Dr. Sakena Yacoobi is the Founder and CEO of the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL). Under Dr. Yacoobi’s leadership, AIL has developed into a groundbreaking, grassroots organization, providing education, training, healthcare and legal services to 12 million Afghans and empowering women, children and communities to live harmoniously and peacefully. Dr. Yacoobi has also established private high schools, a radio station and a hospital in Afghanistan.
Born in Herat, Afghanistan, Dr. Yacoobi earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of the Pacific and master’s in public health from Loma Linda University. She has received many honors including five honorary doctorates, the prestigious Opus Prize and the 2015 WISE Prize for Education.