Guest post by Zainab Zeb Khan, Chair and Cofounder of the Muslim American Leadership Alliance. Born in the US to Pakistani-Afghan immigrants, she became an activist after eye-opening experiences counseling survivors of domestic violence and organizing exhibitions for artists facing repression.

March kicks off Women’s History Month, and this commemorates and encourages the observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. As a proud American of Pakistani heritage, my own personal journey of leveraging personal stories nationwide has led me to seek even more voices and narratives to help dispel stereotypes and institutionalize the stories of individuals that inspire, educate, and celebrate our diverse community.

My beloved mother was a proud Pakistani-American, and after her passing, I have become more vigilant in cherishing and honoring my heritage and seeking out the stories of other women of Pakistani heritage.

Pakistani women have been at the forefront in academia, business, arts, philanthropy, and politics. From a personal perspective, I grappled with finding role models that I could connect with as a youth. It wasn’t that they didn’t exist. Rather, they were not accessible to me.

Today, I work every day to amplify the successes and contributions of the Pakistani diaspora. Just last year, I was invited by the US Embassy of Barcelona on behalf of the Muslim American Leadership Alliance to share the importance of building a replicable model of storytelling and community building.

I learned that Pakistanis are one of Barcelona's largest diaspora communities, including multi-generational families that have settled in the city since the 1970’s. It surprised me that as visible as this community is, there hasn’t been an organized effort to amplify their leadership, especially amongst women, and their contribution to Spanish society.

With the expansion of social media and greater attempts to honor diversity, I stand in awe to see that there are so many incredible women that share my heritage, and have made a profound mark in this world in through their unique legacies.

Let’s keep in mind the incredible diversity among women within the Pakistani-American community.

Amina Lakin, an entrepreneur and beauty connoisseur who launched a global line of cosmetics, Makeup Maniacs.

Dr. Azra Raza, Chan Soon-Shiong Professor of Medicine and Director of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) Center at Columbia University, who also authored the critically acclaimed book, The First Cell: And the Human Cost of Pursuing Cancer to the Last.

Sadaf Jaffer, the first female Muslim American mayor, and first female Pakistani-American mayor in the United States, of Montgomery in Somerset County, New Jersey. 

We recognize Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, daughter of legendary golden-era Hollywood star Rita Hayworth, who also happens to be a global philanthropist known for raising public awareness of Alzheimer's disease.

Shahzia Sikander, a Pakistani-American artist who specializes in fine-arts painting, and the recipient of the MacArthur Fellows Program "genius grant.”

Nadia Ali, Grammy nominated singer and songwriter known for the global hit song "Rapture," and one of the most prominent vocalists of electronic dance music.

The list is endless, and there’s room for more.