Farahnaz Tooryalai’s career journey began 7,228 miles away.
“I came from a country where war disrupted every part of life, where women and girls were denied basic rights and their voices and dreams were often silenced,” Tooryalai said. “When I left my home country, I packed an entire life in my suitcase: a suitcase of dreams, hopes and ambitions.”
Having family in the St. Louis area, she and her husband made the decision to move here from Afghanistan in the fall of 2022. “I was excited to come to America, but also nervous. I was starting a new chapter in a different country and a new way of life,” she said.
While acclimating to a new culture and language, Tooryalai also endured two months with no job and little direction. Just as she began working toward a GED, an apartment fire destroyed everything the couple owned. The stress of the event contributed to a heartbreaking miscarriage.
Through it all, she never lost sight of her goal of obtaining an education. Having been a midwife in Afghanistan, she also was eager to find her way back into healthcare.
“There were moments when I felt it was impossible to continue,” Tooryalai said. “But I made a choice to keep going, not only for myself, but for those who are still waiting for the opportunity to learn, grow and dream.”