Empowering individuals today to build a prosperous
community tomorrow. Together, we create lasting
impact
Contact
- (614) 648 4090
- info@emechs.org.
- 655 Metro Place South, Suite 600, Dublin, Ohio
Who We Are
We are a team of dedicated changemakers, combining expertise and passion to break barriers, create opportunities, and drive transformative growth for individuals and communities.
Our Story
Empowering Echoes (EMECHS) is the next chapter of a journey that began with the
Organization of Human Welfare (OHW). Founded in 2007 in Afghanistan, OHW emerged
in response to the profound needs of communities torn apart by conflict and poverty.
From the very beginning, our mission was clear: to bring hope where it had been lost, to
rebuild lives, and to empower those who had been left behind.
Over the years, OHW’s impact reached across 19 provinces in Afghanistan and beyond,
touching the lives of nearly 2.5 million people. We focused on critical areas such as food
security, livelihoods, education, and health, ensuring that those most in need were given
the tools to rebuild their futures. Our work was strengthened by partnerships with
esteemed global donors and organizations, including UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR, and
OCHA. Together, we worked tirelessly to create lasting change.
But as the world changed, so did we. Recognizing that the challenges of economic
empowerment and sustainable development are universal, we expanded our mission to
the United States, forming EMECHS. This wasn’t just a move—it was a bold step forward,
bringing the experience, passion, and commitment that defined OHW to new
communities in Ohio and beyond.
At EmEchs, we are driven by the belief that true empowerment transforms lives and
communities. Our focus on Economic Empowerment, Capacity Building, and
Entrepreneurial Support reflects our commitment to providing individuals with the
tools and opportunities they need to achieve lasting independence. We don’t just offer
assistance; we inspire resilience, foster growth, and create opportunities that echo
across generations.
Our journey is rooted in the lessons and values that guided us through our work with
OHW. We’ve seen the power of empowerment in action, and we know that with the right
support, individuals and communities can overcome even the greatest challenges.
EmEchs is not just a new name; it’s the continuation of a legacy of transformation, now
focused on empowering communities in the United States.
With the support of our donors and partners, we continue to build on our rich history,
bringing hope, empowerment, and lasting change to those who need it most. At EmEchs,
every life we touch, every community we strengthen, is a testament to the enduring
power of empowerment. The echoes of our impact will be felt far into the future, as we
continue to transform lives, one person at a time.
Our Vision
Empowering Echoes envisions an inclusive Ohio where everyone, regardless of
background, achieves economic independence and personal success, fostering
resilient and thriving communities.
Our Mission
Our mission is to effectively bridge the critical gaps in existing services by delivering personalized, accessible, and culturally attuned programs.These initiatives are designed to empower individuals to succeed.
Leadership Team
- Abdul Hakim Atarud
- President and Co-founder of EmEchs
With decades of experience in international diplomacy and humanitarian leadership, Abdul
Hakim Atarud brings unparalleled expertise to EmEchs. As the former Ambassador of
Afghanistan to South Korea until August 15, 2021, Atarud has been instrumental in fostering
global relations and advocating for vulnerable populations. His experience spans various
humanitarian efforts that have impacted countless generations, making him a key leader in
guiding EmEchs’ mission to uplift communities through economic empowerment and
sustainable development.
- Alamzeb Zarghoon
- Vice President of Development, Fundraising, and Co-founder of EmEchs
Vice President of Development, Fundraising, and Co-founder of EmEchs
Alamzeb Zarghoon is a visionary leader with a rich background in humanitarian and
development work. As the co-founder of both the Organization of Human Welfare (OHW)
and EmEchs, he has been at the forefront of initiatives that have improved the lives of
vulnerable communities across Afghanistan and beyond. With his extensive experience in
community development and fundraising, Zarghoon has impacted multiple generations
through his commitment to creating opportunities for growth and empowerment.
- M. Naim Atarud
- Vice President of Operations and Co-founder of EmEchs
M. Naim Atarud, co-founder of EmEchs, has spent years managing operations in
humanitarian settings, ensuring that critical programs reach those who need them most. His
work in Afghanistan and other regions has had a lasting impact on multiple generations,
helping individuals and communities rebuild their lives through economic empowerment and
capacity-building initiatives. At EmEchs, Naim Atarud oversees the execution of programs,
ensuring that they are delivered efficiently and with the highest impact possible.
Partners
At EmEchs, our impact is made possible through strategic collaborations with a diverse
group of local, national, and international partners. These partnerships help us deliver on
our mission of empowering individuals and transforming communities. We continue to
build on the legacy of the Organization of Human Welfare (OHW) by working alongside
organizations that share our vision for economic empowerment and sustainable
development.
Our work has been strengthened by our long-standing partnerships with the following
global donors and organizations:
- United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)
- United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)
- Save the Children International
- War Child Canada
- Johanniter International Assistance (JIA)
- ActionAid International
- IOM
- Cordaid
- Tawanmandi Program/DFID
- Oxfam GB.
- BRAC
- DAI Global – USAID
- Chemonics International – USAID
- Aga Khan Foundation
- United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
- United States Institute of Peace (USIP)
- Deutsche Welthungerhilfe (WHH)
- Caritas Germany
Through these collaborations, EmEchs is able to bring tailored programs to the
communities we serve, ensuring that our services are culturally attuned, accessible, and
impactful. If your organization is interested in partnering with us to further our mission, we
invite you to join us in creating sustainable change and lasting prosperity for all.