Success Stories
Meet Friba
Friba was one of the first refugees we began working with when she arrived in 2015. Since then, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing her blossom into a successful entrepreneur, community leader, and a valuable member of the HMI team.
Before immigrating to the United States, Friba founded and served as the principal of a school in Afghanistan, where she passionately worked to expand access to education, particularly for girls. “Education was a big challenge for all people, but especially for girls,” she says. Her mission to empower through education was cut short by the war, forcing her to seek asylum in the U.S., where she hoped to provide a better future for her children.
“When you educate a girl or woman, you educate society — a family and society.”
— Friba
Despite holding a Bachelor's degree and having strong English skills, Friba faced challenges adjusting to her new environment and finding employment. However, she found support and belonging through Glocally Connected (GC). “Through Glocally Connected, we feel like we are a member of a family,” she shared. Here, Friba found a community that valued education and female empowerment as much as she did.
With the support of GC, Friba launched A Taste of Afghanistan, a catering company that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of her homeland. Her entrepreneurial journey has been a great success, but her contributions extend far beyond her business.
Friba has become an asset to the HMI team, first as our Academic and Outreach Coordinator, where she helped deepen our connection with Riverside’s Afghan community, and now as our Cultural and Community Liaison. In this role, she continues to build bridges, support newcomers, and empower others to thrive.
Friba’s resilience, leadership, and passion continue to inspire us, and we are proud to support her as she helps others on their own journeys to success.
Meet Tahira
Tahira, a refugee from Afghanistan, arrived in the U.S. in December 2022, and we’ve had the honor of supporting her throughout her journey. From the moment she stepped into her new life, Tahira demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination. With no prior work experience in her hometown, she quickly took on the role of the primary provider for her family, fully embracing every opportunity HMI offered.
Tahira actively engaged in a variety of our programs, from mental health support to employment readiness. She also sought tutoring for both herself and her family, leading to impressive academic progress. The impact of our ESL classes was especially transformative. Tahira shared how her mother, who had never held a pen before, is now able to form sentences and even tell stories—an achievement that has brought pride and joy to their family.
Despite facing significant challenges, including a six-month struggle to secure employment, Tahira never gave up. HMI was able to provide her with a job opportunity that not only alleviated her family’s financial stress but also allowed her to grow personally and professionally. Through this role, she developed essential skills, built meaningful relationships within the community, and learned to navigate a new work culture.
Tahira’s strength and perseverance continue to inspire us, and we are proud to have played a part in her journey. We look forward to seeing her continued success and growth in the years to come.
“It gives me courage and hope, helping me realize that I can rely on myself and be independent.”
— Tahira
Tahira's Story in her own words