solamaya

In 2007, I established a scholarship for girls through the Holy Cross Mission in Pirgacha, Bangladesh. The purpose is to support the education of Tribal Women, and put the spotlight on Pirgacha, and the People whose status currently reflects the plight of many ethnic minorities struggling to survive globally.

Throughout my life I've witnessed the incredible power of opportunity presented to me.

I was born in Pirgacha, Bangladesh, a village that is home to a matrilineal tribal minority in one of the most densely populated majority Muslim nations of 144 million people.

When I was 33 years old, I travelled from California, U.S.A. back to Bangladesh to meet my biological family for the first time. This life-changing experience opened the doors to a unique perspective into my adoption experience. Looking back into the past, I found a wealth of healing and love waiting for me.

I learned that my biological mother was a 15 year old tribal girl, and my father, a 50 year old Muslim Bengali man. I could not remain in the family because I was a 'mixed race' girl child. My grandmother took me to a Catholic Mission, where shortly thereafter, I was put up for adoption with an American family who lived in Bangladesh.

When I was a teenager, I moved to the United States to continue my education, and step further into an abundant world of experiential learning. The journey thus far has taken me from the important work with youth in urban communities, to making a living in the business of information technology where I have spent the past ten years.

My passion has been pursuing interests in business, writing, film, music, and art, which has fueled my desire for inspiring expression and peace through multi-media. I believe "There are many women like me, who deserve a chance and I often wondered why these chances were bestowed on me. I wish is to give the same for others and do my best to create valuable opportunity." It is my Honor to share my story, my heritage and my voice in the spirit of giving.