the U.S. becoming more familiar with the software, understanding how accounting firms are managed, what to look for in hiring the best accountants, and how to market these new services to her current clients. She is so energized, she is already planning to expand her formal education and study for an accounting degree somehow–perhaps by a remote academic degree program.
This desire and will was evident to all of Tahera’s host companies. The Sag Harbor Express captured Tahera’s energy a while working at the CPA firm–Banducci, Katz and Ferraris. You can read the full article here: http://bit.ly/dpErlv.
Tahera is back in Afghanistan with new business ideas, gifts for her son and a wish for the future–that she will graduate from the Fast Runner program and become a volunteer member of Bpeace herself–so that she can share her own business acumen with younger entrepreneurs. To hear Tahera’s wish in her own words, watch her speak at the Bpeace annual meeting: http://ustre.am/_IBV2:vJn
A special thanks to all of Tahera’s Host Companies:
Banducci, Katz and Ferraris LLP
Integrity Financial Partners
The Gotham Research Group
The Greener Group
The Jackson Group
Women’s Business Development Council
BART is partially funded by the U.S. Department of State, Office of Citizen Exchanges in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
10 Comments
Robin Kramer
15. Nov, 2010
Tahera, you are an inspiration for ALL women, not only in Afghanistan. When you speak of your passion and commitment to moving forward…to taking “the bull by the horns” yourself and making change happen…you are an inspiration. When you speak of your average day – getting up early and prepping your son for school and putting in a full days work at the office and cooking and tending to your family 24/7…you are an inspiration. I and the young professionals at MTV loved hearing you speak about your life and your goals and we wish that you achieve ALL your dreams. Best, Robin
Mojdeh B.
15. Nov, 2010
You are a very bright young lady and a great role model for other young women in Afghanistan. I have no doubt, you will be successful in whatever you start. Best of luck and always remember we are here to support you.
Jamie Banks
15. Nov, 2010
Tahera, it was a pleasure to meet you and spend time with you in NYC and D.C. I was thoroughly impressed with your business pitch and hope you succeed in securing many new clients for Balkh Business Development Company. I look forward to hearing about your success!
Phyllis Rosen
15. Nov, 2010
Tahera, I want to wish you all the luck in the world. It was a pleasure meeting and bringing you to your meetings in lower Manhattan as your escort for the day. I hope in addition to Quicken training you’re bringing chocolate fondue to Mazar!
I hope your son enjoyed his presents and know how much his mother missed him – and what an incredible role model he has.
Don’t hesitate to contact me for anything.
All my best, Phyllis Rosen
Lisa Dubin
15. Nov, 2010
Tahera, I am honored to be your advocate, you are an inspiration to all women. Your drive, your passion, your intelligence and your charm will assure your success and I have no doubt that you will structure the best Quickbooks and accounting training in Mazar. You can count on me for support anytime!
MJ
15. Nov, 2010
Hi Tahera,
I sure do miss you all! You are a wonderful women. Creative, funny, hard working and beautiful (but you know that !).
I look forward to seeing you again soon and seeing how you have become a whiz at Quickbooks. My best to you and your family.
MJ
Wendy Summer
16. Nov, 2010
Salaam Tahera jan,
I hope you are safe and sound back in Mazar with your lovely family!! Everyone who met you here asks for you — we all miss you — we LOVED having you here and are cheering you on from this side of the world! We know you are going to be very successful because you are smart, kind and an inspiration to all!
Love, Wendy
Khristine Q.
17. Nov, 2010
Tahera – beautiful inside and out! I was so moved by the speech you gave at the annual meeting, you gave us all much to think about. Your business is so important for the growth of other businesses in Mazar. I wish you all the success in the world!!
Kara
18. Nov, 2010
Tahera – it was a pleasure to meet and spend time with you! Your passion and motivation are truly inspiring. I look forward to hearing about your successes and telling others that I know the first woman accountant in Afghanistan! All the best, Kara
Tahera Mohammadi
23. Dec, 2010
Hello to all
I am really missing you all, I am thank full from you all, hope you be always healthy with your family members, I share all your kindness here with my family and friends and I told them I was far away from my home in US but I never felt that I am not among my family and people. You made such good and lovely environment for me and you all will be in my heart for ever.
Thank you Tahera Mohammadi from Mazar
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