Aamna Saleem
Hello, my name is Aamna Saleem. I am the Founder and CEO of Cosmic Perspective.
I am a woman who is trying to do her part in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) through my passion - astronomy.
I have a degree in Physics and Economics from Forman Christian College University in Lahore, Pakistan. I won Techstars Global Startup Weekend Lahore in 2018 and was selected for Standard Chartered's Women in Tech Cohort 1. I was also selected as a semi-finalist in the SheLovesTech Lahore round and I was selected for the Uber Pitch's Lahore round. My company successfully completed incubation at the National Incubation Center in Lahore at LUMS. I am also an SDG Changemaker.
My two passions apart from astronomy are sustainable development and baking. I enjoy travelling, especially to the mountains!
Location: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Company Name: Cosmic Perspective
Operating since: 2019
Website: www.cosmicperspective.space
Instagram & Twitter: @CPerspectivePK
What service does your company offer?
Cosmic Perspective is Pakistan's first astronomy education and entertainment social enterprise. We have a locally built, portable planetarium, we offer workshops, and we sell astronomy-themed merchandise.
We are also carrying out a project called ‘Development through Astronomy in Pakistan’ (DAP) funded by the International Astronomical Union's Office of Astronomy for Development, which aims to reduce gender inequality, promote peace and equality, provide quality education, and create awareness about climate change through astronomy.
How did you get the idea or concept for your company? What was your mission at the outset? Was there anything in particular that inspired you to start at the time you did?
I applied for a grant (which I was awarded) and I wanted to make that work sustainable
I had been working pro-bono to promote astronomy in Pakistan for the last nine years with various organisations, but there was no consistency or sustainable platform
Someone has to take the first step. Since I founded Cosmic Perspective, four to five astronomy-related startups have popped up - disruption was required!
Did you start your company with anyone else? Who are your co-founders?
Yes. Hassan Bukhari, Co-founder. He is an environmental specialist and a sleeping partner; and Dr. Abduallah Khalid,Co-founder. He is a quantum physicist and the former CTO. He is now a sleeping partner as well.
Growing up, did you always intend to start your own company?
No, I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would become an entrepreneur!
What is the biggest personal / professional obstacle you've had to overcome?
My family, to this date, does not support my career choice; astronomy. The entire amateur astronomical community in Pakistan has turned against me over petty, personal issues. They were my family and it was extremely difficult to overcome the multiple forms of emotional abuse that I suffered at their hands. There aren't many females in the astronomy community in Pakistan (or in the world) and I want to change that. I want to support other women and ensure that they have at least one person rooting for them; me.
What's your definition of success? Do you consider yourself a success? If not, when will you?
Success for me is sleeping well at night, with a clear conscience and knowing that you will be doing what you love tomorrow. I have provided people who love astronomy a platform to come together, to learn, to teach, to connect. I sleep well at night knowing that I am doing whatever is in my capacity to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in your industry or starting her own company/organization?
Go for it! You won't know whether you'll make it or not until you take the first step! And do not be afraid of the men who will try to bring you down. Just do your thing. Focus is the key!
Describe yourself in ONE word. Human
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today is..." an interesting experience, to say the least.