Connecting, preserving, and empowering the Afghan diaspora community across the San Francisco Bay Area — from San Francisco and Oakland to San Jose and the East Bay.
The SF Bay Area Chapter of Gurbat Cultural Association serves Afghan diaspora communities across the San Francisco Bay Area — a region home to a vibrant, rapidly growing Afghan population in cities from San Francisco and Oakland to San Jose and Fremont tricities area as well as tri-valley area of East Bay.
The organization was first established in 2022. The general body of the community came together in a major event and elected Mr. Shirzai Wardak as its leader. Mr. Wardak brings years of experience working in major non-profit community organizations for more than 25 years. Mr. Wardak serves as Finance Officer of a thriving non-profit organization, Ibrahim K.I. Center, in the heart of the SF Bay Area. The general body also elected the following individuals to serve on the Board of Directors of the association: Abdul Rahman Mayar, Mansoor Rahmanzai, Masoom Ramzi, Hamed Nazar, Abdul Shokor Rohani, Dost Mohammad Wardak, and Fareed Shirzai Wardak.
Mr. Shirzai WardakFounder & President
It is worth mentioning that Mr. Mayar has made great contributions and strived to strengthen the organization by promoting it and inviting many members of the community. Mr. Hamed Nazar has been the backbone of the organization by supporting the organization financialy to make sure the organization stands on its feet. We are indebted to the service of each individual, especially the board members and its leadership, for doing all possible to bring about the required cohesiveness in the association.
Mr. Abdul Rahman MayarBoard Member
As a local chapter of the Afghan Diaspora Center, we focus on cultural preservation, youth empowerment, supporting their native languages, and comprehensive community support services for Afghan families settling and thriving throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
We bring together families, youth, and elders to celebrate heritage, build lasting community bonds, and ensure that Afghan culture and identity remain strong for generations to come in the Bay Area.
The organization held a General Body meeting and elected a new Board of Directors; the President of the organization was re-elected for the next three-year term in March 2026. The new Board of Directors includes the following members: Eng. KhalilRahman Rahmaniar, Qasem Hemat, General Naim Girowal, Dr. Sefatullah Bahij, Aimal Badloon, Mr. Ibrahim Kamal, Shah Mahmood Salar, and Miss Qayoumi Wardak.
New Board of Directors, GCA San Francisco Bay AreaMarch 2026
Language Preservation
Youth Empowerment
Cultural Identity
Family Support
Community Belonging
Education Access
Calligraphy by Najib AlemiAn Icon of Afghan ResistanceA timeless symbol of Afghan identity
Chapter Information
RegionSan Francisco Bay Area, California
Cities ServedSan Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Fremont & surrounding Bay Area communities
The GCA San Francisco Bay Area Chapter offers a comprehensive range of programs for Afghan families across the Bay Area — from language education to youth leadership, cultural events, and community support.
Dari & Pashto Language Classes
Free and low-cost Dari and Pashto language instruction for children and adults. Classes cover reading, writing, and conversation — keeping Afghan languages alive in California families.
Youth Empowerment
Leadership workshops, mentorship matching, tutoring, and cultural identity programs that help young Afghan Americans connect with their roots and build their futures in California.
Cultural Preservation
Events, exhibitions, and workshops celebrating Afghan arts — calligraphy, miniature painting, music, poetry, and storytelling. We ensure our rich heritage thrives in California.
Family & Settlement Support
Assistance for newly arrived Afghan families: housing navigation, school enrollment support, legal referrals, benefit access, and a welcoming community network throughout California.
Cultural Events & Festivals
Nowruz (Afghan New Year), Jashn-e-Istiqlal (Independence Day), Eid gatherings, and seasonal celebrations connecting the San Francisco Bay Area Afghan community year-round.
Professional Networking
Connecting Afghan-American professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders across California — job referrals, career mentorship, and business networking within our community.
Join Our California Community
Volunteer your time, support our programs with a donation, or attend an event near you in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Whether you want to enroll in a program, attend an event, volunteer, or need community support across the San Francisco Bay Area — we are here for you.
