For years, one dedicated individual in Houston made it her mission to assist refugee women as they established new lives in the United States. Many of these women arrive without family or friends, facing the challenge of navigating a completely unfamiliar environment.

Tamara Rawwad: Bridging Language and Culture

During her time volunteering, Tamara Rawwad played a vital role in empowering these women to find their voices. While working with a local nonprofit, she provided understanding amidst a sea of unfamiliar words and language barriers.

Rawwad, who originally hails from Jordan, volunteered as an interpreter for the Women's Empowerment Group at Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston. She viewed her role as essential for connection.

"I need to be that bridge between the American volunteers and the ladies ... the refugees," Rawwad stated. She emphasized that interpretation goes beyond mere words, noting, "Interpretation is different. You include the cultural background."

Practical Support and Shared Experience

The empowerment sessions offered practical knowledge crucial for resettlement. Rawwad recalled sessions where representatives from the Houston Police Department spoke to the women.

These classes covered essential life skills, including automotive knowledge such as "how to change a tire." Rawwad understood these challenges intimately, having experienced a similar transition herself years prior.

"It wasn't easy because I came with two toddlers," Rawwad shared. She managed graduate school while raising young children, including one who was only one year old, without local family support.

The Enduring Legacy of the Empowerment Group

Rawwad dedicated four years as an interpreter before returning to Jordan to assist her family. However, the impactful work of the women's empowerment group has continued to grow and evolve.

Praveena Lakshmanan, Assistant Director for Refugee Services, explained the group's expansion. "We started the group for our Arabic-speaking women who, at that time, really needed the support," Lakshmanan said.

Expanding Reach and Activities

The initiative has since broadened its scope significantly. It now supports women from Afghanistan, including those who speak Dari and Pashto, as well as Spanish-speaking women. This growth means the organization currently manages a total of four distinct groups.

Lakshmanan highlighted the diverse activities the women have engaged in. These include participating in a theater performance and joining a 5K walk and run event. Furthermore, some women have successfully completed sewing courses and certifications.

The group now serves nearly 200 women. Lakshmanan confirmed that Rawwad's contribution remains highly valued by the organization.

"Through her work, she was able to kind of bridge the language barriers that many of the women had when they had newly arrived and also was able to kind of serve as that role model for the women who were part of that group at that time," Lakshmanan noted.

Rawwad expressed her deep connection to the experience, stating, "I miss it so much. It has a special place in my heart." She concluded with hope for her impact, adding, "It did impact me. I hope that I was one that gave them some hope."