Bio

Atta is a first-generation Afghan American, humanitarian, Author, motivational speaker, and former financial services professional. He was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, but has spent over half his life in the West. Atta joined the Air Force shortly after graduating high school to finish his military assignment. After witnessing unexpected political changes, beginning with the 1978 communist coup d’état and, ultimately, the Soviet Union Invasion, Atta left Afghanistan in August 1980 and became a refugee in Germany. In December 1981, he immigrated to the United States and obtained his first job as a bank teller. He built a successful 29-year banking tenure and worked up the ladder to become a senior vice President and Regional Manager. With deep passion and pride in his heritage and journey, Atta wrote his first memoir, “Lost Decency” (The Untold Afghan Story), winner of the First Year Benjamin Franklin Book Award. His other books include Immigrant Success Planning, a resourceful guide for immigrants, and The Self-Sufficient Global Citizen, a comprehensive resource guide for immigrant families worldwide. Atta continued to advocate for immigrants around the world and was able to attend to his lifetime dream of founding a non-profit aiming to help refugees within the U.S. and beyond. He hopes to continue contributing to humanity through his work and advocacy of values, compassion, priorities, and efficiencies.