Aisha Farooqui
Michelle Obama said, “No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half of its citizens.” No person I know encompasses that passion quite like Aisha Farooqui. A born leader with a heart of gold and the mind to change the world.
Beautiful inside and out.
Treasured Friendship
Three years ago, my husband and I were invited to meet the new Consul General of Pakistan to Houston, Texas. When we arrived at the event, we said goodbye to the outgoing Consul General, Afzaal Mirza and his family. Then, I can fondly remember when they called Aisha on stage. She immediately had the Gravitas, that drew attention. She humbly greeted us and addressed the group in a very eloquent way. I immediately knew she was someone I needed to meet. I told my husband I wanted to wait and introduce ourselves. She smiled politely and shook our hands. Aisha has a very welcoming personality, an infectious laugh, and makes you feel comfortable.
As the years went on Aisha and I began a friendship which I cherish very dearly. From her funny demeanor to her words of wisdom, she makes you feel like you have known her all of your life.
Who is Aisha Farooqui?
She was the first female Consul General of Houston, who published a book while raising her two girls, putting out community fires, having to speak about the Santa Fe shooting which took the life of a young Pakistani girl. That didn’t stop her from continuing to instill hope that women can indeed do it all! Her faith in God is an unwavering guide for her.
And she knows how to be a politician with a strong fashion sense. Did, I mention her gorgeous hair? She is beautiful inside and out.
Today she serves as the Spokesperson for Pakistan in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you ask her, she feels she has so much more to accomplish, which makes you respect her even more.
I feel incredibly honored and extremely lucky to be friends with her. She was at my 40th birthday celebration and the Mother’s Day soiree even though it was Ramadan, she came to support me when many said they could not due to fasting. Thank you, Aisha, from the bottom of my heart for being a supportive and trusting friend.
But I really wanted everyone to know the Aisha I know. A behind the scenes of what makes for a great leader and a positive role model for women. This past December I went to Pakistan to meet up with Aisha. Please watch my interview with Aisha, pick up her book, “Musings of a Nomad”, and follow her on her social media.
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