Honored Guests
Awardees for the Excellence in International Journalism Award
Marina Ovsyannikova
Marina Ovsyannikova is a Russian journalist and former TV editor at the international news department of Russian Television's Channel One. This is the main TV channel in Russia, completely controlled by the Kremlin. After coming to power, Putin took control of all TV channels and gradually destroyed all independent journalism in Russia. After the start of the war with Ukraine, the websites of all independent media were blocked. The Kremlin ordered all journalists to call the war not a war, but a special military operation. But Marina Ovsyannikova did not remain silent.
On March 14, 2022, during a live broadcast of the flagship evening news Vremya (Time) on Channel One, she burst into the studio set with a sign that read, “No War. Don't believe the propaganda. They're lying to you here.” This was her protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the massive propaganda and disinformation that the Russian government consistently and systematically unleashed to deceive and mislead the world. She describes these as six seconds of truth on Russian television.
She was arrested, interrogated, fined three times , and charged under a law that criminalized “disinformation” about the Russian army. She was placed under house arrest. She faced up to 10 years in a Russian prison labor camp. Knowing the danger Marina faced, French President Emmanuel Macron offered her political asylum. A few days before her trial, Marina Ovsyannikova cut off her electronic bracelet, and together with her daughter, managed to escape house arrest with the assistance of the France-based human rights organization, Reporters Without Borders. They used seven different vehicles to evade capture, and finally walked across the border into a forest at night. Russian authorities put her on an international wanted list. She ended up in Paris where the French authorities granted her political asylum.
In October 2023 Marina was sentenced to eight and a half years in a Russian prison penal colony, and banned from having access to the Internet for 10 years, for defaming the Russian army. She was tried for revealing the exact number of children killed by Russian troops in Ukraine. The problem is that this is public information published on the website of the United Nations. Russian courts describe any information about Russian military actions in Ukraine that is not from the Ministry of Defense as fake news.
After her protest during the live broadcast, Marina Ovsyannikova soon found herself in the middle of an information war. In Russia she was accused of having ties to the British Embassy and in Ukraine she was accused of working for the Russian secret services. She became the subject of constant harassment on the Internet. Her ex-husband, who works in the top management of the government-funded Russia Today TV channel, sued her and deprived her of her parental rights. Her son and mother called her a traitor and turned their backs on her.
Marina Ovsyannikova continues to actively oppose the Ukraine war unleashed by the Kremlin. The daughter of a Ukrainian father and a Russian mother, Marina Ovsyannikova is keenly aware of the tragedy of the Ukrainian and Russian people under authoritarian rule. As a child, her home in Grozny was destroyed during the First Chechen War.
Marina has since written a book "Russians Against The War: Six Seconds On Air," which has been translated into many European languages. The English version is titled: “Between Good and Evil: How I finally Opposed the Kremlin Propaganda.” She will sign some copies for interested parties.
Saleha Soadat
Saleha Soadat, an award-winning multimedia journalist from Kabul, Afghanistan, has emerged as a resilient voice in journalism. Raised amidst the challenges of inequality, discrimination, and civil unrest in her hometown, Saleha's narrative took a transformative turn with the arrival of U.S. forces post-9/11, bringing newfound hope and educational opportunities for her and fellow Afghan women.
After graduating from Kabul University with a degree in journalism, Saleha began a remarkable career in media. She made significant contributions to TOLOnews, a prominent private news channel in Kabul, where she became a regular presence in broadcasting the main evening bulletin. Saleha's journalistic prowess has earned her prestigious awards, including "Journalist of the Year 2013" from the Afghanistan Senate and the "Best Reporter Award 2014" from the Afghanistan Parliament (Lower House). The United States Institute of Peace recognized her as a "Peace Reporter."
While initially reporting on current affairs and socio-political development in Afghanistan, Saleha shifted her focus to the compelling stories of Afghan refugees in the U.S. after the Taliban's takeover in August 2021. Her firsthand experience in the evacuation from Kabul airport adds a unique perspective to her latest project, "Broken-Winged Birds: Afghans in Exile," a compelling series featured in Borderless Magazine. This project documents the struggles and aspirations of Afghan refugees, shedding light on their journey and resilience.
Beyond her journalistic activities, Saleha is pursuing a Master's degree at the College of Media and Communications at Texas Tech University. Her ongoing research project explores the pivotal role of women in the press and media landscape in Afghanistan, reflecting her commitment to fostering understanding and empowerment in her field.
Journalist Guests
Anisa Shaheed
Anisa Shaheed is a distinguished journalist who has made remarkable contributions to Afghanistan's
media landscape. With over 13 years of experience, she has covered many topics, including
current affairs, politics, elections, human rights, and security issues. Her unwavering
dedication to reporting has established her as a prominent figure in the field.
Anisa's outstanding work has received notable recognition. Reporters Without Borders recognized her reporting during the coronavirus outbreak as " courageous, “showcasing her commitment to delivering accurate news even in challenging circumstances. Additionally, her sensitive coverage of the attack on a Kabul hospital's maternity ward demonstrated her dedication to presenting the truth with compassion.
Her contributions to journalism were further honored with the prestigious Knight International Journalism Award presented by the esteemed International Center for Journalists. This recognition acknowledged her fearless coverage of human rights, violence, and corruption in Afghanistan, exemplifying her commitment to upholding journalistic integrity and making a profound impact.
Anisa Shaheed's influential presence in the media led to her being named "The Face of Afghanistan's Freedom of Expression" by Afghanistan's Free Speech Hub network. This title reflects her significant role in advocating for the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in Afghanistan's journalistic community.
Khojasta Sameyee
Khojasta Sameyee is a former fellow of the International Women's Media Foundation. She was the head
of a woman-led newspaper named “Daily War and Peace” in Kabul, Afghanistan. She is
the author of The Mountains Have Witnessed, a book of fiction published in August
2021. Her work mainly focuses on women's social lives and human rights in Afghanistan.
She has experience working with Radio Azadi, the Government Media and Information Center, and the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum. Khojasta Sameyee contributed to DROPS, Global Voices, and NABU as a researcher, author, and volunteer translator. She won a UNDP/N-Peace Award in 2018 for her work in journalism, social activism, and promoting peace. She is pursuing a master's degree at the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Najia Safi
Najia Safi is a news reporter who defied societal norms and overcame familial disapproval to
embrace education as a powerful tool against forced marriages, paving the way for
a fulfilling career. In the 9th grade, her journey into journalism began with a position
in an educational radio program, sparking a profound passion for facilitating learning
and setting the stage for her future in the field.
Najia's journalism career unfolded through pivotal roles at state-run Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), SBS-Afghanistan, and Killid Group (TKG). Her contributions earned her the "Malali Hero of Maiwand" Award in 2017.
With a dedicated focus on women's rights, democracy, civil liberties, and gender justice, Najia boasts 15 years of experience advocating for these crucial causes. Concurrently, she pursued higher education at Bakhtar University, earning a Bachelor's degree in law and political science in 2020.
She resides in Virginia and is engaged in academic pursuits, working on her Academic English to prepare for graduate education.
Sherin Tawhedi
Sherin Tawhedi is a reporter from the Hazara ethnic minority of Afghanistan. She was born and raised
in Bamyan Province, surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of her upbringing. Later,
she moved to Kabul, where she completed her higher education in 2012, setting the
stage for her future endeavors.
Sherin's educational journey led her to Avicenna University in Kabul, where she pursued her passion for journalism and mass communication by earning a bachelor's degree. This academic pursuit was not just a quest for knowledge but also a strategic preparation for her impactful career.
After earning her bachelor's degree, Sherin Tawhedi started her professional journey as a reporter at Ariana TV and then on Radio Television of Afghanistan (RTA). Her contributions to the media landscape earned her recognition and set the stage for her impactful work.
Currently residing in Des Moines, Iowa, Sherin is pursuing a master's degree in journalism and mass communication at Iowa State University to enhance her skills further and deepen her unwavering commitment to her chosen field.
Zainab Pirzad
Zainab Pirzad, a distinguished Afghan journalist, brings a wealth of experience and passion to
her role in the media landscape. Born in Parwan, a province in northern Afghanistan,
Zainab's formative years were shaped in the vibrant city of Kabul. She graduated from
Rukhshana High School in 2013 and earned a journalism degree from Kabul University
in 2016.
Zainab's professional journey spans five years, marked by a relentless commitment to women's issues. She served as editor-in-chief of Rukhshana Media, a groundbreaking woman-led newspaper established in Kabul in 2020. Her work has left an indelible mark on the field, as she contributed to Daily Etilaat Roz, PYAK Investigative Journalism Center, and Qara/USIP as a Content Developer.
Following the collapse of Kabul in August 2021 due to the Taliban's seizure of power, Zainab now resides in Washington, DC. She is a Lead Mentor and Coordinator at the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR). Zainab works with 20 female journalists from marginalized communities in Afghanistan, addressing challenges tied to gender and profession. Despite facing challenges in her homeland, Zainab continues to champion the cause of media and women journalists, contributing to advancing these crucial fields.
Mariam Alimi
Mariam Alimi is a professional photographer and one of Afghanistan's first female media practitioners. She defies societal norms and is renowned for her work in a society where women face barriers in the media. Mariam's photography skills are seamlessly intertwined with her passionate advocacy for women's rights and equality.
Mariam was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. Her early years were shaped by a tumultuous backdrop, experiencing refugee life in Pakistan from 1992 to 2002. Despite adversities, she pursued a Diploma in business administration in Kabul and honed her photography craft through courses with AINA Photo and the Munish Khanna Academy in New Delhi, India.
Mariam's journey as a photojournalist gained international recognition. Her work on the plight of murdered journalists has been featured on CBS News. A distinguished International Women's Media Reclaiming Futures Fellow, Mariam later fled Afghanistan, rebuilding her career as a freelance photographer for the Baltimore Banner.
Recently, Mariam's accomplishments included a notable photo credit for the book cover of "Arrows of Light" and a forthcoming exhibition in Badakhashan, Afghanistan. Her resilient spirit, encapsulated in the documentary by E. Chai Vasarhelyi, highlights her courage as a risk-taker, akin to her mentor Lynsey Addoria.
Mariam Alimi now resides in Baltimore, Maryland, after the return of the Taliban to Afghanistan in 2021. She envisions a future where Afghans are not viewed as victims but as individuals with diverse skills and talents. As she continues her journey, Mariam remains inspirational, shaping narratives through her lens and advocating for a brighter future.
Wazhma Fazli
Wazhma Fazli is a news anchor and author who has significantly impacted journalism and social change in Afghanistan. She was born in Khost province, and her lifelong commitment to social justice issues began in childhood. In 2009, after completing her bachelor's degree in law and political science, Wazhma began her journalistic journey. She started addressing violence against women at the Voice of Women radio, which marked the beginning of her dedicated use of the media as a catalyst for social transformation.
Later, she became a news anchor at Lamar TV (Pashtu Language) and worked as a radio program producer with Internews showcasing her dedication to informing the public. In 2015, Wazhma joined Mobi Group and significantly contributed to TOLOnews TV, engaging in diverse news programs. Her career reached new heights when she was appointed news editor at the TOLOnews website. Her leadership played a crucial role in shaping narratives and ensuring the dissemination of credible information, particularly following the collapse of Kabul in August 2021 due to the Taliban's seizure of power.
Currently residing in Virginia, Wazhma continues to impact her profession.
Nabila Seraaj
Nabila Seraaj is a journalist born and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan. She graduated from Kabul University in 2015 with a degree in journalism. She has over seven years of work experience in media, administration, and communication. She was the Editor-in-Chief of the Afghan Women Journalists' Magazine at the Afghan Women Journalists' Union.
Nabila has worked as a trainer at the Afghan Women Journalists' Union, and as a Women Journalist Mentor at LAPIS-Moby Group. She had the honor of joining a fellowship in "Media and Communications" at the Finland Women Journalists organization in Helsinki, Finland. Additionally, she has completed Women's Leadership Development courses at Mashal University in Kabul.
Soniya Azhman
Soniya Azhman, a voice in journalism and poetry, has left an indelible mark on both fields. After graduating from Balkh University with a degree in Persian Language & Literature, Azhman started a career in media, making significant contributions to Nasl-e Naween Radio. Her journey continued with intensive journalism training at the Afghanistan Media Center (Nai), where she was shaped into a determined journalist.
Upon moving to Kabul, Azhman began her reporting career with Pursesh and Neshana News Agencies, later freelancing with Rukhshana Media and Sobh-e Kabul newspaper. Her focus evolved from current affairs to the touching narratives of child labor, women, and peace. Serving as an editor and correspondent at the Office of Deputy Minister of Publication Affairs, Ministry of Information and Culture, Kabul, Azhman's journalistic journey ended abruptly with the Afghanistan Government's fall in August 2021.
Now, in Des Moines, Iowa, Azhman passionately protests against the systematic imprisonment and torture of women and girls, advocating for their right to education and addressing the Hazara genocide by the Taliban. Beyond journalism, Azhman is engaged in academic pursuits, working on her Academic English as a prerequisite to pursuing a Master's degree at Iowa State University. Her endeavors reflect a commitment to social justice and a dedication to giving voice to the silenced, showcasing her resilience and unwavering passion for positive change.
Dewa Nadir
Dewa Nadir is a news reporter from Afghanistan. She has significantly impacted Afghan journalism through her insightful reporting. She was born in the Paktiya province of Afghanistan but spent her childhood in neighboring Pakistan, which shaped her early years.
After completing high school in Kabul, Dewa pursued her passion for journalism and enrolled at Kabul University. In 2017, during her third year at the university, she landed her first reporting job with Shamshad TV (Pashto Language). Focusing on socio-political news, Dewa quickly became known for her compelling news reporting.
Dewa moved to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFERL) as her career progressed. There she established herself as a news reporter. Her work gained significant attention and recognition, highlighting her unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth and bringing important issues to light.
In August 2021, following the collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, Dewa Nadir decided to leave her homeland. She now lives in Virginia and continues to make contributions to journalism.
Abbas Changezi
Abbas Changezi, a distinguished journalist, is best known as the co-founder of "Daily Outlook Afghanistan," the country's inaugural English newspaper, launched in March 2005. His visionary approach and unwavering commitment to delivering trustworthy news during challenging circumstances underscore his significance in the field.
Abbas holds a Master's Degree in Social Work, reflecting his dedication to addressing social issues through journalism and direct intervention. His academic pursuits align seamlessly with his role as an international development professional, where he implemented USAID projects in Afghanistan, further contributing to positive societal change.
As the co-founder and News Editor of "Daily Outlook Afghanistan," Abbas played a pivotal role in navigating the challenges of establishing a credible news source in a country grappling with infrastructural deficiencies. His leadership, alongside a dedicated team, facilitated the newspaper's emergence as a beacon of information during a time marked by hurdles in news dissemination.
Currently residing in Chicago, Abbas continues leveraging his journalism and international development expertise. His journey, marked by resilience and dedication, inspires aspiring journalists and advocates for positive change.
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