As we honor Mother’s Day, we’re shining a light on the powerful bond between mothers and daughters in our community.
We had a little Q&A with a special mother and daughter duo at WAW! Scroll down to step into the lives of Shazia Akberzai, New York Community Center caseworker and her daughter and former Afghan Youth Leadership Program participant, Yasmin Akberzai.
Questions with Shazia:
How do you define nurturing, beyond motherhood?
For me, nurturing means meeting people where they are and offering what they truly need, not just what feels good to give. Sometimes that means listening without judgment; other times, it means offering honest feedback or gentle accountability. It’s about supporting someone’s growth, even when it’s uncomfortable, and being steady in your care through all the ups and downs.
What motivates you to care for and uplift women and families in your community?
What drives me is my empathy which is born from experience. I know what it’s like to feel stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure of the next step. So, when I see a woman facing challenges I’ve been through myself, I feel a deep responsibility to stand with her. I can’t turn away because I remember what it meant to have someone believe in me when I couldn’t believe in myself.
In what ways are you “mothering” beyond your own family through your work at WAW?
Through nurturing the community by showing care, offering guidance, and creating a sense of safety. I feel that paying attention to unspoken needs, offering encouragement when someone feels discouraged, and holding space for others to grow is how I “mother.” Even when it’s not said aloud, I try to be the person who sees when someone is struggling and steps in with compassion and support. That’s the kind of care I offer not just to individuals, but to the community as a whole.
How has being part of a women’s NGO shaped the way you show love and leadership?
It’s taught me that love and leadership often show up in quiet, consistent support. As a caseworker, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t always about being in front, it’s about walking beside someone as they reclaim their life. Whether it’s helping someone refine a resume, prepare for an interview, or simply reminding her of her worth, I’ve seen how small acts of care can lead to powerful transformations. When a woman secures a job after years of struggle, it’s a moment that reflects not only her resilience but the deep, collective strength we build together.
What does it mean to watch your daughter step into community care with you?
Watching my daughter step into this work alongside me is one of the greatest joys of my life. Seeing her advocate fiercely for other women, using her voice and heart to lift others, fills me with deep pride and hope. She’s turning compassion into action, and in doing so, she’s carrying forward a legacy of care, strength, and community. It reminds me that this work doesn’t end with me, it continues and grows through her.
Reflections with Yasmin:
How has your mom’s example influenced your own ideas of what it means to be nurturing?
My mom taught me that nurturing isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about showing up, especially when it’s hard. Her quiet strength, even in moments of exhaustion or uncertainty, showed me that real care is found in consistency and presence. She made me understand that love isn’t about perfection; it’s about being there, again and again, with patience, grace, and an open heart.
What does it mean to you to be part of a community where women care for one another deeply?
Being part of a community where women truly care for one another means being seen, supported, and celebrated. At WAW, we lift each other up not just in struggle, but in triumph too. There’s a deep sense of sisterhood where success is shared, and no one has to face challenges alone. That blend of solidarity, strength, and joy is what makes the hard work feel meaningful and lasting.
How do you see your volunteer work as a form of community care or leadership?
Through volunteering, I’ve seen leadership as an act of service about empowering others, not standing above them. Supporting women and girls as they find their confidence, take on new challenges, and realize their potential has been one of the most powerful forms of community care I’ve experienced. Their growth fuels my own, reminding me that true leadership is about lifting others as you rise.
What have you learned about strength and softness by watching the women at WAW?
Watching the women at WAW has taught me that true strength isn’t about being fearless, it’s about moving forward despite fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability. The strongest women I know are the ones who keep going, even when they feel shaken or unsure. They show me that strength and softness aren’t opposites; they are intertwined. Real strength is found in embracing vulnerability, knowing that it’s okay to be fragile while still pushing forward.
How do you want to carry this spirit of nurturing into your own future?
I want to carry this spirit of nurturing into my future work by always remembering that behind every person is a unique story, and everyone deserves to be seen and treated with dignity. Whether I’m supporting someone through a challenge or helping them find their strength, I aim to bring compassion, patience, and respect into everything I do. Nurturing isn’t just about the big gestures, it’s in the small, consistent acts of care that remind others they are valued.
We are grateful to Shazia and Yasmin for sharing the powerful inspiration behind their work and their love for uplifting the women in our community. Together, they reflect strength, love and nurture – all of the things we strive to cultivate through #investinHER.
This Mother’s Day, let their story inspire you to #investinHER.
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