Change a Woman’s Life
Your donation provides lifesaving food and safe shelter
to women in need.
ABOUT
Team Themis
Team Themis was founded as a volunteer-run coalition in August 2021 by Sarah Lange and Mary Bell in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan.
Sarah’s 15 years of experience providing physical and digital security for at-risk HRDs and activists in conflict zones combined with Mary’s 24-years as a skilled military leader and operator and deep knowledge of Afghanistan allowed this two-woman team to support the safe relocation of more than 7,000 at-risk Afghans in just 4 months.
Using their skills and experience to rapidly build and deploy trusted networks within Afghanistan, Team Themis employees stood up a network of safe housing and emergency food delivery services delivering exceptional service and care to hundreds of women-at-risk in this chaotic environment.
Team Themis quickly grew in 2022 to provide safe passage and shelter to women and their families running from persecution in Afghanistan. Through our organizational partners and exemplary employees Team Themis now provides 24/7 managed safe-housing to at-risk women and their families. We help women stay safe while their asylum cases are under process and ensure they receive the necessary nutrition, healthcare, educational support for children, and legal resources they need before they resettle in their new homes worldwide.
Team Themis was founded as a volunteer-run coalition in August 2021 by Sarah Lange and Mary Bell in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan.
Sarah’s 15 years of experience providing physical and digital security for at-risk HRDs and activists in conflict zones combined with Mary’s 24-years as a skilled military leader and operator and deep knowledge of Afghanistan allowed this two-woman team to support the safe relocation of more than 7,000 at-risk Afghans in just 4 months.
Using their skills and experience to rapidly build and deploy trusted networks within Afghanistan, Team Themis employees stood up a network of safe housing and emergency food delivery services delivering exceptional service and care to hundreds of women-at-risk in this chaotic environment.
Team Themis quickly grew in 2022 to provide safe passage and shelter to women and their families running from persecution in Afghanistan.
Through our organizational partners and exemplary employees Team Themis now provides 24/7 managed safe-housing to at-risk women and their families. We help women stay safe while their asylum cases are under process and ensure they receive the necessary nutrition, healthcare, educational support for children, and legal resources they need before they resettle in their new homes worldwide.
We were women and mothers around the world answering the call for help from women and mothers in Afghanistan.
Who Is "Themis"?
Themis, a revered figure from ancient Greek mythology, is a Titaness embodying the principles of divine order, fairness, and justice. She personified the profound moral and ethical standards that governed the cosmos. Her significance lies in maintaining the balance of natural laws and ensuring that justice prevailed.
The name "Team Themis" carries profound symbolism. It conveys our organization's commitment to upholding the timeless values of justice and equity while extending a helping hand to those seeking refuge from adversity. We are dedicated to providing humanitarian aid, compassion, and a sanctuary of hope for refugees, aligning with the ancient principles of fairness and compassion that Themis represents.
Sarah Lange
Executive Director and Co-Founder
Sarah Lange is a global security expert and humanitarian specializing in solving the human challenges in the cyber world. Her pioneering research into how people learn digital security skills and internalize safer communication behaviors drives effective habit transformation for corporations, global organizations, and human networks worldwide. Sarah has empowered political opposition movements, HRDs, women’s activists, and civil society leaders in 30+ countries with crisis management training, psychosocial support, physical security and digital safety tools. She has deep experience implementing data-driven security solutions to protect people, financial assets, and intellectual property in the world’s most hostile environments from Turkmenistan to Thailand. Sarah is a Russian linguist and holds a BA from Tufts University and an MA from the Fletcher School in International Relations. If she’s not hiking or exploring with her husband and three young boys, you’ll find her on a kayak with the wind and the waves.
Sarah Lange
Executive Director and Co-Founder
Sarah Lange is a global security expert and humanitarian specializing in solving the human challenges in the cyber world. Her pioneering research into how people learn digital security skills and internalize safer communication behaviors drives effective habit transformation for corporations, global organizations, and human networks worldwide. Sarah has empowered political opposition movements, HRDs, women’s activists, and civil society leaders in 30+ countries with crisis management training, psychosocial support, physical security and digital safety tools. She has deep experience implementing data-driven security solutions to protect people, financial assets, and intellectual property in the world’s most hostile environments from Turkmenistan to Thailand. Sarah is a Russian linguist and holds a BA from Tufts University and an MA from the Fletcher School in International Relations. If she’s not hiking or exploring with her husband and three young boys, you’ll find her on a kayak with the wind and the waves.
Mary Bell
Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder
A 24-year veteran of the intelligence community—and mother of five—has spent the last eight years working primarily in the Middle East and Asia, providing operational management support to United States Special Forces and humanitarian missions abroad. As Team Themis’ COO, Mary manages all safe housing, food, medical, and psychosocial support for Team Themis survivors and management of overseas staff. She is currently completing an International Security Master’s program at George Mason University. When time allows, she is an avid camper/overlander and boxing enthusiast.
Mary Bell
Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder
A 24-year veteran of the intelligence community—and mother of five—has spent the last eight years working primarily in the Middle East and Asia, providing operational management support to United States Special Forces and humanitarian missions abroad. As Team Themis’ COO, Mary manages all safe housing, food, medical, and psychosocial support for Team Themis survivors and management of overseas staff. She is currently completing an International Security Master’s program at George Mason University. When time allows, she is an avid camper/overlander and boxing enthusiast.
Kristi Van Der Merwe
Director, Gender and GBV
Kristi is a seasoned Humanitarian Program Manager with experience in overseeing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) programs across diverse international settings and numerous geographic locations. She holds a Masters in Global Public Health from the University of Liverpool and is presently working toward a certification in Counseling. When she's not tending to the boundless energy of her three lively children, you can often find her daydreaming about her next opportunity for a well-deserved nap.
Kristi Van Der Merwe
Director, Gender and GBV
Kristi is a seasoned Humanitarian Program Manager with experience in overseeing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) programs across diverse international settings and numerous geographic locations. She holds a Masters in Global Public Health from the University of Liverpool and is presently working toward a certification in Counseling. When she's not tending to the boundless energy of her three lively children, you can often find her daydreaming about her next opportunity for a well-deserved nap.
Hadia Ibrahim Khel
Refugee English Education Program Coordinator
Hadia, an advocate for sustainable development, holds an international Master's in Anti-corruption Compliance and Collective Action, along with a Bachelor's in Global Economics. Hadia serves as the Refugee English Education program coordinator for Team Themis. As an Afghan refugee herself, Hadia's unique insights into Afghanistan's challenges empower her to drive meaningful change for others, both Team Themis survivors and other at-risk women worldwide. Hadia loves to read internationally diverse books when she has spare time.
Hadia Ibrahim Khel
Refugee English Education Program Coordinator
Hadia, an advocate for sustainable development, holds an international Master's in Anti-corruption Compliance and Collective Action, along with a Bachelor's in Global Economics. Hadia serves as the Refugee English Education program coordinator for Team Themis. As an Afghan refugee herself, Hadia's unique insights into Afghanistan's challenges empower her to drive meaningful change for others, both Team Themis survivors and other at-risk women worldwide. Hadia loves to read internationally diverse books when she has spare time.
Naqibullah
Regional Program Development Advisor
Naqib is a dedicated human rights activist and entrepreneur with a rich history of 8 years of service in Afghanistan. Holding a degree in Software Engineering, Naqib possesses a unique blend of technical expertise and a deep commitment to the cause of human rights. He understands the power of technology and how it can be harnessed to make human rights activities more efficient and secure.
Naqibullah
Regional Program Development Advisor
Naqib is a dedicated human rights activist and entrepreneur with a rich history of 8 years of service in Afghanistan. Holding a degree in Software Engineering, Naqib possesses a unique blend of technical expertise and a deep commitment to the cause of human rights. He understands the power of technology and how it can be harnessed to make human rights activities more efficient and secure.
Ahmad
Safe Housing Program Assistant
Ahmad Wahid Rahyab holds a bachelor's degree from Istiqlal University, where he majored in law. During his time in Kabul, Ahmad actively collaborated with civil society organizations, notably serving as the Youth Committee Deputy for the Afghanistan New Thinker Youth Civil Society Organization (NTYCO) from early 2019 until the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban. He serves as the Team Themis Safe Housing Program Project Manager Assistant. His vision is clear to continue his unwavering support for vulnerable Afghan girls and women.
Ahmad
Safe Housing Program Assistant
Ahmad Wahid Rahyab holds a bachelor's degree from Istiqlal University, where he majored in law. During his time in Kabul, Ahmad actively collaborated with civil society organizations, notably serving as the Youth Committee Deputy for the Afghanistan New Thinker Youth Civil Society Organization (NTYCO) from early 2019 until the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban. He serves as the Team Themis Safe Housing Program Project Manager Assistant. His vision is clear to continue his unwavering support for vulnerable Afghan girls and women.
Mazari
Refugee Medical Services Coordinator
Mazari, an Afghan Refugee and medical doctor, holds her medical degree from Balkh University in Afghanistan. After graduation, she worked with other women at the university and NGOs to help other female students access education and resources at her alma mater. She is Team Themis’ Refugee Medical Services Coordinator. She dreams of resettling in Europe, the US, or Canada and specializing in dermatology.
Mazari
Refugee Medical Services Coordinator
Mazari, an Afghan Refugee and medical doctor, holds her medical degree from Balkh University in Afghanistan. After graduation, she worked with other women at the university and NGOs to help other female students access education and resources at her alma mater. She is Team Themis’ Refugee Medical Services Coordinator. She dreams of resettling in Europe, the US, or Canada and specializing in dermatology.
Sahil
Refugee Logistics Coordinator
Sahil obtained his MBA from India. Mr. Sahil has worked experience with the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)/British Embassy Kabul and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) funded economic growth, workforce development, consultancy, capacity development, institutional reform, and development projects in Afghanistan. Mr. Sahil has more than 12 years of experience in the areas of expertise, including project management, business development, and working closely with clients and partners. Since 2022, he has served as part of Team Themis facilitating travel and visa processes for our survivors.
Sahil
Refugee Logistics Coordinator
Sahil obtained his MBA from India. Mr. Sahil has worked experience with the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)/British Embassy Kabul and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) funded economic growth, workforce development, consultancy, capacity development, institutional reform, and development projects in Afghanistan. Mr. Sahil has more than 12 years of experience in the areas of expertise, including project management, business development, and working closely with clients and partners. Since 2022, he has served as part of Team Themis facilitating travel and visa processes for our survivors.
Waheed
Refugee Services Manager
Waheed has a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a master's in Banking & Finance. He has extensive experience working with Government and international donor agencies since 2004. Since 2021, he has been tirelessly working to support at-risk women and children from Afghanistan. Since 2022, he has served as part of Team Themis to facilitate travel and visa processes for our survivors.
Waheed
Refugee Services Manager
Waheed has a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a master's in Banking & Finance. He has extensive experience working with Government and international donor agencies since 2004. Since 2021, he has been tirelessly working to support at-risk women and children from Afghanistan. Since 2022, he has served as part of Team Themis to facilitate travel and visa processes for our survivors.
Hassan
Senior Accountant
Hassan, an esteemed financial professional, exemplifies expertise in accounting software and public financial management. He has qualifications from CIMA & AICPA and a BSc Hons & Postgraduate accolade from the esteemed University of Derby. Hassan serves as Team Themis’ accountant.
Hassan
Senior Accountant
Hassan, an esteemed financial professional, exemplifies expertise in accounting software and public financial management. He has qualifications from CIMA & AICPA and a BSc Hons & Postgraduate accolade from the esteemed University of Derby. Hassan serves as Team Themis’ accountant.
Qudrat
Safe-Housing Program Manager
Qudrat has a bachelor’s degree in Law Faculty. He has worked as an education activist in Afghanistan for more than six years. He has also volunteered and contributed to civil rights activities for students and women in/from Afghanistan. Now, he is outside his homeland and trying to find a chance to finish his Master's Degree in International Relations. He works with Team Themis as their primary safe housing manager.
Qudrat
Safe-Housing Program Manager
Qudrat has a bachelor’s degree in Law Faculty. He has worked as an education activist in Afghanistan for more than six years. He has also volunteered and contributed to civil rights activities for students and women in/from Afghanistan. Now, he is outside his homeland and trying to find a chance to finish his Master's Degree in International Relations. He works with Team Themis as their primary safe housing manager.
Hasina
Refugee Primary Education Program Coordinator &
Art-Therapist
Hasina an artist, a social activist, and a student with a diverse background of working as a painter and language instructor in various organizations, including UNICEF, Ryan children
Orphanage and future's hope orphanage, among others. My journey is a testament to my commitment to art, social change, and empowering marginalized communities, particularly women and children.
Hasina
Refugee Primary Education Program Coordinator &
Art-Therapist
Hasina an artist, a social activist, and a student with a diverse background of working as a painter and language instructor in various organizations, including UNICEF, Ryan children
Orphanage and future's hope orphanage, among others. My journey is a testament to my commitment to art, social change, and empowering marginalized communities, particularly women and children.
