By Sydney Kokinis, Press Secretary—
INDIANAPOLIS — Bibi Bahrami, Founder and President of AWAKEN (Afghan Women’s and Kids’ Education and Necessities), has been named a Distinguished Hoosier by Gov. Mike Braun. The award was presented by State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) at AWAKEN’s annual fundraising dinner in Muncie.
The Distinguished Hoosier award – one of the highest honors that an Indiana citizen may receive – is given to “those who distinguish themselves by significant contributions to their communities, and whose qualities and actions endear them in the hearts and minds of Hoosiers.” Widely recognized as one of Muncie’s greatest humanitarians, Bahrami has helped change the lives of thousands of individuals and has fostered compassion and understanding between the people of Indiana and Afghanistan.
“Receiving the Distinguished Hoosier Award is a reflection of a shared journey and commitment,” Bahrami said. “I am deeply grateful to people across Indiana who believe in our mission. I share this recognition with everyone who has stood beside me in serving our communities, especially the AWAKEN board members who have worked alongside me for many years, extending hope to women and children in need in Afghanistan.”
Bahrami, who came to Indiana in 1986 as a refugee from Afghanistan, founded AWAKEN in 2002 with a group of citizens in the greater Muncie/Yorktown area. Its core mission was, and remains, to help Afghan women, children and families in the Behsood District – a rural area near Jalalabad, Afghanistan – to become healthy, literate and self-sufficient. The organization focuses its work on education, vocational training for women and healthcare.
In 2021, when the Taliban invaded Kabul and U.S. troops withdrew, Bahrami organized a committee of local citizens to help Afghan refugees who settled in Delaware County. This AWAKEN initiative helped approximately three dozen families find housing, jobs, volunteer positions and other necessities for their new lives in the greater Muncie area.
Bahrami’s many other contributions to the community include her role as the only woman ever to be elected President of the Islamic Center of Muncie, co-founding of an interfaith coalition, service on the boards of several Muncie not-for-profit organizations and contributions to projects undertaken by Ball State University students and researchers, often as a speaker or interviewee.
In 2022, Bahrami was a key figure in the documentary film “Stranger at the Gate,” which was nominated for an Academy Award and nearly one dozen film festival awards. The film tells the story of an ex-Marine who planned to bomb the Islamic Center of Muncie but then abandoned his plans, because of the kindness extended to him by Bibi and her husband, Dr. Saber Bahrami.
“I want to make my city and my state a light and example of hope for humanity,” Bahrami said. “I believe we all have an ethical responsibility to support our communities, to build greater understanding of one another. The Distinguished Hoosier award reflects the power of collective compassion and service to our shared humanity.”
Errington, a board member of AWAKEN, stated, “Bibi Bahrami is the embodiment of community leadership. Bibi doesn’t just talk about building community – she lives it, every single day. Her heart, her drive and her vision have made Muncie a better place for everyone. This award is well-deserved, and frankly, it’s just the beginning of the recognition she has earned.”
Visit awakeninc.org for more information about AWAKEN’s work.
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