Sara Shakoory

Sara Shakoory is a determined and hardworking 19-year-old Afghan immigrant who arrived in Colorado in 2021 after fleeing her home country when the Taliban took control. After a brief stay in Germany, she and her family resettled in the United States, where she began rebuilding her life from the ground up. Despite facing language barriers, cultural shifts, and emotional challenges, Sara graduated from Overland High School and is now pursuing a degree in Business at MSU Denver. A true example of resilience, Sara works two part-time jobs to support her family and fund her education, all while staying committed to her community. She serves as a mentor to high school students through both the TRIO program and The Village Institute, helping young immigrants and refugees navigate the path to higher education. Her dedication to uplifting others is rooted in her own experiences of displacement and perseverance. Sara believes in using business as a force for good. Her dream is to launch a socially responsible enterprise that empowers underserved communities—especially immigrants and refugees—by creating opportunities, fostering independence, and inspiring hope. Her story is one of courage, compassion, and an unwavering drive to make a difference.