Her Story
About Hawa
Hawa Peters is the Executive Director of Utica Royalty, a nonprofit organization she founded in 2021 after working 13 years in the healthcare industry and one year as a college advisor. With a nursing background that included roles in nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, and as a travel nurse, she transitioned to nonprofit work after reflecting on the Erikson Eight Stages of Life during her time with geriatric patients and witnessing the impact of COVID on youth. She holds a certificate from the Neighborhood Horizon program at Mohawk Valley Community College Center for Leadership Excellence and is currently pursuing an online Business Administration degree with a concentration in nonprofit management. Peters specializes in program development, writing, outreach, and direct program implementation. She oversees daily operations for approximately 45 to 50 youth in summer camp programs, manages grants, volunteers, inventory, and supplies, and ensures all services remain free, including hands-on training in job placement, sewing, financial literacy, job readiness, cooking, hair braiding, car maintenance, CPR and first aid, plus meals, snacks, hygiene supplies, and transportation. Her contributions have earned multiple honors, including the 2022 NWACP Recognition for youth promoting diversity equity and inspiring youth empowerment, a 2022 merit award from an Assemblywoman, the 2023 Outstanding Adult Continuing Education student award, 2023 COHA speaker recognition, the 2024 Women of the Station Award for community-minded advocacy for youth, the 2025 New York State Senate Award by Senator Joe Griffo, the 2026 YWCA Ask Women award, and the Community Visionary Award, along with a feature in Mohawk Valley Living magazine highlighting next generations of leaders. She is a member of the NWCP branch, a former board member of Citizen Action, and serves on various community boards. Peters values family time, honesty, and transparency in both her professional and personal life, and she advises aspiring professionals to be lifelong learners who seek advice and ask for help when needed.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Hawa
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Ask for advice and not money. If you want money, ask for advice. Don't ask somebody else.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Learn. You gotta be a learner. Every single day, I'm learning. Be eager and willing to grow. Accept growth. Ask for help. You cannot do it alone.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges: getting grants and finding the right volunteers especially when working with minors. Being the newest organization makes it harder to compete with established ones. Opportunities: providing free hands-on training programs like job placement, sewing, financial literacy, job readiness, cooking, hair braiding, car maintenance, CPR and first aid, plus meals, snacks, hygiene supplies and transportation via van.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family and spending time with family is very important. Honesty and transparency are big for me, even with the youth, volunteers, and at home. I don't like manipulation. Recognizing when you need space and time alone. Family is the mellow part for me.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.