Roya Mahboob

Roya Mahboob is a prominent Afghan businesswoman and entrepreneur who serves as an advisor at the Forbes School of Business & Technology at Ashford University.1 Her accomplishments and influence extend far beyond this advisory role:

Professional Background

Roya Mahboob is the founder and CEO of Afghan Citadel Software Company, a software development firm based in Herat, Afghanistan.1 She is recognized as one of the first female IT CEOs in Afghanistan, breaking barriers in a country where it's still uncommon for women to work outside the home.1

Entrepreneurial Ventures

In addition to her software company, Mahboob has been involved in several other entrepreneurial initiatives:

• Co-founder of Women's Annex, a multilingual blog and video platform that empowers women in Afghanistan and Central Asia to share their stories1
• Helped develop Examer, an interactive educational social networking platform with a micro-scholarship payment system1
• CEO and President of Digital Citizen Fund and Bright Citizen (Coffee & Tea)3

Recognition and Influence

Mahboob's work has garnered significant international recognition:

• Named to TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 20131
• Met with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who praised her contributions to Afghan society and the global community1
• Serves on advisory boards for various organizations, including the Resolution Project and Global Thinkers Forum24

Advocacy and Impact

Roya Mahboob has faced challenges and threats for her work but remains committed to promoting gender equality and empowerment in Afghanistan. She has been quoted saying, "You have to show everybody that men and women are equal. Women can do something if you allow them. Give them opportunity and they can prove themselves".1

Through her various roles and initiatives, Mahboob continues to be a driving force for technological advancement, education, and women's empowerment in Afghanistan and beyond.