“Helping Those Who Helped Us”…A Former CIA Officer Provides Support To Afghan Allies and Families In The U.S. with FAMIL
By, Laura Hennawi, The Fem Word Contributor
Humanity, empathy, accountability. That is the motto Geeta Bakshi lived by during her 14-year career with the CIA. Her counterterrorism work often took her on the ground in Afghanistan, living with risk and an enormous responsibility to “protect innocent lives from terrorist adversaries.”
Today, this second-generation American of South Asian descent is the founder of FAMIL, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Afghan refugees resettle in the United States after the evacuation of American troops from Kabul in summer of 2021. The Fem Word spoke with Geeta about her experience in Afghanistan and her desire to help Afghan families.
Geeta wearing traditional Afghan dress known as "Gand Afghani," gifted by Afghan allies, December 2017
LAURA HENNAWI: As a South Asian woman who worked as a subject matter expert in counterterrorism for over 14 years with the CIA, you were focused on Afghanistan for many of those years. That is just so incredible and fascinating - not only the job, but also the fact that you are a trailblazer as a woman of color in this profession. Tell us about your experience working in that role.
Geeta Bakshi: I feel extremely fortunate for having had the honor to serve the United States and our people during my career with the CIA. It was an aspiration that I dreamt of as a child, and a privilege that I fully appreciated upon being sworn into service over 14 years ago. As a second-generation American of South Asian descent, I was recognized for bringing a diversity of experience to the organization and quickly advanced in my career.
I realized my passion for counterterrorism (CT) work early in my career and constantly sought opportunities to get involved in some of the most complex issues facing our nation, including the war in Afghanistan. I surrounded myself with like-hearted individuals – Americans and Afghans alike – who lived by the notion of “service before self.” We became a small family of CT specialists led by talented individuals who exemplified heroism, leadership, and dedication in their every action. It was an unbelievable experience that cannot be described in words and something I will always cherish.
CT work was deeply personal for me. I felt entrusted with an enormous responsibility towards our country and the consequences that went with it. I faced each day recognizing that the stakes were the highest, lives were often at risk, and there was no room for error. Humanity, empathy, and accountability were always at the forefront of my CT work, as was humility. I silently celebrated the victories and stayed resilient through the challenges. I lived and breathed CT work and my motivation was simple: to protect innocent lives from terrorist adversaries.
Laura: You were born and raised in the DMV and your family is originally from India. What sparked your interest in American government studies at George Mason University, and how did that experience eventually lead to a job working with the CIA?
Geeta: I grew up wanting to be a criminal prosecutor and eventually a federal judge, which made my parents extremely proud. I was thrilled with the idea of standing in a courtroom and arguing a case. I dreamt of sitting on a judge’s bench while presiding over a court. So, when I joined George Mason University (GMU), I immediately took an interest in criminology and American government studies with the goal of pursuing a law degree.
I also grew up outside of Langley, Virginia, not too far from the headquarters of the CIA. As a child, my siblings and I would imagine what it would be like to work for the CIA. I remember tiptoeing around our house and playing “spy” as a child, not knowing that I would one day have a deeper understanding of this amazing organization.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was attending an “Introduction to Terrorism” class at GMU when I looked up to a television screen and saw the second tower of the World Trade Center falling to pieces. It took me a few seconds to understand what had happened, but the days that followed left a hole in my heart as our nation grieved the loss of thousands of innocent lives. Over the next few years, I took a significant interest in examining terrorist networks like al-Qa’ida, while at the same time putting serious thought into a career with the CIA.
Geeta working in Washington, DC, October 2021 (Photo credit: Eric Chang, FAMIL)
laura: After 14 years with the CIA, what made you decide to leave that amazing career, and start your own nonprofit FAMIL?
Geeta: I had an incredible journey working with the CIA. I accomplished more than I could possibly imagine in the CT field and loved the work I did. I also learned a lot through the successes and challenges of my career. It was one of my dreams to work with the CIA, but I also had other dreams, like pursuing a degree in law and following my passion for philanthropy. So, when the time came, I embraced the opportunity to pursue my other aspirations, knowing that I was leaving behind a legacy in the next generation of CIA officers who I had the pleasure to mentor.
I was reviewing an application for Georgetown Law on a sunny day in August 2021 when I received a frantic phone call from an Afghan-American friend who was visiting her family in Kabul, Afghanistan. I could hear the fear in her voice as sounds of gunshots and commotion broke out in the background. I spent the next several days and nights on worrisome phone calls, trying to assist her and others who were stranded in Afghanistan and facing an increasingly perilous situation.
At one point, after seeing the horrific violence that had occurred as individuals were evacuated from Kabul, I broke down in tears and turned to a friend who had lived through 30 years of conflict in Afghanistan before resettling in the United States. We shared feelings of relief, hope, and concern for the thousands of Afghan allies and their families who were faced with the harsh reality of leaving behind their entire lives to start from square one in the United States. I felt compelled to establish FAMIL – which means “family” in Afghanistan – to help these individuals, just as they had helped Americans in Afghanistan for so many years.
laura: The US announced that they would be leaving their mission in Afghanistan at the end of August of 2021, ending two decades of war. Now, under Taliban control, people’s lives have completely transformed. As Afghan families leave their homes and arrive here only to face new cultural and often difficult financial challenges, FAMIL is “helping those who helped us.” Tell us about the support FAMIL is providing to newly arrived Afghan families across the United States.
Geeta delivering fresh Afghan bread to Afghan allies, September 2021
Geeta: FAMIL is unique in that we were established by a small team of individuals with expertise on Afghanistan, many of whom lived and worked on the ground there. We fully understand the history and sacrifices of Afghan allies who chose to live, work, and fight alongside American personnel for so many years. We personalize our support to help these individuals overcome the specific challenges they are facing while rebuilding their lives in a new land, with a focus on Employment, Education, and Integration services. We also provide much-needed moral support that comes from decades of trust, partnership, and extensive shared experiences with these individuals.
In recent weeks, my team and I have spoken with hundreds of Afghan allies and their families across the US, all of whom expressed their gratitude to the United States for saving them from danger and bringing them to safety. While they are safe from harm, they are also heartbroken having left behind their loved ones, their homeland, and everything they worked so hard to build over their lifetimes. Now, they need us as we once needed them. It's about camaraderie, honor, and compassion. That’s where FAMIL steps in.
Laura: Despite initial support from the US Government, what are the common struggles and complications that Afghan families face when they first arrive here, having left behind family and belongings due to the urgency in which they had to leave?
Geeta: Afghans are extremely resilient people. For several decades, these brave men, women, and children have faced war, violence, and turmoil in their homeland. Now in the protection of the US, they are safe from conflict, but are facing several unimaginable struggles.
First, they are struggling with the difficulty of accepting a new reality. They are starting from square one in a new world. They may never see their homeland again. They feel like part of their identities are lost. It's an unimaginable feeling that one cannot begin to comprehend, let alone describe.
Second, they are struggling with uncertainty about their futures. Will they survive in the US? Where will they live? What kind of jobs will they find? How will they overcome the language barrier? How will they educate their children? How will they assimilate into their new communities? Will they be accepted?
Third, they are struggling with fear for the well-being of their loved ones who were left behind in Afghanistan. Some call it survivor’s guilt. I would also describe it as desperation, helplessness, and distress from knowing their families in Afghanistan are facing incredible risks.
“Afghans are extremely resilient people. For several decades, these brave men, women, and children have faced war, violence, and turmoil in their homeland. Now in the protection of the US, they are safe from conflict, but are facing several unimaginable struggles. ”
Laura: You have tremendous experience focusing on Afghanistan, and immersed yourself for many years in the culture through your work with the CIA. It seems like the tables have turned for you with your new role as the founder of an organization that is now helping Afghan families in your own homeland. What has this experience been like for you?
Geeta: It has been extremely humbling, encouraging, and fulfilling. My team and I have had the opportunity to speak with hundreds of Afghan allies and their families over the past few weeks. To see their hardships, hear their struggles, and feel their pain can be difficult. However, to know that we are helping them overcome their shock and doing everything possible to set them up for success is such a rewarding feeling. They appreciate talking to people who they know, trust, and can turn to in the current situation. It gives me great joy to know that FAMIL is making a positive impact in their lives.
One of the most touching moments of this journey for me was in recent days, when my team and I visited a former Afghan colleague and his family at a U.S. military base. To see this brave man and hardened warrior break down in tears so big that one could catch them before they dropped was extremely heartbreaking. I was relieved that he felt comfortable expressing his pain and reassured him that he was not alone in this journey. He accepted my encouragement with his usual modest smile as he described his desire to replace what he had lost with books, education, and a fresh start. I returned home that day feeling hope, not only for him and his family, but for the future of so many Afghans that FAMIL is committed to helping.
Laura: In addition to helping to resettle Afghan families, why did you want to start FAMIL?
Geeta: In addition to supporting Afghan allies and their families, I was motivated to start FAMIL for several reasons. First, I am truly grateful for the countless blessings in my life and have been seeking a path to give back to others as I have been given. Second, I find tremendous fulfillment in helping others achieve their goals, pursue their dreams, and overcome their challenges. Third, I feel inspired by my loved ones, the hearts of gold who have always stood by me, believed in me, and encouraged me to embrace my fullest potential. It is not an easy undertaking by any means, but something I feel passionate and committed about accomplishing.
LAURA: This interview is made possible by our partner Foumberg, Juneja, Rocher and Company who embrace the importance of showcasing the voices and stories of women leaders through The Fem Word platform. Tell us about the corporate partners that have already jumped on board to help FAMIL, and what can The Fem Word readers do to help in your work as a founder and leader working to resettle Afghan families across the US?
Geeta: As a newly established nonprofit organization, FAMIL has made significant progress in a short period of time and has great potential to expand. We have been able to connect with several organizations with great success. These entities are impressed with our capabilities and inspired to help us grow. We look forward to gaining dedicated funding from a number of sources and invite organizations, corporate partners, and individuals who share our vision to donate to this righteous cause. We also encourage The Fem Word readers to help raise awareness for this cause by clicking, sharing, and donating to FAMIL.
“I firmly believe that helping one person might not change the world, but it might help change the world for one person. That feels powerful.”
~Geeta Bakshi
LAURA: From your career with the CIA, to now founding FAMIL, you have accomplished so much. Can you describe a moment where you felt powerful?
Geeta: Earlier this year, I had the amazing opportunity to hike “The Incline” in Colorado Springs, which is comparable to climbing to the top of the Empire State Building. It was an extremely challenging hike that I started with some uncertainty and finished with great satisfaction thanks to a friend who joined me on the journey. The feeling of achievement at the top of The Incline was unbelievable. Looking over the slopes of the Rocky Mountains, I not only felt a huge sense of relief from the physical challenge of the hike, but a tremendous release of emotions. It was an extremely powerful feeling.
I feel the same sense of power knowing that FAMIL is making a positive, lasting impact in the lives of others. In a way, establishing FAMIL is like starting at the base of The Incline, recognizing the steep slope ahead, and hiking my way to the top of the summit. However, it’s not just about making it to the top. It’s about climbing with passion, purpose, and perseverance. The journey may be hard, but the cause is righteous. I firmly believe that helping one person might not change the world, but it might help change the world for one person. That feels powerful.
This interview is made possible by our partner Foumberg, Juneja, Rocher & Company (FJR), a Certified Public Accounting Firm licensed by the California State Board of Accountancy which allows The Fem Word to highlight women leaders.
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the interviewee, and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Fem Word organization. Any content provided by our interviewees are based on their opinions and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.