Mimla Wardak is a research associate for Inclusive Economy at American Progress. She is a graduate of the Levy Economics Institute of Bard College, New York, and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the American University of Afghanistan. Her diverse career includes roles as a budget analyst at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Finance, a data analyst in Bard College’s finance office, and a leader in the Trustee Leader Scholar Program (Sister2Sister). Having overcome significant challenges and social barriers, Wardak firmly believes that education should be universally accessible and must prevail. As a fitness enthusiast, she seizes every chance to hit the gym, making it her happy place to recharge and stay active.