646. Community-Centered Program Design: Lessons from Arab Women United (Zahraa Alrafish)
Listen to this episode
Overview
Meet Zahraa 🤝, the inspiring founder of Arab Women United. Zahraa’s vision is simple but powerful: to create spaces where Arab, immigrant, and first-generation women feel seen, supported, and empowered. What started as a small college club has grown into a thriving nonprofit offering culturally grounded programs that nurture mental wellness, economic freedom, and leadership from within.
In this conversation, Zahraa shares her journey and the deep care that fuels her work—a mission rooted in community, resilience, and the belief that when women support each other, entire communities rise. Her story reminds us that pausing to listen, heal, and connect is how we build lasting change.
Join us for a heartfelt conversation that challenges stereotypes, celebrates diversity, and uplifts the unstoppable spirit of women rising together.
Learn:
How Zahraa Alrafish transformed a college club into a thriving nonprofit.
The importance of culturally rooted programs in empowering women.
Strategies for fostering mentorship and leadership among Arab, immigrant, and first-generation women.
The role of mental health and economic freedom in women's empowerment.
Zahraa's personal journey and how her experiences shape her mission.
Today’s Guest:
Zahraa Alrafish | Founder of Arab Women United.
“I was kind of sick of seeing women push aside their own talents to please others.”
Episode Transcript
Download Full Episode Transcript Here
Episode Highlights
Founding Arab Women United (01:47)
Owning the Narrative & Breaking Misconceptions (06:48)
Empowerment Through Community-Centered Programs (11:48)
Building Partnerships & Community Growth (15:33)
Responsive Program Design & Feedback (18:22)
Scaling Leadership & Volunteer Engagement (20:37)
Personal Inspiration & The Power of Representation (22:13)
Zahraa’s One Good Thing (24:12)
Powerful Quotes
"We started a community club on campus, and from there, it just kind of really started growing." - Zahraa Alrafish
"We try to listen to what our audience really needs and adapt our events accordingly."- Zahraa Alrafish
"It's important to speak to the people around you and to ask questions and to be curious." - Zahraa Alrafish
"We need to make sure that we spread the love and sometimes it's not somebody just saying this to be hateful." - Zahraa Alrafish
"When Arab women rise, entire communities rise with them." - Zahraa Alrafish
"The organization fosters community connection and support." - Zahraa Alrafish
"We focus on ensuring that women have a safe space to learn, to feel empowered, and to get educational opportunities." - Zahraa Alrafish
“We have a new generation of leaders, we are all seeds. We have that voice and that power to change.” - Zahraa Alrafish
Zahraa Alrafish’s ‘One Good Thing’: “They try to bury us but they didn’t know we were seed. Use your voice, you can do something about it.”
Connect with Zahraa
Connect with Jon
Connect with Becky
Become a Member of the Impact Uprising
If you liked this conversation, you’ll love what’s happening inside our premium membership + community - become a member of the Impact Uprising today.
Get access to a fully searchable library of content, community, private podcast and more. Go to weareforgood.com - meet friends and get unstuck today.
Say hi👇
LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter
