Inspire Atlanta 2023

Success isn't just about what you accomplish in life, it's what you inspire others to do!

My Passion

There are two big reasons why I am so passionate about all the great work AWF has contributed to the community. 

One: My daughter. I have a brilliant four year old and everyone told me that when you become a mother you will never know or experience love for your child until you have one of your own. You know what, they where right. As a mother I would do anything to make sure my daughter has what she needs in life, I would make any sacrifice to see her smile. With hearing AWF's testimonials I could only imagine what some mother's go through. Maybe they don't eat so their child can or pawn some of their favorite things so they can have running water in their home. I want every mother to have all the support and resources from their community and that is the difference that AWF wants to make. 

Two: My mother side is Palestinian and my Grandfather was very successful and had the perfect life in what was Palestine. He spoke seven languages, owned restaurants and hotels, beautiful wife with a wonderful home.  When the 1948 war happened my Grandfather decided to take his family to Jordan in hopes to come back once everything cleared up but that was not the case. He lost all his businesses, his home, everything. He had no work, not a lot of money and a family to take care of. He would go to get help from the local catholic church and one day as he was getting aid and there was an American priest visiting named Father McTate. Father McTate was there to help one family to move to the U.S. to start a new life. Guess who's family that was. It was mine. When my Grandfather arrived to the U.S. with his family the church provided an apartment and some aid to get them on their feet. My Grandfather and Grandmother where hard working people and they provided a new and amazing life to their family. The funny thing is they have no idea what happened with Father McTate, he was there and just never could be found ever again. It took one person and the kindness of a community to change a whole family's life and give the next generation all the opportunities in the world. It's my time to give back and really thank this angel for saving my family. 

AWF Mission
There are hundreds of thousands of women and girls living in Atlanta – nearly a quarter of them are living below the poverty line. As the only public foundation in the state of Georgia solely dedicated to women and girls, The Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF) is uniquely positioned to address the barriers that women and girls in poverty face – barriers like access to life skills, education, workforce opportunities, and mental and physical wellbeing. 

I am fundraising on behalf of the AWF to fulfill its mission to be a catalyst for change in the lives of women and girls.  The largest demographic living in poverty in Atlanta are Females 25 – 34, followed by Females 18 – 24 and that is why I chose to make an impact right now – right here in our community. 

AWF has made amazing strides for women over the past several years, providing access to workforce development, higher education, and asset building for tens of thousands of women living in poverty.

While the work to change women’s lives continues, AWF is making a 5-year commitment to girls living in poverty in our Metro Atlanta community. Our goal is to grant $500,000 annually in June to at least 10 girl-serving organizations with the launch of a new grant program, All Girls Forward.  That is a total of $2.5 million over the next five years invested in local girls’ education and wellbeing. Afterschool programs, college prep, health and wellness activities, pregnancy prevention programs and more will be funded through this grant.

I am honored to be a part of raising funds for the inaugural year of All Girls Forward and to help continue AWF’s work with women – I hope you’ll join me!