Program Focuses on Practical Paths to Success for Afghan Immigrants
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A training program in California is helping Afghan immigrants develop practical skills and strategies to build successful personal and professional lives in the United States.
The “Accelerating Success” program was organized by the Alliance to Serve International and held in Sacramento. The program brought together Afghan entrepreneurs, community leaders and newly arrived immigrants to learn about integration into American society, workforce readiness and entrepreneurship.
Ramin Khanzada, president of the Alliance to Serve International, said the goal of the program is to introduce scientific and practical pathways to success for Afghan immigrants in the United States.
“This program is designed to help participants understand available opportunities and learn how to build a clear and realistic path toward success,” Khanzada said.
The keynote speaker was Ross Peterson, a leadership and business coach who has also worked for years as a trainer in Afghanistan. Peterson said one of the main challenges facing some Afghan immigrants is waiting for others to act on their behalf.
“Some of the challenges Afghans face in the United States come from waiting for others to do something for them,” Peterson said. “I encourage them to take initiative, build the best life they can here and make use of the opportunities America offers.”
Peterson emphasized that hard work and continuous learning are essential for success.
“People who work hard tend to achieve the greatest success,” he said. “It’s also important not to become isolated within the Afghan community, but to build relationships more broadly, meet new people and learn how to be both Afghan and American.”
The training also focused on practical steps that can help immigrants succeed early on. Peterson said improving English-language skills, obtaining a driver’s license and securing reliable transportation can significantly expand employment opportunities.
“Those basics make it much easier to find work and move forward,” he said.
For participants interested in entrepreneurship, Peterson encouraged patience and hands-on experience.
“If I were an Afghan immigrant who wanted to become an entrepreneur, I would first work for an experienced business owner for two years and learn as much as possible,” he said. “Then I would slowly identify a real problem to solve and bring that solution to the market.”
Organizers said the program aims to equip Afghan immigrants with the tools, confidence and connections needed to succeed in the U.S. They added that long-term success depends on individual initiative, continuous learning and active engagement with the broader community.
