After volunteering at a few of the organization’s drives, she developed a deeper appreciation for the work involved and felt compelled to take a more active role. Making a positive impact has always been important to her, not only as a personal value but also as a way to set an example for her daughter. “I want my daughter to grow up understanding how important it is to give back,” Alma explained. “I believe the best way to teach her is by leading through example.”
Having grown up in Kuwait with Palestinian roots, Alma has a unique connection to the experiences of refugees. With her grandparents having been displaced, she understands the deep yearning for a homeland that many refugees feel, as her family carried that sense of displacement for generations. Watching her grandparents and parents work tirelessly to create a better life instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility. Now, living in the United States, she sees the incredible opportunities that Amaanah offers to refugees. The organization’s holistic approach, whether it’s through empowering women with the skills and resources to achieve financial independence, supporting children as they navigate school and social life, or fostering a sense of community through shared activities like sports, resonates deeply with her. “Amaanah isn’t just about providing temporary relief, it’s about helping families build a lasting foundation for their future here,” she said.
Through her involvement with other non-profits, Alma has honed her skills in event planning. She prides herself on being organized and efficient, always aiming to streamline processes to ensure events run smoothly. Her engineering background, which demands meticulous attention to detail and the ability to meet strict deadlines, has equipped her with problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate challenges. Alma understands that the success of any initiative hinges on the people behind it, and she is particularly passionate about retaining volunteers and helping them feel valued and fully utilized.
Alma’s experience also gives her a personal understanding of the challenges refugees face, as she connects her own family history with the ongoing struggles of displaced people. She hopes her work with the committee will help bridge the gap between refugee families and the local community, creating opportunities for mutual understanding and support. By organizing events that foster interaction between these groups, she believes Amaanah can help refugees not only feel welcome but also build stronger ties that lead to job opportunities and a sense of belonging.
One of Alma’s main focuses is expanding Amaanah’s Ambassador Program. She believes this initiative can have a lasting impact by equipping dedicated volunteers with the leadership skills they need to take on more prominent roles in the future. By fostering a deep sense of community involvement, she hopes to help build a strong support system for refugees that extends beyond immediate resettlement needs.
Looking forward, Alma sees her role on the committee growing as she becomes more involved in Amaanah’s ongoing programs. She is eager to identify gaps in the refugee resettlement process and work with the committee to find solutions that not only help refugees settle but thrive. For Alma, it’s not just about offering temporary relief—it’s about creating a sustainable framework that empowers refugees to build successful, independent lives.
Above all, Alma is passionate about organizing relief drives and community events. These activities bring together people from all walks of life to support refugees, and she believes they play a vital role in fostering empathy and understanding. Alma also values the family-friendly nature of these events, seeing them as an opportunity to teach children about the importance of contributing to society. “I love that these events allow me to involve my daughter,” she shared. “It’s important to me that she learns from an early age how meaningful it is to help others and to be part of a community.” By involving her daughter in these efforts, she hopes to pass on the values of responsibility and compassion to the next generation, ensuring that the work Amaanah does today will continue to benefit the community for years to come.
This Veterans Day, Amaanah Refugee Services shines a light on a group of heroes often overlooked in conversations about service and sacrifice: those who stood beside U.S. armed forces overseas, risking everything to support American missions. These heroes took on […]
This week, Ahmed Abdulmajeed joins 'All You Can Carry' to discuss his refugee journey from Iraq.
