Her Story
About Karima
I'm originally from Afghanistan, where I completed my bachelor's degree in arts in English language from Kabul University. I was awarded a Chevening Scholarship in 2003 and completed my postgraduate diploma in Human Resources from Thames Valley University in the UK. After my studies, I returned to Afghanistan and built a successful career in human resources, working with various World Bank and USAID-funded projects in leadership positions including Human Resource Director and Associate Director in Human Resources. One of my most notable roles was as a Recruitment and Placement Advisor with Chemonics International, where I worked on a 5-year project helping university graduate females secure jobs with government and other organizations. I came to the United States in December 2021, and since April 2022, I've been working as a Career Coach with Lao Family Community Development in Oakland, California. We partner with Alameda County Social Service Offices to provide employment services for individuals receiving government benefits. My daily work involves conducting orientations, running job clubs and workshops, helping clients develop their employment portfolios including resumes and cover letters, connecting them with job fairs and employers, and working one-on-one with walk-in clients. I'm passionate about this work because I get to help people from diverse backgrounds find employment and build stable lives. Outside of work, I'm skilled in cooking Afghan food and sometimes do small catering jobs. I also love decoration and design, and before coming to the United States, I had my own boutique in Kabul where I designed Afghan dresses and casual wear.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karima
01What do you attribute your success to?
Being an Afghan woman it was hard to achieve and my dreams cames true. The first success when I am awarded the Chevining Scholarship, which it was a dream for me and in this success my parents backed me up, specially my father, He always wanted me to be successful especially in my career, because of his support I could go for advance education and build a very successful career
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Work to Learn, not just to earn: Prioritize roles that expanded my skills, making me more valuable long term, rather than just chasing the biggest paycheck. Aim to get at least 1% better each day through small efforts like reading, learning new tools, specifically with MS office and improving communication and the workplace changes rapidly, then continue learning. Adapt with different people and different culture in the work environment
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The knowledge I have, I share with my clients. When clients come here and they need help with computers, I help them learn at least some basic knowledge of computer, like how they can work in Excel and Word, and how to write an email. Most of our clients are lacking this kind of knowledge, so I focus on teaching them these essential skills. Besides that, during our workshops, we work with them, talk to them, and share our knowledge and experience to help them succeed in finding employment.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The demand for AI is placing a massive strain on energy grids, with data center power consumption and expected to rise dramatically. This is leading to localize pushback and higher energy cost. AI is automating up to 40% of jobs in some sectors. Although in my work it is not yet affected, but it is a challenge for future.
Because I am directly working with people and these people are coming from different background, and different issue in their life, therefore, I am facing a lot of challenges. The opportunities is not that big to see, only my own success towards my clients success and getting hired and can have a stable job and life
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity (Honesty, Accountability), Growth (Learning, Challenge, Self Improvement), Connection (Relationships, Empathy, Community), Creativity and Contribution. Meaningful work, Family and well being
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