Zeinab Rezaie

Zeinab Rezaie is an advocate, athlete, and change maker whose journey from Afghanistan to the United States reflects resilience, determination, and a commitment to creating opportunities for others. She made history as the first Afghan woman triathlete to complete the 70.3 Ironman in St. George, Utah, in 2022, just one year after arriving in the United States as a Fulbright Scholar.

Originally from Afghanistan, Zeinab left her home country in August 2021, one day after the Taliban returned to power. She came to the United States to pursue an Impact MBA at Colorado State University, where she successfully graduated and built a new chapter of her life and career. She currently serves as Program Manager for the Institute for Entrepreneurship at Colorado State University, supporting faculty and graduate students who are developing innovative solutions to real-world challenges in climate and Sustainability.

Before relocating to the United States, Zeinab worked as a Program Manager for Free to Run, a nonprofit organization that empowers women and girls through adventure sports in conflict affected regions. She also serves as a Trustee for the Afghan Sports Trust, a charity dedicated to helping Afghan athletes access opportunities through sport and wellbeing.

A passionate advocate for women’s rights, Zeinab uses sport as a platform for empowerment and social change. She is particularly committed to amplifying the voices of women and girls of Afghanistan who continue to be denied fundamental rights, including access to education, freedom of movement, employment, and participation in public life.

Zeinab finds peace in Colorado’s mountains, which remind her the landscapes of Afghanistan and the freedom to explore the outdoors that she values deeply.