Asfa Karim’s life changed at 11 years old when her family faced an uncertain future.

Living in Pakistan, Asfa, along with her mother and sister, struggled emotionally and financially after her father passed away. “As women, it was really hard for us to sustain ourselves financially,” she said. “I saw my mom waking up super early in the morning, leaving us to go to school and then going to work. And then, fast forward, we got an opportunity to move to the U.S. Here, there were so many more opportunities for women.”

In the nearly six years she has lived in the U.S., Asfa says she has transformed and overcome challenges, but hope makes all the difference as she strives for financial flexibility. “My entire story is based on hope,” she said. “Hope was the only thing that carried me toward where I am today. I am working three jobs right now. I’m also a full-time student, and building the Amway business on the side.”

Asfa credits her mentors in the Amway business, Shivani Patel, Vinod Ramachandran and Abhidha Ramachandran, for supporting her aspirations and encouraging her to apply for the Founders Memorial Scholarship. “It’s kind of like a 360-degree mentorship,” she said. “Whether it’s life, whether it’s school, whether it’s my career, whether it’s the business – they’re always there for me, guiding me.”

Asfa felt surprise and joy when she learned she was awarded the scholarship. “The scholarship will empower me to continue my college education and bring me one step closer toward my goals,” she said. “This solidifies my understanding of how many lives we can actually touch through the Amway business.”

As might be expected of an Amway IBO, Asfa is driven toward entrepreneurship. She is currently studying business administration at Georgia Institute of Technology, and aspires to start a business or nonprofit focused on empowering women in Pakistan.

Asfa is building experience in this area today as she mentors others in her native language, leveraging her shared experience to provide personalized support. “I teach people who are immigrants to the U.S. I was there once. I was in their shoes. I understand how it feels to learn English and adapt to the culture, and know how all of that takes so much time,” she said. “I mentor them, I coach them and I guide them with their scholarship or college prep essays.”

Asfa hopes that people see her story and are inspired by her hope and determination. “I never thought that I would be able to create an impact,” she said. “But I think the motivation factor is showing how anyone can create an impact. We can all focus on our goals and continuously grind toward achieving those goals.”

IBO Founding Family: Joe + Helyne Victor

We are pleased to award this year’s Founders Memorial Scholarship Award in memory of Joe and Helyne Victor to Asfa Karim. She epitomizes the leadership and impact on humanity that Joe and Helyne always displayed throughout their lives. We know we will hear great things from Asfa going forward, by the lives she has touched and the impact she will leave on others.

– The Victor Family