I am a refugee.
This is a critical part of who I am, and defines how I think and feel, and most certainly how I work.
I was an infant when we left Afghanistan, taking refuge in Switzerland, then immigrating to the United States years later. While my family needed the help and support of generous sponsors when we first sought asylum, we worked hard to overcome poverty, language barriers, cultural differences, and to navigate personal trauma. That last one is still a process because the trauma of four decades of war continues to be felt even after you’ve escaped. Refugees share the suffering and loss of family members left behind, pain and anguish for our people, and heartache for our country. And especially now, many of us feel helpless in getting our family members to safety.
My early childhood asylum experience is just one part of my story, but my journey has continued far beyond that including a 20+ year career that has spanned tech companies, global retail brands, digital agencies, and the federal government. I share this personal story as a reminder that surviving today can evolve to thriving tomorrow. I am very fortunate that my journey has led me to where I can give back and help other refugee families find their footing. I’m incredibly grateful to have a community of colleagues and friends who have shown me support during such a challenging time -- checking in, allowing me to step away from work when needed, contributing to evacuation funds, tapping their own networks to escalate pleas for help. And I especially appreciate the community healing discussions with my fellow Afghans at Google. Community is everything, and for refugees, it’s often the only thing that gets us through.
As countries open their doors to those leaving their lives behind in Afghanistan and those forced to flee from other unsafe situations, organizations have an opportunity to provide refugees support as they settle into their new lives. Helping refugees establish stability and economic growth creates tomorrow’s workforce, leaders, and consumer base. Refugees are builders, seekers, and innovators who passionately contribute to communities that welcome them. Kudos to organizations donating money, providing shelter, transportation, training, and other resources to refugees. Kudos to individuals giving their time, voices, and resources to advocate for refugees and immigrants.
For anyone who is looking for ways to help refugees of Afghanistan, here are resources to consider. You can also volunteer with local organizations that focus on providing support to newly-arrived refugees in your town. Because it’s worth repeating - community is often the only thing that gets us through.
afghanwomensfund.org
https://lnkd.in/gXNBxNEF
jfcs-eastbay.org/
refugeetrauma.org
childrenwithoutborders.ca
(disclosure: AWF is my mother's organization)