Alina Azhar
Development Worker & International Relations Graduate
Istanbul
Summary
Fourteen years of experience in global development, public policy, and human rights advocacy. Founder of Aasra, a social impact organization, demonstrating a commitment to social justice, gender equality, and sustainable development. Proven skills in project management, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement aimed at driving positive change and fostering international cooperation in development studies.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Founder
Aasra Pakistan & Little Steps by Aasra
Lahore, , Punjab, Pakistan
2 2018 - Current
- Launched 'Seikh,' a menstrual health awareness initiative educating over 100 women and girls monthly in slums and rural areas, providing free sanitary napkins valued at $200 per month to address resource scarcity
- Targeted foreign donors who understand the importance of this project
- Managed an orphanage and a free-of-cost school, educating over 100 street children and caring for 7 orphans
- Empowered transgender individuals by funding a $1,500 tailoring business and raised $5,000 during the COVID-19 pandemic for family support and PPE, while sponsoring education for 5 university and 10 school-level students
Delegate
UNITE2030 (United Nations)
New York, New York, USA
07.2022 - 10.2022
- Collaborated with global community of social impact leaders from over 175 countries to discuss strategies and initiatives aimed at advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Cultivated connections among over 100 change-makers, fostering knowledge sharing and developing innovative solutions to address pressing global challenges
Member
Pakistan National Youth Assembly
Islamabad, Pakistan
09.2020 - 09.2021
- Advocate for policies promoting youth development and education, enhancing community engagement and support for over 1,000 underprivileged youth
- Collaborate with stakeholders to design and implement programs that empower underprivileged youth, improving educational access and fostering active community involvement
Education
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
Bilgi University
Istanbul, Turkey 09.2019 - 07.2024
Exchange Semester - Political Science
Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 08.2022 - 12.2022
Skills
- Fundraising & Resource Mobilization
- Project Management
- Cross-Cultural Collaboration
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Leadership
- Public Policy Advocacy
- Research & Analytical Skills
- International Development
- Team Collaboration
- Community Engagement & Leadership
- Humanitarian Aid & Crisis Response
Accomplishments
- 25 under 25, Australia Awards and Australian High Commission, 2022
- Women's Excellence Award, Kinnaird College Women's University, Pakistan, 2022
- Youth Intellectual Award, Youth Intellectual Movement partnered with British Council, 2021
- Diana Award Recipient, 2019
- Distinction in Marketing, Koc University, 2018
- Vice President, Community Service Society, 2016-2017
- Intern, NASA, 2016
Projects
Aasra Turkey (02/2022) - Present
- Established Aasra Turkey in Istanbul to support Syrian refugees living in harsh conditions.
- Raised and distributed $2,000+ worth of groceries and essentials, providing regular relief to refugee families struggling with food insecurity and basic needs.
- Developed and implemented fundraising initiatives, including bake sales and community events, successfully engaging local support and raising awareness for refugee needs.
Volunteer Experience
- Fund Raiser, Azaad Pakistan, 02/2016, Present, Raised over $10,000 since 2016 for 50 humanitarian projects.
- Senior Advisor, Tahafuz Pakistan, 03/2020, 03/2023, Guided initiatives for empowering marginalized communities and social inclusion.
Achievements
- 25 Under 25 by Australia Awards and Australian High Commission (2022)
- Women's Excellence Award by Kinnaird College Women's University, Pakistan (2022)
- Youth Intellectual Award by Youth Intellectual Movement partnered with British Council (2021)
- Diana Award Recipient (2019)
- Distinction in Marketing KOC University (2018)
- Vice President Community Service Society (2016)
- Intern at NASA (2016)
Timeline
Exchange Semester - Political Science
Slippery Rock University
08.2022 - 12.2022
Delegate
UNITE2030 (United Nations)
07.2022 - 10.2022
Member
Pakistan National Youth Assembly
09.2020 - 09.2021
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
Bilgi University
09.2019 - 07.2024
Founder
Aasra Pakistan & Little Steps by Aasra
2 2018 - Current