About Us
Khadija's Story: read more about her journey, click here
After graduating from high school, Khadija Nazari received a scholarship to study at the American University of Afghanistan. Subsequently, she continued her studies at the Asian University for Women in Bangladesh. During the Covid epidemic she had to return to Afghanistan.
When the Taliban seized control, Khadija was able to escape and she came to the United States. Currently she is studying at Brown University with a major in International and Public Affairs.
Khadija refuses to forget the girls who are still determined to get an education in Afghanistan. She works tirelessly to support the work of SAGE.
Khadija Nazari - Founder and President
Board of Directors
Jan Shapin -Vice President
Founded and ran an organization that provided training for local governments in the areas of community development, economic development and low-income housing. She trained Polish local government officials on how to adapt to a market economy following the democratic revolution of the 1980s. She currently devotes her time to organizations and activities that increase the social and political power of women.
Susan Jordan-Treasurer
Had a successful career as a psychotherapist and counselor, serving families impacted by addiction. She also spent over 20 years in prison ministry, working with men whose lives were derailed by violence, neglect and poverty.
Susan was the first Rhode Islander who stepped forward to help Khadija realize her dream. She organized friends and neighbors, raised the seed money to start the school in Kabul, and supported Khadija every step of the way.
Anne Sliney - Secretary
Recently retired from a long career in nursing. She developed a clinical specialty in HIV nursing, and worked extensively with patients in Rhode Island. Mid-career, she moved into the field of global health, taking her clinical skills and program management experience to the wider international community. For many years she served as the Chief Nursing Officer for the Clinton Health Access Initiative. In that role, she worked with governments throughout the world to address their most critical healthcare issues.
Jamie Roach-Decker
Retired dentist who cares deeply about women and access to education. She is Chair of the scholarship committee of the Federation of Women (South County Chapter). Jamie has been a super fundraiser for SAGE, making it possible for the school to get off the ground.
Carol Czaja
As a researcher for the Military Research Institute at Purdue University, Carol came in contact with National Guard members deploying to or returning from Afghanistan. This opened her eyes to the complex and long-term struggles of Afghanistan. Later, when she met Khadija and learned that she was a survivor of the Taliban, Carol enthusiastically joined the team to support the clandestine school in Kabul.
Staff
Coco Huang - Media Consultant
Xuanjie “Coco” Huang is a student at Brown University stutaffdying International Affairs with a focus on humanitarian action. She worked for the local Refugee Dream Center and Human Rights Commission in Rhode Island. Coco is also passionate about media and journalism, and has contributed to outlets like NBC. She dreams of leveraging storytelling and communications to amplify marginalized voices and create meaningful change in humanitarian efforts
Support our mission by volunteering or contributing financially/materially. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Afghan girls through education.
To donate by check, make check payable to:
SAGE Afghanistan
mail to
Anne Sliney
106 Welfare Ave
Cranston,
RI 02910
