Reza Hussaini is a human rights activist, journalist, and entrepreneur committed to education, Human Right, and democracy. As the founder of several advocacy initiatives and the owner of Peshtaaz , his work has impacted over 10,000 people through humanitarian efforts, education programs, and policy advocacy.
Early Life & Education
Born in war-torn Afghanistan in 2003, just two years after the U.S.-led intervention, Reza Hussaini grew up in a country where conflict was a constant reality. Despite the instability around him, his pursuit of education began in 2009, in an environment where learning was often disrupted by violence and uncertainty.
During high school, Reza attended Marefat High School, one of Afghanistan’s top-ranked institutions, where he was elected President of the Student Council. His leadership extended beyond the classroom—he became part of national conversations on youth empowerment and the future of his country.
But his journey was not without loss. He survived two devastating terrorist attacks at Mawoud and Kawsar Danish Educational Centers , where many of his classmates and friends were killed. Despite the heartbreak and fear, he remained committed to his education, graduating with high honors. In 2019, he was selected as a U.S. State Department Alumni, a recognition of his dedication and leadership.
“My work has never been about titles, recognition, or numbers. It has always been about people—the ones who were silenced before they ever had the chance to speak, the ones who were told they couldn’t, and the ones who still wake up every day fighting for the right to learn, to exist, to be free. I don’t do this work because it’s easy. I do it because I’ve seen what happens when no one does. I’ve seen children in war zones still holding onto their books, refusing to let go of their dreams. I’ve seen young girls risking everything just to step into a classroom. I’ve seen families rebuilding their lives from nothing, with nothing but hope to hold onto. And I have seen how quickly a voice can be erased—how a person, a story, an entire history can be rewritten or silenced just because someone in power decides it should be. That is why I speak. That is why I fight. That is why I refuse to stop.
For me, advocacy is not a profession—it is a responsibility. A duty to those who don’t have the privilege of being heard. A promise to the ones left behind. Every opportunity I have had, every platform I have stood on, every word I have spoken has never been just for me—it has been for them. I may have lost my home, but I have not lost my purpose. No matter where I go, no matter how far I am from the place I once called home, my fight does not end. Because the struggle for justice, education, and freedom is not tied to one land, one people, or one voice—it is a fight that belongs to all of us. And I will never stop being part of it.” - Reza Hussaini
Exile & New Beginnings in the United States
After the fall of Kabul in 2021, Reza Hussaini was forced to flee his home, leaving behind everything he had built. With the support of U.S. Congress and a host family, he relocated to the United States, beginning a new chapter while continuing his lifelong mission. His journey—marked by resilience and hardship—was covered by NPR, bringing attention to the realities faced by displaced individuals.His host family quickly became more than just a place of refuge—they became a profound part of his life. Their kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support have shaped the way he sees the world, teaching him lessons that extend far beyond survival. They have been instrumental in his growth, influencing his perspectives on life, identity, and belonging. Now based in the U.S., Reza is pursuing a degree in Political Science with a focus on International Affairs at one of the country’s top universities. While adapting to a new life, he remains deeply committed to his advocacy, using journalism, education initiatives, and social entrepreneurship as tools to create lasting impact.
As the owner of Peshtaaz, he is building a business rooted in social responsibility—ensuring that entrepreneurship and empowerment go hand in hand. His work extends beyond business, as he continues to advocate for women’s rights, education access, and refugee protection, using his platform to raise awareness and drive change.
In addition to his studies and activism, Reza is working on his memoir, Borders Couldn’t Hold Me, which chronicles his journey from Afghanistan to international advocacy, highlighting the resilience of those who refuse to be silenced. His work remains deeply rooted in his mission: to empower the next generation, fight for education as a fundamental right, and be a voice for those forced into silence by oppression and conflict.
