Global Team

  • Khalida Popal is an award-winning Afghan football pioneer and activist, globally recognized for her contributions to women's rights and sports development. As the founder of Girl Power Organisation and the Program and Event Director for the Afghanistan Women's National Team, she has also served as a consultant for sport-for-development initiatives, and she is the member of collation for UNHCR’s Sport Forum. Popal has dedicated her career to advocating for inclusion of women and girls with the main focus on refugee women and minorities, using sports as a tool for empowerment and change. 

    In 2007, Popal co-founded the Afghanistan Women's National Team, a pivotal moment in the country's history. During the Taliban's resurgence, she led the successful evacuation of team players, launching a global campaign that united Afghan women across the diaspora and exile in the fight for recognition of the Afghanistan women’s national team in Exile, and equal rights. Her tireless advocacy continues to challenge patriarchal norms and push for gender equality in the world of sports. 

    Popal’s advocacy work has taken her to some of the world’s largest stages. She has been a keynote speaker at notable events such as the She is Global Forum, the UN Women, United Nations General assembly (UNGA)Angel City Summit, UNESCO, UNHCR. where she has consistently raised the voices of women and fought for their inclusion in sports. 

    In addition to her activism, Popal is the author of “My Beautiful Sisters”, a gripping memoir that chronicles her journey from growing up in Afghanistan, co-founding the national team, to living as a refugee while championing women's rights globally. The memoir is a powerful story of courage, teamwork, and hope in the face of adversity. 

    Her efforts have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the FIFPro Award, the Peace and Sport Special Jury Prize, Leaders in Sport U40 Class of 2019 Award, the UEFA Equal Game Award, The Lantos Human Rights Prize, and several other awards and recognitions honoring her role as a global ambassador for women's empowerment through sports.

  • Sara has specialised knowledge of marketing, PR, and communication in the start-up industry. She currently works as the marketing manager for Lyngby Boldklub and previously has worked for AB Gladsaxe. She holds a master’s degree in Political communication and Management from CBS and has working experience from  a number of start-ups. With her combination of strategic communication, project management and marketing skills she has a good foundation for raising awareness, advocacy work and branding of Girl Power.

  • Marisa Schlenker is a volunteer with the Girl Power Germany and Girl Power global teams. Growing up in the Midwest in the USA, she developed her passion for football and followed her dreams to playing at the professional level after spending 4.5 years as a student athlete at the University of Wisconsin where she majored in political science and Spanish. She has accumulated playing experience in Sweden, Spain, USA and Germany. 

    With a master's in sport for development and conflict resolution from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) and a pending masters degree from Konstanz Universität, Marisa has been able to take on many different types of roles in the sport for development sector from program management to monitoring, evaluation and learning to learning and development facilitator.

    In 2018, as the lead researcher of the EU funded Global Goals World Cup Erasmus + project led by EIR Football, she had the privilege to work alongside Khalida, Shabnam M. and Shabnam Ruhin and starting in 2020, she joined the organisation as a volunteer with the Germany chapter to support girl power themed workshops and the delivery of the Leadership Academy in Hamburg.

  • María Ángeles Salazar is based in Barcelona, Spain. As a child she tried a bit of everything, from taekwondo to swimming to gymnastics. But learning languages seemed to be a constant for her. That’s why she started her career as a translator and interpreter. She joined Mongabay, an environmental news non-profit, first as a translator, then as a project manager, and over the course of ten years she’s been expanding her role and has become Content Production Manager. While environmental protection is a cause that resonates with her, she’s also passionate about women and girls’ rights, leadership and education. She’s also a great sports fan and an artist. When she heard about Girl Power, she was excited to find a place that combined all of her passions and to start helping the team. Her main motivation is working for a cause that gives the world hope. Outside of work, María Ángeles likes to practice yoga, go for runs and dance; she always has a sketchbook close and she loves talking about food, books and movies. And, of course, watching football games.

  • Heloise Bargeot is originally from France and grew up in a male-dominated fencing environment. As the only woman of her generation in her sports club, she contributed to making fencing more accessible, especially for women.

    Graduated with a master’s degree in sociology, she developed strong analytical skills to understand social and complex phenomena, as well as a deep interest in different cultures. She believes in the power of human connection and the importance of learning from one another in a diverse world—an issue more relevant than ever. As Gandhi once said: “Our ability to achieve unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.”

    With experience as an athlete, referee, volunteer, and coach, she decided to take her commitment beyond Europe. Now in Cambodia, she is dedicated to supporting youth education and promoting the power of sports in a new cultural context.

  • Malyun Hassan Farah is a passionate International cricket athlete, coach, and advocate for social inclusion. Born in Somalia, she pursued a professional football career in Finland, where she now lives and coaches, inspiring young people to engage in sports and social activities. In addition to her work in football, Malyun is also a dedicated cricket player, representing both her club and national team.

    Committed to empowering refugees and asylum seekers, Malyun uses coaching, mentoring, and public advocacy to promote social inclusion. She joined the Girl Power network in 2023 as a coach and mentor, actively contributing to the Girl Power Leadership Programs and supporting young women in sports and leadership.

    Beyond her work with Girl Power, Malyun is involved in Youth Exchanges in Finland and across Europe, fostering opportunities for young people to connect and grow. As a prominent community leader among the Somali diaspora in Europe and back home, she continues to champion the power of sport as a tool for positive change.

  • Born in Pakistan, Ghana spent a formative decade in London, where she completed her legal studies and began her career, before bringing her expertise to Berlin. She specialises in Corporate IP and Sports Law and currently works alongside Girl Power’s COO on partnerships and outreach.

    Growing up with Arsenal F.C.-supporting brothers, football was a constant influence. Combined with badminton and swimming, this built discipline, resilience, and leadership that continue to shape her professional approach. Having witnessed barriers facing women across different cultures and jurisdictions, she is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and more equitable professional structures.

    Beyond her legal work, she is a certified Mental Health First Aider, focused on reducing stigma and improving awareness around mental health. She also provides ad hoc pro bono support to underrepresented individuals and communities. To stay grounded, she prioritises movement and is often found in Pilates or dance classes.

  • A dedicated and passionate expert in the field of communication. Armed with a degree in Communication, Media, and Culture, as well as a PhD in Social Media and Social Responsibility, she has honed her expertise over the years. With over a decade of experience in teaching communication and more than ten years of hands-on experience in the field, Dr. Tsene has become a prominent figure in the industry. Her current roles include being the Head of PR, Art, and Educational Programs at Comicdom Con Athens, the founder of the Athens Comics Library, and the managing co-director of the Digital Comics Museum. She has a proven track record of organising and curating numerous events, exhibitions, conferences, and workshops. She is also collaborating with Impact Hub Athens as a business development consultant and impact measurement expert. 

    Presently, Dr. Tsene serves as a researcher and teaching associate at the esteemed MA Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Hellenic Open University. She also teaches Applied Communications at the MA Rhetorics, Education and Humanities at the National University of Athens.  Her expertise extends to international conferences where she actively participates, sharing her insights on media, digital media, entrepreneurship, storytelling, and social impact. She is also adept at designing and facilitating workshops utilising design thinking, collaborative storytelling and team-building methodologies. 

    Notably, since 2008, Dr. Tsene has been dedicating her time to crafting and conducting educational workshops employing comics storytelling methodologies. These workshops cater to children, educators, and professionals, leaving a lasting positive impact on their learning experiences.

    The past 4 years she has been active in the field of sports event management and production of sports for social development programs, leading the Girl Power Greece team.

  • Ayisat Endurance Yusuf is a former professional footballer, coach, and passionate advocate for women's football and social inclusion through sports. With a distinguished career spanning over 13 years, she proudly represented Nigeria’s national team, the Super Falcons, in multiple international tournaments, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Olympic Games, and the African Women’s Cup of Nations. With 68 caps for Nigeria and 108 international club appearances, Ayisat made a lasting impact on and off the pitch, playing for top clubs in Nigeria, Finland, and Sweden.

    After retiring from professional football, Ayisat dedicated herself to empowering young female athletes and promoting diversity in sports. She is the founder of the SheFootball Initiative, an organization committed to mentoring and supporting women footballers in Africa. In 2023, she joined Girl Power and has since been leading the initiative in Lagos, Nigeria, coaching, mentoring, and advocating for gender equality in sports. Through this platform, she works to create opportunities for young girls, develop grassroots football programs, and break down barriers preventing women from thriving in the game.

    Ayisat’s influence extends beyond the football field. She has spoken at events organized by UEFA, FIFPRO, and other global organizations, sharing her expertise on women’s football development and the role of sports in driving social change. She has also played a key role in coaching youth teams in Finland, working with FC Viikingit, FC Pohu, IF Gnistan, and GPS United. Her coaching philosophy focuses on nurturing talent, fostering discipline, and creating pathways for young athletes—especially migrant women and girls—to succeed in football and beyond.

    Her dedication to sports and community development has earned her numerous awards, including the Naija Women Football League Special Recognition Award, the FIFPRO Players’ Voice Award, and the Sportswomen Award in Finland. She also serves as Vice President of the Nigeria Women’s Football League, further championing the growth of women's football.

    With an unwavering commitment to empowerment and representation, Ayisat remains a trailblazer in the fight for gender equality in sports. Through her leadership at Girl Power Nigeria, she continues to inspire the next generation of female footballers to dream big, break barriers, and create lasting change.

  • Natalia Adamashvili holds a bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Arts and a professional master’s degree in Football Business. She co-directed and co-produced the documentary film “Lanchkhuti, 3 Years Later,” focused on the development and achievements of the women’s football team. The documentary was screened at several festivals and received a nomination for the Tsinandali Award, recognizing outstanding contributions in science and art by individuals under 30.

    She has experience in media, communications, project coordination, and football operations. Natalia has worked with FC Pafos as part of the media team and contributed to a sponsorship consulting project for the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA). She currently works as a Team Liaison Officer at the Georgian Football Federation and is also involved in the communications team of the Girl Power project.


  • Elene Adamashvili holds a bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Arts and a professional master’s degree in Football Business. She co-produced and co-directed the film “Lanchkhuti, 3 Years Later,” which highlights the success story of WFC Lanchkhuti; the film was screened at multiple festivals and nominated for the Tsinandali Award for outstanding contributions in science and art by individuals under 30.

    She has experience working in the media and communications team at FC Pafos and has contributed to a fan engagement consulting project for Liga Portugal. Currently works as a Team Liaison Officer for the Georgian Football Federation and is also a volunteer member of the Girl Power communications team.

Denmark Team

  • Sima Kamal is the Project Manager at Girl Power, where she oversees initiatives focused on girls' empowerment and community participation. Originally from Afghanistan, Sima was a runner and mountain climber before fleeing due to the Taliban takeover and seeking asylum in Denmark. Having transitioned from a participant to a project leade.r, she values Girl Power as a platform of strength and hope. Over the next five years, she plans to complete her bachelor’s and master’s degrees while continuing her volunteer work to empower women

  • Surbhi is a bar-qualified lawyer with past experience working at a commercial law firm doing disputes and transaction work, as in-house lead counsel in a sport federation, and as a clerk to the Chief Justice of the Indian Supreme Court. She received a Masters in Sport Administration from Lausanne, Switzerland in 2019, represents athletes in sports arbitration, including pro-bono, and consults for not-profits and international organizations such as the UNODC and the IOC, as well as firms, across India and Europe. Her recent work and publications have spanned sport and commercial arbitration, federation regulations, procedure and human rights. She is also doctoral candidate (with a focus on sports and arbitration, expected June, 2026) at the University of Neuchatel, Neuchatel, Switzerland.

    She has extensive volunteering and event organizing experience in sport, and has coached young girls in sports for development focused not-for-profits. She herself has competed for national teams in India, Switzerland and Denmark, among other current international and national club playing/coaching commitments in the sport of Ultimate. She is also part of the DEI Committee of the European Ultimate Federation and School Committee of WFDF. She is passionate about geographical and gender equity in, and access to sport.

    Surbhi grew up in Mumbai, India competing at squash and football in age-group divisions in the country. In her free time, Surbhi enjoys travelling, particularly with hiking and camping and reading.

  • Habiba Kamal is originally from Afghanistan and currently based in Odense, Denmark. She is lives with her family in Denmark where they are currently seeking asylum. She is a project manager for Girl Power Denmark and worked at Ascend Afghanistan as a fitness, yoga, and outdoor activities leader. She is also deeply passionate about the environment and actively advocates for climate change prevention.

  • Pelin, originally from Turkey and now based in Copenhagen, Denmark, joined Girl Power in 2024, bringing her extensive background in sports science and athlete performance. She served as the Head of Women’s Performance at HB Køge, where she leads programs focused on injury prevention, strength training, and optimizing player performance using advanced data analysis techniques such as GPS monitoring. Pelin is particularly skilled in developing individualized training and recovery plans based on female physiology, including menstrual cycle tracking.

    Additionally, Pelin has worked with several international sports teams from FC Nordsjælland, Yale University, B.93, The Turkish Basketball Federation, as well as other high level football clubs in Turkey. She has also worked at academic institutions, contributing to cutting-edge research on high-performance sports. She is passionate about promoting women's sports and health, combining her scientific expertise with a drive to help athletes reach their full potential. Pelin is committed to empowering the next generation of female athletes through education, mentorship, and science-backed training methods.

  • Emily Bisgaard is a Danish artist, and football enthusiast whose career reflects a blend of social impact, creativity, and leadership. Raised in Hong Kong and originally from Denmark, Emily’s multicultural upbringing has shaped her global outlook. She has spent much of her professional career in Amsterdam and London, where she has dedicated her efforts to empowering women and advancing diversity and inclusion. 

    Emily’s professional journey includes working at Nike’s European Headquarters, where she led various projects across sustainability and DE&I. She led the Lotus Flower Program, the first of it’s kind initiative focusing on integrating refugee women into the labor market by providing them with employment opportunities. In addition, she worked in Nike Football on various projects focusing on the inclusion of women. She also worked on the Nike Footwear Product Creation Team where she led over 100 footwear projects.

    As a football player and former football coach, Emily’s involvement in the sport began at a young age. This early experience nurtured her passion for using sports as a platform for personal development and social change. As the previous Head of Football at Project Fearless in Amsterdam, she led their first Football Program which supported girls from marginalized backgrounds in Amsterdam to build confidence, teamwork, and leadership. 

    Additionally, Emily was the Social Impact Manager at She Matters, a Dutch NGO focused on empowering refugee and migrant women find employment opportunities. Here her expertise was utitlized to create safe spaces for women to grow their skills and personal agency.  

    An artist at heart, Emily also holds a Master’s in Socially Engaged Art, from Artez University of the Arts in the Netherlands where she focused on the use of art and sport for conflict transformation and peacebuilding. Spending time in Belfast, Northern Ireland, she led Play 4 Peace, an initiative that used basketball and public art to bring together communities divided by conflict. 

    Emily Bisgaard’s career is a testament to her commitment to merging creativity, social justice, and leadership, impacting lives both on and off the football field. Her work continues to empower women, youth, and underserved communities across the globe.

  • Fabiana is an experienced football coach and sports scientist with a diverse career spanning various countries, including Spain, Vietnam, the United States, Kuwait, and Denmark. I began as a player in international leagues, including the NCAA and the International APAC Conference. Transitioning to coaching, I spent over five years at RCD Espanyol as Head Coach and Sports Scientist in the youth department, focusing on player development for both men’s and women’s teams.

    My coaching journey continued in Kuwait, where I led initiatives in men’s football, further enhancing my leadership skills. In Denmark, I worked with Akademisk Boldklub Gadsaxe in the professional leagues, contributing to the team’s success. Notably, in 2024, I made history as the first female head coach in Danish men's professional football leagues, serving as interim head coach for AB.

    Passionate about player development, I thrive on the challenges of the sports industry and remain dedicated to making a positive impact in football.

  • Paul Doran is a Belfast-born Irish visual artist whose paintings explores social and political disruptions. Drawing from his background as an athlete—he played Gaelic football, club football, and was an Ulster Champion in running—Paul brings a sense of rhythm, movement, and resilience into his bold, gestural paintings. His colourful, layered works freely blend abstraction and figuration, capturing both personal and political tensions in a constantly shifting world.

    At the heart of Paul’s practice is a deep commitment to peacebuilding and passing on skills through creativity. He has spent years working across communities in Northern Ireland, using art as a tool for dialogue and connection. Through collaborative mural projects and hands-on workshops, he has helped bring together groups divided by conflict—including projects with WAVE Trauma Centre, Hydebank Young Offenders Centre, Queen’s University medical students, and exhibitions with the Homeless. His long-standing partnership with muralist Mark Ervine stands as a powerful testament to art’s role in reconciliation.

    Beyond Northern Ireland, Paul has led socially engaged art projects with orphanages in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and supported LGBTQ+ communities, refugees, and mental health projects.

    He holds a Master’s degree in Creative Practice from Liverpool Hope University, where he received a scholarship for his work. Paul has been recognised by the Irish Times as a Critic’s Choice artist and received a travel award from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. His No Walls project—sponsored by the European Commission and exhibited at the Titanic Museum in Belfast—further explored themes of division, identity, and unity. His work has been featured in the BBC, Financial Times, Irish Arts Review, Irish Times, PBS, and international outlets across Europe and the U.S.

    Through both his art and community work, Paul continues to push boundaries—using creativity not only to reflect the world, but to reshape it.

  • Russell is an immigrant from Iran, who left Iran at a young age to finish his higher education in Europe. First in Italy then moved to Denmark.

    Russell was selected for the regional water polo youth team, later on, he changed his career to football and managed to play at a professional level in Iran. 

    The love for water sports encouraged Pakzad to start to learn sailing, Windsurfing, Paddle boarding and advance Diving. 

    “Diving changed my perspective towards life when I learnt diving ever since every weekend I take my gears on and go on a mission to dive to clean the sea from plastic. My lifestyle has also been moving towards becoming more green. I do my best to do my part to safe the planet by being active and taking climate action”. Pakzad. 

    In 2019 Pakzad joined Girl Power, as an event & project manager for the Erasmus European Project. 

    The purpose of joining this organisation for me is to set a good example of diversity & empowerment to others.  

    I want to send a message to everyone that we can not witness an equal world unless we work together. The change can only happen when all genders regardless of colour, race, belief start working together for a better world.

Germany Team

  • Lawyer, Former Footballer & Qualified Traffic Manager

    I am a lawyer with a deep passion for football and empowering young girls through sports. I played for over 10 years with ESV Einigkeit Wilhelmsburg in the Oberliga, one of the highest amateur football leagues, and between 2012 and 2018, I had the honor of representing the Afghan national team.

    Currently, I support the Girl Power organization through the project „Spielmacherinnen", where I coach and mentor young girls aged 11-17, assisting them with both their professional and personal development. Additionally, I have been a qualified Traffic Manager since 2023, having successfully completed my training in this field.

  • Sara is dedicated to addressing various topics and issues through an intersectional perspective. This approach also influences my work as an educational scientist, football player and coach. After playing in the 2nd Bundesliga, she decided to focus on my professional career, integrating the values and experiences she gained from football into my educational work. In this role, she serves as a mentor, supporter and role model for children and young people, especially girls*. Currently, she works in youth development and values education at the FC St. Pauli academy.

  • Mina Ahmadi is an entrepreneur and former player for the Afghan women’s national football team. She started playing football at the age of five and currently competes in Hamburg’s top league. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to play for various teams and leagues worldwide, including the second division in the U.S. and teams in the Maldives. She has also coached several youth teams.

    As the CEO of her own consulting firm, Mina applies the values from her football career and knowledge from her sports management studies to demonstrate that with hard work, discipline, and the right processes, any obstacle can be overcome. She is an expert in digital communication and business consulting, regularly providing training and seminars for her clients.

  • Born and raised in Germany to Afghan refugee parents, Shabnam's story is rooted in resilience. Her parents fled the violence of war, seeking a life where their children could be free — free to dream, to learn, to thrive. In Germany, they rebuilt everything from scratch, teaching Shabnam and her siblings that opportunity comes with responsibility: to stand tall, to give back, and to never forget where they came from.

    From the age of eight, Shabnam fought for her place on the football pitch. Playing street football with boys in her neighborhood, she learned early what it meant to challenge stereotypes and push through barriers. Being the only girl was never easy — but it shaped her into the fearless leader she is today. Her first club, ESV Einigkeit, marked the beginning of a journey that would see her rise through professional leagues across Germany.

    But Shabnam’s dreams stretched beyond borders. She longed to represent Afghanistan — to wear the jersey for the women who were silenced back home. In 2012, she made her debut for the Afghanistan Women’s National Football Team, standing alongside her younger sister, Mariam, in a match against Sri Lanka. It wasn’t just a game; it was a declaration. A fight for visibility, dignity, and rights.

    Away from the spotlight, Shabnam kept breaking barriers. She earned her degree in Biomedical Engineering and now works at Olympus in Hamburg, bringing the same precision and leadership to her professional life. Yet her mission has never been confined to a single field.

    Shabnam coaches Girl Power football team for refugee and migrant girls and women, using sport as a tool to dismantle barriers and open doors. She speaks at local schools, leading workshops that challenge prejudice and prove that inclusion and education are powerful acts of resistance.

    In 2017, Shabnam found her tribe at Girl Power. She didn’t just join — she led. She launched 'Girl Power Hope Fighters Hamburg,' our Germany branch, and today serves as our coach and one of the leads, helping to shape the future of the movement.

    Through every challenge, Shabnam has stayed true to her roots: a fighter, a leader, a voice for those who refuse to be erased.

    “When I am on the pitch and play football, I feel like I am as free as a bird without any 'problems'; It's the place where I forget everything and only focus on the ball. It is an incredible feeling to play along with my sisters from homeland, and it doesn't matter if we win or lose"

  • Is a London-born, Germany-based Programme Coordinator and passionate advocate for gender equity in sport. Growing up immersed in sport, football and badminton quickly became her first loves and continue to shape her lifelong connection to movement and community.

    Through sport, Sabrina-Maria experienced first-hand its transformative power to build leadership, resilience, and belonging. This experience inspired her commitment to advancing social justice and inclusion.

    She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law and a Master’s degree in Political Science, specialising in intersectional feminist governance and democratic sustainability. Her background in political research and journalism has strengthened her analytical and data-driven understanding of structural inequalities and the role community-led initiatives play in driving social change.

    At Girl Power, Sabrina-Maria contributes to mission-driven programmes that empower girls, women, and marginalised communities through sport. She is passionate about developing sustainable, impact-focused initiatives that expand opportunities and promote lasting social change.

    Alongside her programme work, Sabrina-Maria is also certified in Pilates instruction and children’s football coaching, reflecting her belief that movement and sport are powerful tools for personal growth and empowerment.

  • Jihan is a dedicated and passionate sports development professional with four years of experience in sport for development, gender equality, and sports governance.

    She holds a Master’s degree in International Sports Development and Politics from the German Sport University Cologne and a Bachelor's in Translation from the University of Duhok, combining expertise in sports policy, communication, and inclusive program development.

    As a consultant for GIZ’s Sport for Development program, Jihan played a key role in developing gender equality training materials, conducting over 15 workshops for coaches and young athletes, and contributing to research and impact studies. Fluent in English, Arabic, and Kurdish, she is also a skilled facilitator, translator, and advocate for youth empowerment.

    Jihan joined the Girl Power network in 2023 and has been actively involved in consulting on programs, leading coaching and mentoring sessions, and supporting various international projects. Her contributions extend to initiatives such as the Special Olympics Berlin 2023, as well as community engagement efforts with UNICEF, YOUTH SPEAK, and Y-Peer.

    Her unwavering commitment to leveraging sports as a tool for social change aligns seamlessly with Girl Power’s mission to create inclusive and empowering spaces for women and girls in sports.

  • is a Berlin-based Project Coordinator at Girl Power and a passionate footballer, committed to youth empowerment, inclusion, and community engagement. She works closely with young people from diverse backgrounds, supporting programmes that build confidence, encourage participation, and promote personal development.

    Through her experience in community and sport-based initiatives, she has helped create safe and supportive spaces where young people and women can grow, connect, and thrive. As both a project coordinator and an active footballer, she strongly believes in the power of sport to inspire, empower, and bring communities together.

  • Is a sports ethics and integrity professional with experience supporting international sport organisations and community-based sport initiatives. She recently completed the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master of Arts in Sports Ethics and Integrity (MAiSI), studying across six European universities, where she specialised is governance, athlete welfare, and integrity in sport. 

    She gained practical experience through roles with organisations such as the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) supporting case analysis and reporting related to anti-doping and sport integrity, as well as through volunteer work at major sporting events. 

    Alongside her professional work, she is an active cricketer currently playing in Germany, and plays rugby at a local club. Having previously competed professionally in India, and represented the Czech Republic, her experience as an athlete continues to shape her commitment to fair play, athlete education, and ethical leadership in sport. Through Girl Power, she is passionate about using sport to create more inclusive and empowering opportunities for women and girls.

UK Team

  • Narges Mayeli is a passionate individual with strong communication skills, fluent in Farsi and Dari. She served on Afghanistan’s women’s development football team and fled to the UK when the Taliban took over. In the UK, she has volunteered as a Workshop Leader/Project Manager for Girl Power, collaborating with organizations such as Amnesty and UNHCR. She is also involved in football as both a player and coach, pursuing qualifications with the FA. She is currently studying and working at ASOS. Narges is committed to furthering her education, aiming for a degree in the future.

  • Elaha Safdari, originally from Afghanistan, was part of the women’s national football development team and is now based in the UK. She volunteers as the Sports Director at Girl Power, where she organizes football sessions and workshops to empower refugees through sport. With a strong interest in physiotherapy, Elaha is pursuing education in the UK, aiming to work as a physiotherapist in a football club. To her, Girl Power symbolizes strength, resilience, and the empowerment of women and girls.

  • Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and grew up in a working-class family as the youngest of six siblings.

    Growing up in a large household shaped her resilience, independence, and determination, qualities that continue to define her journey today.

    She completed her education up to Form 5 and later earned a Diploma in Information Technology. Julie Ann began her professional career in the life insurance sector as a clerical staff member, where her dedication and work ethic quickly stood out. She was promoted to Underwriting Assistant, specialising in medical underwriting, an achievement she is proud of. Yet, despite her professional success, she knew her true passion lay elsewhere: football.

    From a young age, football captured her heart, the energy, teamwork, and sense of belonging on the pitch.

    However, growing up in Malaysia, opportunities for girls to play football were limited. Like many girls, Julie Ann was discouraged from playing, forced to watch from the sidelines despite her passion and ability. Though heartbreaking, her love for the game never faded.

    Everything changed when she moved to England. For the first time, she experienced an environment where women and girls were encouraged to play football freely.

    She embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly, finally stepping onto the pitch and living the dream she had carried since childhood. Playing football became a deeply emotional and empowering experience, one that symbolised freedom, joy, and self-belief.

    Today, Julie Ann’s journey continues. Her next ambition is to become a football coach, using her lived experience to inspire and support others, especially girls who may face cultural, social, or structural barriers.

    Through her work with Girl Power, she is committed to showing that no matter where you come from or how long the journey takes, dreams are worth holding onto, and achievable.

  • Sahar is originally from Afghanistan and has been living in the UK since 2021. She is a full-time student and works part-time as a waitress while also volunteering in charity shops. As a member of the Afghanistan development football team, she is passionate about sports and empowerment.

    For Sahar, Girl Power means stepping out of her comfort zone, meeting new people, and building friendships, which has significantly boosted her self-confidence. Looking ahead, she aims to recruit more individuals to join Girl Power UK and plans to establish a football club that can compete in the England league. She also is currently Girl Power UK’s content creator.

  • Sonia Azimi has a strong background in football, having been part of the Afghanistan women's football development team, where she contributed to the growth and development of the sport in her home country. After relocating to the UK, she has continued her passion for empowering women through sports by volunteering with Girl Power. In this role, Sonia helps organize football sessions and workshops aimed at building confidence, leadership, and teamwork among women and girls. Her involvement reflects her commitment to using sport as a tool for empowerment, inclusion, and personal growth. Sonia is also focused on developing her own skills and is currently studying English at Doncaster College to further enhance her communication abilities and integration into the UK.

  • A footballer, coach, and community leader based in Peterborough.

    A refugee resettled in the UK in 2021, Fatema brings lived experience of growing up and playing football in tough, male-dominated environments, where opportunities for girls were limited.

    Experiencing those barriers firsthand shaped her determination to become someone who creates opportunities for others.

    Fatema joined Girl Power in 2022 as a participant and young leader in the Girl Power Leadership Academy, where she developed her leadership, coaching, and community-building skills.

    Today, she leads the Girl Power Peterborough Girls’ Football Programme, using football as a tool to empower girls—especially those from marginalised, Muslim, and refugee communities.

    Through coaching and Girl Power’s programmes, Fatema is giving back to her community as part of her commitment to the Girl Power sisterhood, creating safe spaces where girls can build confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging on and off the pitch.

Greece Team

  • Zografenia Kallimani is a highly accomplished Greek-Cypriot legal professional specializing in sports law. She holds a Law degree from the European University Cyprus, where she graduated with a GPA of 3.79, and is currently pursuing her Master's in Sports Law at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Zografenia has also earned certificates in Women’s Football Business from Barça Innovation Hub and Sports Arbitration from FIFA.

    With extensive experience in sports law, Zografenia serves as a legal counsel and member of several sports disciplinary and appeals committees, including the Hellenic Boxing Federation and Hellenic Volleyball Federation. She has been a member of the Athens Bar Association since 2019 and was the legal counsel for AEK F.C., where she handled high-profile legal matters such as player transfers, sponsorship contracts, and brand protection.

    In addition to her legal work, Zografenia has lectured on sports law and labor relations in sports, contributing to academic and professional sports communities. She is also an active member of the International Association of Sports Law and has contributed to numerous legal publications on topics like WADA Code implementation and FIFA ethics.

    With her vast expertise and dedication to sports law, Zografenia continues to make significant contributions to the field, both in Greece and internationally.

  • Sofia, originally from Thessaloniki, Greece, is a dedicated legal professional with a strong background in sports law and integrity issues. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB), two Master’s Degrees in International Law and International Sports Law (LLM), and an MSc in Sports Management & Marketing. Since joining Girl Power in 2022, she has brought her extensive expertise in law, anti-doping, and disciplinary matters to support the organization's mission. With a passion for empowering young athletes, Sofia is committed to fostering integrity and equality in sports.

  • Christina, originally from Athens, Greece, is a skilled professional with a degree in Communication, Media, and Culture from Panteion University. She has extensive experience in social media management, marketing, and athlete relations. Currently, she is the Manager of Sport & Athlete Marketing at Digital Minds Sports, where she manages athlete branding, marketing strategies, and social media campaigns. She was also the Social Media Manager of AEK Athens FC. Christina joined Girl Power Academy Greece in 2022, contributing her expertise as a member of the organizing committee and Social Media Manager.