I am Rahmatullah Sultani. I spent most of my life in the mountainous region of central Afghanistan. I completed my high school education there and obtained my bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from Kabul University.
I co-founded an English and Computer learning school called the Nili Star Educational Center (NSEC) in Daikundi, Central Afghanistan. In addition to that, I worked with numerous national and international organizations as a translator and English teacher for over 10 years.
The swift political changes in Afghanistan compelled my wife and me to leave the country for our safety. After a long journey of approximately 6 months, we were eventually resettled in Federal Way, WA.
Like many other asylum seekers, my first job was not what I initially aimed for. I began as a loader and later worked as a driver’s helper at a food catering company to cover our expenses. During this time, I dedicated myself to improving my professional skills, building connections, seeking advice from mentors, working on my credential evaluation, setting up LinkedIn and Indeed accounts, refining my resume, enhancing my interview skills, and pursuing short-term classes and certifications.
After three months, I secured my first professional job as a part-time ESL teacher at the ELCAP Department of Highline College. On the same day, I also started a full-time position as a Citizenship teacher and asylum case manager at the Refugee Women’s Alliance. In this role, I assisted Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) in their journey to naturalization and helped Afghan individuals apply for asylum.
My appreciation for the diversity at Highline, understanding the significance of assisting internationally educated professionals, and my extensive experience working with immigrants contributed to my new position as the STEM and Business Educational Case Manager at the Puget Sound Welcome Back Center. In this role, I help internationally educated professionals reintegrate into their respective fields.