Vicki Mayo, the founder of the Mayo Family Foundation, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the rescue of 147 women from Afghanistan. These women, belonging to the marginalized Afghan Women, faced years of persecution and threats to their lives due to their ethnicity and religious beliefs. With the resurgence of the Taliban during the 2021 U.S. withdrawal, their safety was further compromised, pushing over a hundred of them to attempt an extremely dangerous escape from their homeland.
Vicki Mayo’s dedication to shaping these women’s futures is a beacon of hope. In her conversation with Fox News Digital, she conveyed, “These girls are looking for their future. They’re doing well, they’ve adjusted… the girls are happy, healthy, and looking forward to a bright and optimistic future.” Mayo’s words resonate with the indomitable spirit of resilience that these women embody.
A particularly compelling aspect of this narrative is the involvement of private citizens like Vicki Mayo and her husband, who channeled their collective determination to create a positive impact. Against the backdrop of the tumultuous final days of the longest U.S. war, Mayo harnessed her connections to assemble a team of ex-military and special forces veterans. This skilled team worked tirelessly to plan and execute the complex rescue operation intricately.
The Afghan Women, constituting around 20% of Afghanistan’s population, has faced a history of persecution, particularly during the rule of the Taliban. Yet, these women clung to their dreams of safety and opportunity. Despite the challenges, their resilience prevailed. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum notes that their plight endures with escalating attacks following the Taliban’s return to power.
Mayo’s efforts shed light on the grave risks these women confronted. She underscored the spectrum of danger posed by the Taliban, ranging from potential death to human trafficking. Navigating a path to safety was a journey fraught with obstacles, demanding multiple attempts to evacuate them from Afghanistan safely.
Though initial attempts faced setbacks, including a devastating bomb blast, Mayo’s unwavering commitment ultimately led to the successful evacuation of 148 women from Afghanistan.
Arriving in the U.S. is far from the end of the story. Settling initially in Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, as part of a broader group of Afghan refugees, these women embarked on a fresh chapter. Scholarships granted them access to prestigious universities, facilitating the pursuit of education and personal growth. Mayo’s commitment ensured their seamless integration into a supportive community.
Over 60 of these women found a new home in Arizona under the Mayo Family Foundation’s guidance. Here, they received educational opportunities and connections with business leaders, revealing the limitless potential of their new life in the United States. As Mayo shared, they embraced internships and pursued their academic passions, embodying the unwavering spirit that defines their journey.
As a first-generation immigrant herself, Vicki Mayo deeply understands the profound impact of support and opportunity. Her joy in facilitating these women’s achievement of dreams once deemed unattainable is palpable. Reflecting on their remarkable progress within just two years, Mayo’s sentiment echoes: “Truly, just to hear the words that these Afghan women are located in Arizona is a miracle in and of itself.”