Shahana Saleem

One of the most defining moments of my life was when I was awarded the Zarina Shamim Scholarship Program (ZSSP). Education had always been my passion, and I had ambitious dreams, but financial limitations made them seem out of reach. The day I received the scholarship, I couldn’t hold back my tears—I knew this opportunity would change my future. With ZSSP’s support, I earned my degree in Pharmacy, which set the stage for my professional journey. After graduating, I gained valuable experience at Abbott Industries and Nestlé Pakistan before taking a leap into entrepreneurship. Today, I proudly run my own pharmacy, turning my skills into a meaningful career. My academic journey also led me to secure a partially funded scholarship for an MS in Drug Discovery at Gachon University, South Korea, allowing me to further advance in my field. Currently, I am also working as a pharmacist in Norway, gaining global experience in the healthcare sector. Education has always been my driving force, and I firmly believe in its power to uplift communities. Determined to give back, I took the initiative to open a school in a rural village in Pakistan, ensuring children in underserved areas have access to quality education. Alongside my professional and academic journey, I have also built a presence in e-commerce, successfully managing three online stores in the USA through Amazon. I share my story because I want young girls to believe in their potential. With hard work and perseverance, they can overcome any hurdle and achieve greatness. My dream is to inspire someone to say, “I never gave up because of you!” Dream, Strive & Inspire.