Her Story
About Siham
I work for an organization where I was chosen by the CEO and founder, Maslahi, from probably a thousand candidates during a very challenging time in my life. I had just lost my father and was going through a divorce, and I was struggling personally. She saw something in me that I didn't even see in myself at that time. Building trust with her was my most notable professional achievement because she has so much knowledge and experience that it's hard for her to delegate. I worked very hard to earn her respect in a very short period of time, and now she trusts me enough to represent her at events and meetings with supervisors. She was tough on me, but it was exactly what I needed. This relationship gave me the freedom and confidence to do more and helped me realize I was still capable of getting back on track. I recently joined the board advisory of Help Me Grow, which is part of CHOC children's hospital, where we meet once a month on Zoom to discuss children's behavior and how we can support schools and different organizations.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Siham
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to consistency, relationship-building, and a strong commitment to purpose-driven work. Staying focused on long-term goals while remaining adaptable has allowed me to navigate challenges and grow in dynamic environments.
A key part of my success also comes from my ability to build trust with stakeholders and create meaningful partnerships across businesses, public organizations, and community leaders. I prioritize listening, understanding needs, and delivering value through collaboration.
I also value the opportunity to demonstrate my capabilities through my work, taking on challenges that enable me to deliver results, deepen my expertise, and continuously elevate my performance.
Finally, I believe discipline, resilience, and continuous learning have played a major role in my growth, along with a deep commitment to contributing positively to the communities and organizations I serve.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to focus on building relationships, not just results. Success is often the outcome of trust, consistency, and how you make people feel throughout the process.
I was also advised to stay adaptable and open to opportunities, even when they don’t look exactly as expected, because growth often comes from stepping outside of comfort zones and proving yourself through action.
Finally, I learned the importance of staying consistent and patient; long-term success is built over time through discipline, learning, and persistence rather than quick wins.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to focus on building confidence, consistency, and strong relationships. Don’t wait to feel “ready”, take opportunities that challenge you, because that is where real growth happens.
Be intentional about learning how to communicate your value, and don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and take space in professional settings. Your perspective matters.
Also, invest in building genuine relationships, not just professional contacts. In this field, trust and credibility are everything, and they are built over time through integrity, reliability, and follow-through.
Finally, stay patient with your journey. Success is not immediate, but with discipline, resilience, and continuous learning, you will build a strong and meaningful career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field today are navigating a highly complex and fast-changing environment shaped by economic uncertainty, geopolitical shifts, and increasing stakeholder expectations. Organizations are expected not only to grow but also to operate with transparency, purpose, and measurable community impact.
Another key challenge is managing alignment across diverse stakeholders, businesses, public institutions, and community partners, while ensuring long-term value and trust. Balancing different priorities while maintaining clear communication and strong relationships requires both strategy and adaptability.
At the same time, there are significant opportunities. There is a growing demand for meaningful partnerships, cross-sector collaboration, and community-driven initiatives. This creates a powerful space for innovation in how organizations engage, build trust, and create impact.
Overall, it is an evolving field where strong relationships, strategic thinking, and adaptability are more important than ever
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, respect, and accountability. I believe trust is the foundation of every meaningful relationship, whether professional or personal, and it is built through consistency and honesty in actions.
I also value collaboration and service, working with others in a way that creates shared success and contributes positively to the community. Being able to support, connect, and uplift others is at the core of how I approach my work.
Finally, resilience and continuous growth are essential values for me. I believe in learning from every experience, staying adaptable, and always striving to improve while remaining grounded in purpose and responsibility.
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