“If you leave the house, you are not welcome back home…ever”, Afsara’s father gave an ultimatum. Being a fighter, she took a chance and left home. – Afsara Begum
Afsara belongs to a humble family in Kolkata – her father is a driver. When in standard VIII, her father asked her to discontinue studies. Undeterred, Afsara took tuitions for Rs. 200 (US$3) per month and completed her undergraduate studies. A friend introduced her to the YWI initiative. On being selected, Afsara’s father refused permission and instead gave an ultimatum, “If you leave the house, you are not welcome back home…ever”. Being a fighter, Afsara took a chance.
The boot camp helped Afsara improve her broken English and acquire finance and business skills. Afsara then converted her internship at State Street to a full-time regular role.
When Afsara’s father visited her in Bengaluru, she took him to her office. Her father’s first words, “We could never imagine you working in such magnificent offices… no one from our extended family ever worked in such an office. I am so proud that you took the decision to join this program, in spite of my strict NO!”.
Afsara is currently pursuing her CFA charter with the support of a scholarship from CFA Institute – she has cleared CFA Level I and is studying for her CFA Level II exam in June 2020.