Mariya Goodbrake

Originally from Afghanistan, Mariya's family fled the country during the Soviet invasion, embarking on a journey that took them through Iran and India before seeking assylum in Canada. In 2013, she relocated to the United States.

Mariya has extensive experience in youth and sports empowerment, diaspora community engagement, religious freedom, refugee resettlement, women empowerment, and cross-cultural training. She is the founder and Executive Director of Global FC, a non-profit organization based in Kansas City that supports refugee youth by providing the tools to overcome obstacles to success through soccer and mentorship.

Her research and programming in the U.S. focus on the educational and socialization experiences of immigrant and refugee youth. In 2014, amid growing global concern and hysteria over refugee resettlement, she launched a community development project using soccer as a tool to support refugee youth. This initiative deepened her passion for serving refugee and immigrant populations, ultimately leading to the creation of Global FC, which now supports underserved youth from over 29 nations through soccer, education, and mentorship programs. She remains a leading voice in refugee rights, shining a light on the global displacement crisis.

Mariya is a founding member of Empower Women’s Media (EWM), the largest women-led network promoting religious freedom in the MENA region. EWM is a multi-faith organization that advocates for gender equality, peacebuilding, and religious freedom through media, education, and strategic leadership gatherings. The organization collaborates with government, business, academic, media, NGO, and faith leaders to inspire and build social movements that foster inclusive, thriving societies.

Mariya is a founding member of WCC Women Champions for Change. An extraordinary women network creating social change through the power of sport, culture and innovation across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region

She is a certified storyteller with The Moth and has led projects and spoken on stages worldwide. Her work has earned national and international recognition, including multiple prestigious awards.