Meet Heela
From Kabul classrooms to global stages
I’m Heela Yoon, a peacebuilder, climate and mental health advocate, and communications strategist. I grew up in Afghanistan and now work between the UK and conflict-affected communities.
I help NGOs, tech teams and youth-led groups design gender-sensitive campaigns, digital tools and spaces that centre care, not harm.
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25+ countries spoken in
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43,000+ families reached through AYAPO
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First-generation refugee building digital healing spaces
Growing up between war, exile and classrooms
I was born into a family that has never really known a peaceful Afghanistan. Both my parents grew up through civil war. After 9/11, we became refugees in Pakistan, and my childhood was split between crowded classrooms, ration queues and my parents rebuilding our life from zero.When we returned to Afghanistan, I started volunteering with youth groups and listening to other young people’s stories of war, poverty and gender-based violence. Being a refugee child, a daughter of war and a girl navigating patriarchy is what now drives my work: creating healing, justice-centred spaces where young people are not just “beneficiaries” but decision-makers.
Education & fellowships
Learning my way from Kabul to global campuses
Duke University – Climate Fellow (2025)
Leeds Beckett University – MA International Trade & Finance (Chevening Scholar, 2020–21)
Kroc School, University of San Diego – Women PeaceMakers Fellow (2021–22)
American University of Afghanistan – BBA, Finance & Management (2015–19)
Kabul University – BA International Relations (2014–17)
