Rising Stars Program
Nominate a Rising Star in Artificial Intelligence
Rising Stars in AI: Applied AI and Early-Stage Solutions celebrates Pakistani American innovators who are translating the potential of artificial intelligence into real-world impact. This year’s theme recognizes emerging leaders building and applying early-stage AI solutions to address meaningful challenges, transform industries, and shape the future of technology.
Selection Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate:
Innovation: Developing or applying AI in a novel, creative, or forward-thinking way.
Real-World Application: Using AI to address a tangible problem or opportunity within an industry, organization, or community.
Early-Stage Potential: Building an emerging solution, product, venture, research initiative, or application with strong potential for growth and impact.
Demonstrated Impact: Evidence of meaningful progress, adoption, outcomes, or potential benefit resulting from their work.
Leadership & Vision: A clear vision for how AI can be responsibly leveraged to create lasting value.
Pakistani American Representation: Demonstrated connection to the Pakistani American community and the potential to inspire or contribute to the next generation of leaders.
Responsible Innovation: Consideration of ethics, accessibility, inclusion, privacy, or other implications associated with the development and application of AI.
Eligibility
Please (self) nominate a Rising Star who is:
A Pakistani-American woman.
Between 20-40 years of age.
A U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident
Has relevant and demonstrated experience in the 2026 theme
Deadline for (self) nomination: October 15, 2026
What is APF Rising Stars?
The APF Rising Stars program honors women in the Pakistani American community who are changing the world in the spirit of APF’s mission to build bridges, open minds & empower communities.
As we honor our latest Rising Stars, we are also strengthening the APF Rising Stars Alumni Network, bringing together the 2023 and 2024 honorees to foster mentorship, collaboration, and lifelong connections. By building this network, we aim to create a lasting community of trailblazers who uplift and inspire future generations.
2025 Theme
The theme for our 2025 APF Rising Stars was “Women in Public Health.”
In recognizing the emerging leaders making meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of communities by advancing health equity, and creating impact through research, policy, advocacy, and community service.
2024 Theme
The theme for our 2024 APF Rising Stars was “Women Empowering Women.”
In recognizing the professional and personal commitments and exemplary leadership of women in the Pakistani American community, we aim to celebrate the many ways they rise to the occasion to empower other women and give back to their communities.
Dr. Syra Madad
The APF Rising Stars Program Lead is Dr. Syra Madad, DHSC, MSc, MCP, CHEP. Dr. Madad, an internationally renowned epidemiologist, is the Chief Biopreparedness Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals. She has led responses to major outbreaks such as Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19. A fellow at Harvard's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, she created the Women in STEM and Diversity in STEM series, championing the role of women and underrepresented groups in scientific fields. She advises on numerous national and international boards and forums, including the U.S. National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, the National Academies' Forum on Microbial Threats, and at the World Health Organization. Featured in Netflix's "Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak," she is also an executive producer on short films addressing public health issues and highlighting the Asian American community. Dr. Madad is passionate about women empowerment and is dedicated to creating opportunities for women to achieve leadership and success in all fields.
Amber Chaudhry
"Winning the American Pakistan Foundation's Rising Stars Women Who Soar award in 2023 was a significant honor, acknowledging my career as a public servant leader dedicated to improving government services. More importantly, it highlights APF's commitment to recognizing women who make meaningful contributions to both the Pakistani community and broader American society.
As APF Rising Stars, we're cultivating a community to recognize, empower, and inspire other Pakistani American women to drive the change we all seek. As a first-generation American who had to navigate my early career without mentors, I understand the critical need for role models and strive to be one for those who follow. I encourage you to nominate other dynamic women, including yourself, as this recognition can further inspire and amplify their impactful work."
Amber Chaudhry
APF Rising Star 2023