Sara Wahedi: The Afghan-Canadian Entrepreneur Who Is Changing the Future of Civic Technology
Sara Wahedi's Journey from Refugee to Founder of Ehtesab: A Story of Innovation, Courage, and Resilience
Introduction
Sara Wahedi, an Afghan-Canadian entrepreneur, has become a beacon of hope and a driving force in the world of civic technology. Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, and later fleeing to Canada as a refugee, Sara’s story is one of determination, perseverance, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place through technology. As the founder and CEO of Ehtesab, a civic tech platform that provides real-time security and public alerts, she is revolutionizing how people in crisis zones, especially Afghanistan, access vital information during dangerous times.
Sara’s innovative work has earned her international recognition, placing her among the most influential voices in the tech industry, particularly when it comes to making technology work for the greater good. This article will explore her journey, the impact of her work, and how her entrepreneurial spirit is changing lives in some of the world’s most challenging regions.
Quick Bio
| Name | Sara Wahedi |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 23 January 1995 |
| Place of Birth | Kabul, Afghanistan |
| Nationality | Afghan-Canadian |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, CEO of Ehtesab |
| Notable Work | Founder of Ehtesab, Civic Technology Leader |
| Education | University of British Columbia, Columbia University, Oxford University |
| Awards | TIME Next Generation Leaders, MIT Innovators Under 35, Forbes 30 Under 30 |
Early Life and the Path to Entrepreneurship
Sara Wahedi’s journey began in Kabul, where she was born into a country torn apart by war and instability. At a young age, her family was forced to flee Afghanistan and resettle in Canada in 2005. Adjusting to life as refugees was not easy, but Sara’s determination to succeed in a new country drove her to excel academically and professionally. She attended schools in British Columbia before earning a scholarship to study Urban Studies at Columbia University in New York. There, she developed a keen interest in how technology could address societal problems, especially in conflict zones like her homeland.
Sara’s background as a refugee deeply shaped her entrepreneurial mindset. Having experienced the challenges of fleeing a war-torn country and adapting to a new life, she became passionate about empowering others in similar situations. This led to her founding Ehtesab, a civic tech platform aimed at improving the lives of people living in crisis zones by providing verified, real-time alerts about security risks, including explosions, gunfire, and other hazards.
The Birth of Ehtesab: A Revolutionary Civic Tech Solution
Ehtesab, founded by Sara in 2018, has transformed how people access critical information in areas where access to traditional news and security services is limited. The app empowers Afghan citizens, enabling them to report incidents, such as attacks, bombings, and roadblocks, while receiving live updates to stay safe.
The core value of Ehtesab lies in its transparency and accountability. The platform collects data from verified sources and citizens on the ground, ensuring that information is accurate and reliable. In a region where misinformation can cause chaos and confusion, Ehtesab has become an essential tool for navigating uncertain situations.
Sara’s commitment to the project stems from her desire to give people the power to protect themselves and their communities. The app is more than just a tool for reporting incidents; it fosters a sense of collective responsibility, encouraging citizens to work together to ensure their safety and well-being.
Entrepreneurial Success: A Step Towards Global Impact
Since its inception, Ehtesab has been recognized for its potential to bring about real change in regions affected by conflict. The app has saved countless lives by providing users with timely information during terrorist attacks, bombings, and other security threats. Sara’s leadership has positioned her as a trailblazer in the civic tech industry, especially in Afghanistan, where technology is often viewed as a luxury rather than a necessity.
Sara Wahedi’s entrepreneurial journey has not only brought her success but has also opened the door for more women in Afghanistan to engage with the tech world. In a country where women have historically been marginalized, Sara is proving that women can lead the charge in tech innovation. By empowering women in her community and beyond, she has become a role model for aspiring female tech entrepreneurs in the Middle East and North Africa.
Awards and Recognition: Sara Wahedi’s Influence on the Global Stage
Sara’s innovative approach to civic tech has earned her numerous accolades. She was named one of TIME Magazine’s Next Generation Leaders in 2021, and MIT Technology Review listed her among the Innovators Under 35 in 2022. Her work has also earned her a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in the Social Impact category.
These recognitions highlight the importance of Sara’s work in using technology for social good, as well as her dedication to creating a platform that can save lives. Her efforts to bring about change in her home country, where the need for such services is dire, have made her an internationally respected figure in the world of tech.
Sara Wahedi’s Vision for the Future
As the CEO of Ehtesab, Sara continues to push the boundaries of what technology can achieve in regions affected by conflict. She envisions a future where technology is a tool for civic empowerment and social change, particularly for those who have been excluded from traditional systems of information and security.
In addition to Ehtesab, Sara is involved in Civaam, a civic tech and AI company focused on building solutions for crisis regions. Civaam seeks to combine cutting-edge AI with local knowledge to create tools that can improve governance, response to disasters, and support humanitarian efforts in the world’s most vulnerable regions.
Sara’s work in the tech industry is not just about business success; it’s about leveraging innovation to bring about tangible social change. She remains committed to her mission of ensuring that everyone, regardless of where they live or their socioeconomic status, has access to life-saving information.
Challenges Faced by Sara Wahedi
Despite her success, Sara’s journey has not been without challenges. As an Afghan-Canadian woman in the tech industry, she has faced numerous barriers, including gender bias and the difficulties of working in a field dominated by men. In addition, the political instability in Afghanistan has posed a constant challenge for her company, especially as the situation worsened in 2021 with the Taliban’s resurgence.
Despite these obstacles, Sara has remained resilient, believing that technology has the power to overcome such challenges. Her determination to succeed and help others is what drives her to continue pushing for change.
Conclusion
Sara Wahedi’s journey from a refugee to a powerful entrepreneur is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the potential of technology to improve lives. Through her work with Ehtesab and Civaam, she has proven that innovation can be a force for good, especially in the world’s most challenging regions. Sara’s story is one of resilience, courage, and a commitment to helping others, and her legacy will inspire future generations of tech entrepreneurs to follow in her footsteps.
FAQ
1. What is Sara Wahedi known for?
Sara Wahedi is known for founding Ehtesab, a civic tech platform that provides real-time alerts about security risks and other hazards in Afghanistan, where access to information is limited.
2. How did Sara Wahedi get involved in technology?
Sara was inspired by her experiences as a refugee and her desire to empower people in crisis zones. She pursued studies in Urban Studies and Data Science, which led to her focus on tech solutions for societal challenges.
3. What is Ehtesab?
Ehtesab is a civic tech app created by Sara Wahedi that allows citizens in Afghanistan to report and receive verified alerts about security risks, such as bombings and gunfire.
4. What awards has Sara Wahedi won?
Sara has received several prestigious awards, including being named one of TIME Magazine’s Next Generation Leaders, listed among MIT Technology Review’s Innovators Under 35, and recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2023.
5. What are Sara Wahedi’s future plans?
Sara plans to expand the impact of Ehtesab and continue her work with Civaam, a company focused on applying AI and civic tech to improve governance and humanitarian efforts in crisis zones.
