Today we’d like to introduce you to Uzma Qureshi.
Hi Uzma, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Pakistan witnessing how many talented children lose opportunities simply because their families cannot afford education. Those early experiences shaped my purpose. After completing my Bachelor’s from Kinnaird College and my MBA from the University of Houston, I worked in the nonprofit sector and saw firsthand how structured support can transform lives.
In 2021, I founded Aspiring Futures to support underserved children with free education, mentorship, shelter, and family assistance. What started with five students has grown into two shelter homes, school partnerships, and a youth-led mentorship program. Today many of our students, including girls who were once expected to marry early, are continuing to higher education in medicine, computer science, and other fields.
My journey has been one of purpose, resilience, and a commitment to giving every child a fair chance to dream and succeed.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been easy. One of the biggest challenges has been changing mindsets. Many girls we support are expected to marry young, and many boys are pulled out of school so they can earn money for the family. Convincing parents that education can transform their child’s future, even when they are struggling financially, has required patience, trust, and heart.
Starting Aspiring Futures with limited resources made everything harder. Some days I didn’t know how we would stretch our budget to keep a child in school or continue supporting a family in crisis. Managing programs in Pakistan from the U.S. and building a reliable team added another layer of pressure.
But every challenge became the reason to keep going. When a girl who almost got married enters college, or when a boy who was supposed to work instead graduates from school, it reminds me why every struggle has been worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the Founder and President of Aspiring Futures, where I lead programs that provide education, mentorship, and family support to underserved children in Pakistan. I combine mission-driven leadership with a strong background in accounting and finance.
Before starting Aspiring Futures, I worked as an accounting controller for several businesses and now serve as an independent accounting consultant. This experience helps me build transparent systems and manage budgets responsibly.
I am most proud of helping girls expected to marry early and boys pushed into work return to school and even continue to college. My work blends financial expertise with compassion and purpose.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
What has helped me most in finding mentors is being open and genuine. A mentor doesn’t need to be older, just someone who believes in your purpose. The best guidance I’ve received came from people who understood my mission and encouraged me through challenges.
Through Aspiring Futures, I’ve also seen how powerful mentorship can be. Our program is led by U.S. college and high school students who mentor children in Pakistan every week. They’ve taught me that mentorship is really about heart and connection, not age or titles.
My advice is to reach out to people you admire, share your goals honestly, and stay curious. The right mentors appear when you are sincere about your journey.
Pricing:
- $65:month -Student school supplies & academic support
- $120/month – Family assistance to keep children in school
- $60/month – Shelter home expenses (food, care, education)
- $100/month -professional college students
- $15/month -school supplies
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aspiringfuturesusa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspiringfuturesusa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aspiringusa
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspiring-futures-usa/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aspiringfuturesusa
- Other: Admin@aspiringfuturesusa.com
Image Credits
Ammar Ahmed
Maxum digital USA
