Chama Ibrahim

I attribute my success to being able to change so many women's lives and seeing it firsthand. When women come to us, they come with the whole package - no job, no family, especially the immigrant and refugee population who don't even speak the language. As an immigrant myself, I know the barriers these women face in addition to being survivors of domestic violence. The most notable thing I can say is when I make that change in the life of a woman. They come to you hopeless, they come because the community let them down, and they found somebody who can hear them, see them, support them and help them. I go beyond and above my work - there's no limitation for me. If someone comes for help, I help them no matter what it is. Even after my work hours, I stay in the office and provide the services. I provide full services and connect them with other sister agencies for shelter, housing, furniture through Furniture Bank, education, certifications - whatever they need for their future. When you believe in the cause, you give everything in your heart. If you help one woman, you help her whole family, not only one woman

The best advice I’ve received is: “Build systems, not just services." Also to advocate for myself and to stand up in support of women, so I was focused on helping each survivor

individually—which is critical—but I learned that sustainable impact comes from creating structures that outlast you: strong programs, partnerships, and policies that continue supporting survivors long after a single case is closed

Chase your dream and believe deeply in your cause. That belief is the foundation for everything. When you truly believe in what you’re doing, you give it your whole heart—and that’s what makes the difference. When I started Noor Family Services- nonprofit with the co- founder Fakiha Khan, I didn’t know anything about grants—how to find them, apply for them, or manage them. But I didn’t let that stop me. If I didn’t know something, I learned it. Today, we have so many tools and resources available, so there is always a way to figure things out if you are determined. You should also understand that it won’t be easy. You will face challenges, barriers, and setbacks. But if you believe in your mission, keep going. That belief will carry you through difficult times. I would encourage young women to trust their voice and not wait until they feel fully ready. This field needs leaders who are willing to step up, identify gaps, and create solutions. Stay grounded in the mission, but be open to growth—whether that means developing legal expertise, policy knowledge, or leadership skills.

One of the biggest challenges in the domestic violence field is securing consistent and sustainable funding. However, I view this challenge as an opportunity to be strategic and proactive.

Throughout my career, I have focused on diversifying funding streams and planning ahead. I have had strong success with fundraising initiatives, including community events such as spring tea gatherings, which not only raised funds but also engaged supporters in a meaningful way. While many organizations face funding constraints, I believe that with intentional planning and persistence, it is possible to meet those needs. This includes applying for grants, building relationships with donors, and developing creative fundraising strategies well in advance of each fiscal

year. My approach has always been to plan ahead and remain adaptable, which has allowed me to successfully secure the resources needed to expand services, including legal support for survivors. Ultimately, the opportunity lies in innovation—thinking beyond traditional funding models and creating sustainable ways to support critical services for the communities we serve.

The values most important to me are having clear communication with the people you work with and supporting people who are working under you. If anybody comes to you, especially in the work life, you need to be a supporter for the people who are looking for help and assistance. I believe in being there for people who need support. I believe it is essential to create an environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and supported. Also, Integrity, compassion, and resilience are the values that guide me. As someone who has experienced the challenges of being an immigrant, I deeply value empathy and understanding. I believe in treating people with dignity and respect, while also staying resilient and committed to the work, even when it is difficult.