When I joined Canopy NWA as a Program Coordinator in 2021, I could not have imagined how deeply this experience would shape my professional growth and understanding of leadership. As an immigrant, I carried a personal connection to the journeys of many refugees and newcomers. That perspective helped me approach my work with empathy and patience, and it continues to guide how I engage with and support the communities we serve.
This work became deeply personal after the fall of Kabul in 2021. I experienced a profound sense of loss and disconnection from my identity. Like many in the Afghan diaspora, I struggled to process what had happened and to understand my place in the world. I was searching for meaning and purpose. Joining Canopy NWA became part of that healing process. Supporting refugees and newcomers, many of whom were also rebuilding their lives after displacement, gave my work deeper significance and helped me reconnect with my own identity.
Growth Through Challenges
My role has always been more than just a job. Witnessing unique stories, facing new challenges almost every day, and celebrating the successes of refugee families has been an experience filled with honor, privilege, and satisfaction. Supporting families as they navigate a new culture, language, and unfamiliar systems requires flexibility, compassion, and collaboration. Leadership in this field, I’ve learned, is not about titles or management, it is about continuous learning, adapting to change, and empowering others.
A significant part of my growth has come from being open to learning, from colleagues, resources, and even my own mistakes. I recognize that I will not always have the right answer, and I take responsibility when I err, using those moments as opportunities to grow. Knowing that my work is tied to a larger mission, helping others rebuild their lives with dignity, keeps me committed to improvement. Every challenge, every feedback, every opportunity to learn has strengthened my skills and helped me grow as a leader.
Adaptability is critical in my role. Refugee resettlement is rarely stable or predictable. Policies shift, family situations change, and each day brings new challenges. Learning to adjust quickly, stay resilient, and find creative solutions has strengthened my ability to respond effectively and provide meaningful support even in difficult circumstances.
I also believe in growth through teaching. I strive to mentor and support others whenever I can, creating spaces where learning is mutual. Sharing knowledge reinforces my own understanding, encourages collaboration, and strengthens teams. I have seen firsthand how teaching and learning together improve outcomes for clients and foster a culture of continuous growth and care.
Inspired by Women and Community
Refugee resettlement is incredibly challenging work, it is not for the faint-hearted. It involves navigating complex systems, responding to urgent needs, and supporting families who are rebuilding their lives after profound hardship. The work can be demanding and emotionally heavy. Yet, I am continually inspired by the women who show up every day with dedication, empathy, compassion, and care. Being part of a women-led refugee resettlement effort has been a source of pride for me. Their leadership, heart, and resilience are not just admirable, they are essential. The work we do depends on the commitment of women who bring understanding, patience, and support to every interaction, helping refugees navigate their new lives and rebuild with dignity and hope.
Finding Meaning and Purpose
For me, this journey has been one of growth, learning, and purpose. Working in refugee resettlement has not only strengthened my professional skills but also shaped the kind of leader I aspire to be, one who leads with empathy, listens with intention, adapts to change, and believes in the power of community. Being part of this work continues to remind me why it matters and how showing up for others can help us find meaning, purpose, and connection in our own lives.
written by: Aarozo Farhad, Refugee Services Director
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