From Starting Over to Opening Doors: Mirwais's Story of Resilience and Opportunity
At the 2026 Red, White & Do Gala, New American Pathways honored Mirwais Nawab Jalali with the Friend of Freedom Award, recognizing his dedication to helping fellow refugees rebuild their lives through facilitating the hiring of over 500 refugees at Unifi. During his acceptance speech, Mirwais reflected on his journey from Afghanistan to the United States, the people who helped him along the way, and how one opportunity grew into hundreds more. Below is his story, adapted from his remarks.
The Day Everything Changed
August 15, 2021, was the day so many Afghans lost their dreams. I was one of them. When the Afghan government fell, we knew our lives were at risk. We had no choice but to leave.
When I arrived at Kabul Airport, the crowds were so overwhelming that it was almost impossible to get inside. The situation was chaotic, people lost their lives. It is a memory I will never forget.
Eventually, we managed to get inside the airport. I spent three days and nights there, waiting, with almost nothing to survive on. There was nowhere to sleep, nowhere to sit comfortably, and no access to food or water. All I had was one bottle of water and a small amount of biscuits I had brought with me.
When I finally left my country and arrived in America, I had only one set of clothes and a few university certificates.
I had no work authorization, no transportation, and honestly, no idea where or how to begin again.
But I kept going.
Starting Over in America
I took on every difficult job I could find to support my family, even jobs I had never imagined myself doing. I did whatever it took to keep moving forward.
I still remember submitting my résumé to a company and applying for an office position. But when they learned I was a refugee, they assigned me to hard physical labor instead.
The work was so demanding that my toenails turned black from the strain. Whenever I asked about the office position I had originally applied for, I never received an answer.
Yet I kept going because I had no other choice.
Then one day, a dear friend told me about an opportunity at Unifi. I decided to give it a try and see if I could get a chance to prove myself.
And that is where things began to change.
An Opportunity That Opened Doors
At Unifi, I met people who believed that everyone deserves a chance to change their life. People who looked beyond someone’s background and saw their potential.
Finally, I was given the opportunity to prove what I was capable of.
That job didn’t just change my life. It opened the door to opportunities for hundreds of other refugees.
For someone who had lost so much and was trying to rebuild his life in a new country, the kindness I was shown meant everything.
I will always remember it.
Keeping the Chain of Kindness Alive
Today, when I look back and realize that I have been able to help hundreds of refugees, I know that none of this could have happened on my own.
It has been a collective effort, made possible by the incredible team at New American Pathways, Unifi, and everyone who believes that every person deserves a second chance.
When I think about my journey, I think about the people who gave me a chance when I needed one most. I think about the doors they opened and the lives that have been changed because of their kindness.
To everyone who believes in the power of helping others, thank you.
Your continued support can keep this chain of kindness and opportunity alive.
Together, we can help one person, one family, and even an entire generation move closer to their dreams.
Mirwais’ story reminds us that when New Americans have access to opportunity and a welcoming community, the impact can extend across families and generations.
Support New American Pathways in creating opportunities for New Americans to thrive.
Learn more about Unifi here.
