Ariana Abawe - Afghan Cultural Lead

Ariana Abawe was born in Afghanistan, but moved to the UK as a young child with her family. Despite this, she feels a strong connection to the unique beauty of her birth country and its culture and now uses her talent for storytelling to create a platform that promotes pride in her Afghan heritage.

Ariana's journey began in 2020 when she graduated from Brunel University in London with a first class degree in journalism and then launched Ariana, a publication dedicated to sharing Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage. The magazine’s name alludes not only to its charismatic founder, but also to an ancient name for the region she hails from. Ancient Greek records used the name Ariana when referencing its land area. Of old, Ariana comprised Afghanistan, Iran and portions of Pakistan and Turkey.
Published in English, this one of a kind magazine provides an upbeat alternative to the negative portrayal of Afghanistan in mainstream media, especially.

Although the publication is only two years old, it has already won its vibrant and energetic founder widespread recognition for her role in community building. Ariana Abawe has been featured on the BBC, Voice of America and in the British library. In 2022, she won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the West London Business Awards and the Outstanding Young Person of the Year award by Harrow's Heroes.
All of these make Ariana an inspiring role model and worthy representative of the Afghan community in the UK. We are really proud to welcome her aboard as cultural ambassador.