Azra Maqsood is a C-suite executive and development sector specialist with over 15 years of leadership experience in strategy, governance, and social impact. She currently serves as Country Director (Pakistan) for Ascend: Leadership Through Athletics, spearheading initiatives that empower women across Pakistan through mountaineering and trekking. Her expertise in strategic planning, partnership building, and fundraising is unparalleled, having previously transformed the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) into a nationwide network serving millions and raising significant capital for community programs.
A dedicated advocate for women’s advancement, Azra has a proven track record of designing and leading economic empowerment and mentorship programs for women entrepreneurs and professionals. She brings a powerful combination of operational excellence, a commitment to breaking barriers, and firsthand experience in driving initiatives that increase accessibility and shift societal attitudes, making her a vital voice on the future of women in sports.
(I also volunteer every year as Marshall/Turn Judge at the Sindh Womens Swimming Association meets. If it is worth mentioning, my daughter, an elite international swimmer, was selected by the Youth Summer Olympics (Najing 2014) as Youth Ambassador, Pakistan)
panel
This panel explores the rise of women’s participation in sports in Pakistan, both nationally and internationally. Join us as we discuss how societal attitudes are shifting, making sports more accessible and acceptable for women, and how increased resources and funding are empowering the next generation of female athletes. This panel explores the rise of women’s participation in sports in Pakistan, both nationally and internationally. Join us as we discuss how societal attitudes are shifting, making sports more accessible and acceptable for women, and how increased resources and funding are empowering the next generation of female athletes.
