An Inspired Chat with Rizwana

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rizwana. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Rizwana, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I am thrilled to share that The SOL Foundation has recently been recognized as the Organization of the Year 2025 in Europe, honoring our dedication to serving underserved and underprivileged communities globally. This prestigious acknowledgment is a testament to the tireless efforts of our team and a resounding affirmation of our mission.

As Executive Director, I often reflect on whether we are making a meaningful impact. This global recognition provides assurance that we are indeed on the right path. Moreover, witnessing the joy and smiles of the children we serve, particularly orphaned children, validates the importance of our work and fuels our passion to continue making a difference.

This achievement would not have been possible without the collective efforts of our team, partners, donors, and supporters. I extend my sincerest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to our journey and looks forward to continuing our mission to empower and uplift marginalized communities worldwide.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I’m Rizwana, Executive Director of The SOL Foundation. I’m thrilled to share my story and introduce our organization to your readers.

As a passionate advocate for social and environmental causes, I’ve dedicated my career to creating positive impact. My journey began with earning an Associate’s degree in Business Management and later an MBA, which equipped me with the skills to drive meaningful change.

The SOL Foundation is a nonprofit organization that aims to empower marginalized communities worldwide. Our mission is to provide sustainable solutions, support education, and promote environmental conservation. What makes us unique is our commitment to serving the underserved and our emphasis on community-led initiatives.

I’m proud to lead an organization that is making a tangible difference in people’s lives. From providing clean water and sanitation to supporting education and economic empowerment, our projects are designed to be sustainable and impactful.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is witnessing the resilience and determination of the communities we serve. Their stories inspire me every day to work tirelessly towards creating a more equitable and just world.

Currently, we’re working on expanding our programs to reach more communities globally. We’re also exploring innovative partnerships and collaborations to amplify our impact.

I’m excited to share our journey with your readers and hope that our story will inspire others to join us in creating positive change.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Reflecting on my childhood, I recall harboring a romanticized view of the world, reminiscent of the idyllic landscapes depicted in Disney fairytales. As I matured, I came to realize that creating a utopian world requires concerted effort and dedication from individuals and communities alike.

While I once believed that a single person could effect transformative change, I now understand that the reality is more nuanced. One individual can certainly play a vital role in raising awareness and inspiring others, but meaningful progress ultimately relies on collective action and collaboration.

This nuanced understanding has informed my approach to leadership and community development, as I now recognize the importance of fostering partnerships, empowering others, and working together towards a common goal. By acknowledging the complexity of creating positive change, I believe we can make more meaningful strides towards building a better world for all.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been numerous instances where we felt overwhelmed and contemplated relinquishing our efforts. However, it was during those moments of uncertainty that a glimmer of hope would emerge, revitalizing our determination to persevere.

Recently, the ever-changing landscape of laws and regulations posed significant challenges, particularly given our organization’s focus on supporting underserved and underprivileged communities globally, with a special emphasis on Africa. Navigating these complexities seemed daunting, but fate intervened in our favor.

We were thrilled to learn that the United Nations would be establishing a presence in Kenya, a region where we have been actively engaged. Having partnered with the UN in 2020, this development presented an unprecedented opportunity for collaboration and growth. The UN’s presence in Kenya has been a game-changer, enabling us to amplify our impact and further our mission to empower marginalized communities.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
The notion of ‘smart people’ is inherently subjective, with definitions varying greatly depending on individual perspectives and experiences. Some may associate intelligence with academic achievement, while others may recognize street smarts or emotional intelligence as equally valuable forms of cognitive ability.

In my view, every individual possesses unique strengths and abilities that make them ‘smart’ in their own right. Our singular focus on celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity can sometimes be overshadowed by the curated highlight reels presented on social media. This can foster a toxic mindset of comparison, where individuals feel compelled to measure themselves against others.

It’s essential to recognize that each person is one of over 8 billion unique individuals, rendering comparisons not only unfair but also futile. By acknowledging and accepting this reality, we can liberate ourselves from the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards.

Instead, we should focus on embracing our humanity, with all its complexities and imperfections. By allowing ourselves to make mistakes, learn from failures, and rise again, we can unlock our true potential and celebrate the distinct qualities that make each of us ‘smart’ in our own way.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
As a minority woman who has shattered glass ceilings in my personal and professional life, I am accustomed to being misunderstood, misinterpreted, or underestimated due to my gender. As the first woman in my family to pursue an MBA, establish a career, and achieve independence, I have faced numerous challenges and biases.

However, my experiences have taught me resilience and the importance of staying true to myself. When I assumed a leadership role, I was initially unprepared, but as I navigated the responsibilities, I realized that the skills I had developed throughout my life – adaptability, determination, and a strong sense of self – were invaluable assets.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the importance of self-validation. I no longer feel compelled to explain or justify myself to others, whether professionally or personally. If others choose to misunderstand me, that is their prerogative. My focus remains on continuing to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and inspire future generations of minority women to pursue their dreams, unapologetically and authentically.

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Image Credits
These images are from The SOL Foundation in Kenya providing education, access to food and fresh water and planting trees that are edible for the communities. We had planted in September 2024 over 10,000 trees in Mombasa,Kenya and in Jan 2025 we built waterborne in Tana River, Kenya that gives access to fresh water to 10,000+ members

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