In This Story
Marc Andersen’s, (BA Economics ‘90) senior partner at Ernst & Young, LLP, global vision has always been grounded by a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
His many philanthropic efforts include helping launch the Washington Football Team Charitable Foundation and serving on the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars as a presidential appointee. But for Andersen, his community stretches worldwide, and when he learned of Latifa’s situation, he was all in to get her out of there. Andersen’s position as a leader in the Washington, D.C. area, coupled with his global experience, has helped him amass an impressive network of professionals across the intelligence, military, international development, and private sector communities.
All eyes were on Afghanistan this summer, as the removal of U.S. troops were expedited, creating a perilous environment for all who champion freedom and human rights in the face of the Taliban. While much of the news coverage focused on the American withdrawal, those who escaped, or those who were tragically killed amidst the ensuing chaos, a chilling narrative began to emerge: the brutal reality for those left behind.
Latifa, a human rights attorney, is a vocal advocate and role model for women and girls across Afghanistan. For years, her work has focused on ensuring the safety, freedom, and equality of women, across a changing and challenging cultural landscape. Such fearless defense of marginalized women has earned Latifa international acclaim, but it has also produced countless powerful enemies. As the situation rapidly deteriorated around her, the mother of three was thrust into dangerous circumstances. She knew that after helping so many others, she now needed to get her family out as quickly as possible. Latifa’s sights were set on the United States, but she knew she needed help to secure safe passage.
The desperation for Latifa and those left behind in Afghanistan was matched only by the sense of helplessness felt by family, friends, and loved ones outside the country. Forced to watch from afar, Latifa’s sister, Atefa, and brother-in-law, Sharif, moved heaven and earth to get Latifa and her family to safety. Sharif vividly remembers that first call on August 14 from Latifa. “She was screaming that the Taliban was there, and she didn’t know where to go,” he says. Sharif and Atefa urged her to rush to the airport, but it was already packed with thousands of people attempting to flee amidst the backdrop of Taliban gunfire. Latifa then received word from a neighbor not to return home because the Taliban were there as well. “If I had the ability to forget a bad dream or remove a memory, I would like to forget the scary feeling of losing Latifa and her three little kids,” says Sharif.
The distressed couple frantically dialed every number they thought might be able to help, or at least point them in the right direction. They contacted private organizations, embassies, politicians from Congress to the White House, as well as government agencies, both domestic and foreign. Still nothing. Then they finally reached Marc Andersen. “I got a very quick reply and then immediately a phone call from Marc,” says Sharif. “He said, ‘I will help. Have faith in God. We will find a way.’ That moment can’t be recreated or reimagined since that was finally the ‘hope’ I was looking for.”
“Latifa was listed as a high value target in Afghanistan,” says Andersen. “All of the people being listed with her were already killed.” In a race against time, there wasn’t a moment to spare. “After that initial call with Sharif, I immediately realized the gravity and urgency of the situation and started tapping into the ecosystem of resources who would be able fill different roles in completing this operation,” he says.
Thankfully, a coordinated effort sprung Latifa from Afghanistan to a safe house in Europe, where Andersen is working with a team comprised of NGO, not for profit, and diplomatic entities, to ensure Latifa has the necessary resources and support. However, the rescue mission is not complete. “We believe we will be able to get Latifa and her family into the United States to join family sometime soon,” says Andersen. “And then we look forward to hearing her story directly from her.”
Andersen and his team know that it takes a village to complete the rescue mission of this family. “We do this because this is what it means to be an American, we step up. Our freedom is our responsibility. It’s also on us to step up when others won’t. Failed leadership is not an excuse but a call to action by others. We’re the others.”
Learn more about how you can help Latifa and her family settle, rebuild their lives, and in time, continue her mission of helping others.