Support Afghan Women's Education in America

I am Sarah Dionna, a Marine Corps veteran and volunteer with Operation Snow Leopard, helping resettle refugees from Afghanistan since 2021.

Our missions have been documented by several outlets (Global Washington Operation Snow Leopard 2024, BBC Escape From The Taliban 2022, Charleston City Paper Sarah Dionna Pauses Performi).

I am raising funds for an initiative to bring three single Afghan women and a young daughter of one of them, to the United States with the F1 student visa program.

This is not a pathway to citizenship, it is an educational opportunity for four years. After completing their studies, the women will seek employment in Europe.

Meet the Women:

*To protect their identities I have given each woman a random letter in place of their names.*

M is a doctor who provided medical care at hospitals and clinics to Afghans and our allies during the 20-year war. She advocated for women's rights and helped build libraries. She speaks multiple languages and has worked as an interpreter. After the fall of Kabul, she and her family endured multiple attacks with severe consequences because of her career, forcing her to flee with her daughter. Relocated in a nearby country, in October 2024, her 8-year-old daughter started school for the first time ever and is at the top of her class! They have two cats to bring with them.

J was injured by an improvised explosive device attack when she was 2 years old, which has plagued her with lifelong disabilities. Even so, she pushed through and got her education and had a career working in prosthetics and orthotics. After the fall of Kabul, she was severely beaten because of her career, resulting in multiple broken bones and the need for hip replacement surgery. She continues to volunteer at a medical clinic in a nearby country. She has always been at the top of her classes and loves studying English. Her dream is to study in the United States.

P was working as a security guard at a school in Afghanistan when it was attacked by a suicide bomber in September 2022, which resulted in the death of dozens and many more were injured, particularly young girls who were students. P was shot in the chest twice in the attack but managed to survive. She is also in a nearby country awaiting relocation.

After giving so much of themselves, it is now time to get these women out and support welcoming them to the United States as students!

Fundraising Goal: $70,000

Total Estimated Cost for their first year: $82,000

We already have a $12,000 commitment, thanks to a generous donor, and are fundraising for the remaining $70,000 for their first year of tuition and living expenses.

Anything raised above our $70,000 goal will go towards paying for their second year of tuition and/or additional living expenses.

100% of the donations to this campaign will be sent to Operation Snow Leopard Afghanistan, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Virginia, and held in it's own account. All funds raised will be used solely for this mission, for these three women and young girl.

Operation Snow Leopard is an all volunteer organization. None of the volunteers are paid and there is very little operational costs.

https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/872546971

Note about the timeline:

We expect to have F1 Visas issued in time for the women to begin classes during the 2025 fall semester at Laurel Ridge College in Virginia.

I will publish updates as they come, for all the donors.

Thank you for supporting our mission!