As we reflect on 25 years of serving Afghan women, girls, and families, we are deeply grateful for the powerful women leaders who have shaped WAW’s journey.
Naheed Samadi Bahram, our U.S. Country Director, has been with us since 2007, beginning as a volunteer and rising into a key leadership role. Read on for a Q&A with Naheed as she reflects on her journey and what WAW means to her.
Q: How did you first get involved with WAW?
A: It was back in January 2007 when I was searching for a community-based organization that serves the Afghan community. During my search, WAW stood out as the only organization in New York, where I am based, specifically dedicated to supporting Afghans. As I learned more about its mission, holistic services, and deep roots in the community, I felt a strong alignment with its work. That initial search led to my connection with WAW, and I was inspired by its commitment to empowering families.
Q: What do you think is one thing that makes WAW unique in its 25-year history in the U.S?
A: One thing that makes WAW unique in its 25-year history in the U.S. is its truly holistic, community-centered approach. WAW meets individuals and families where they are and walks alongside them every step of the way, providing comprehensive support until they achieve stability and independence. What further distinguishes WAW is that its staff reflect the very community it serves. This lived experience fosters deep trust, cultural understanding, and meaningful connections. With strong language access, cultural competency, and a well-established trauma-informed approach, WAW ensures that services are not only accessible but also compassionate and empowering.
Q: Reflect back on your years with WAW, now that WAW is celebrating 25 years -— how does that make you feel looking back at the progress it has made?
A: Looking back on my years with WAW, especially as the organization marks 25 years, fills me with immense pride and gratitude. When I first started in January 2007, we were just two part-time staff members working out of a small office in Queens. To see how far we have come since then is truly remarkable. I am honored to have been part of this journey and to see the lasting impact WAW has made in so many lives over the years.
Q: What is one or two things about WAW that women and girls are drawn to?
A: One of the key things that women and girls are drawn to at WAW is the safe and welcoming space we provide. From the moment they walk through our doors, they know they are in an environment where they are respected, heard, and supported without judgment. That sense of safety and trust is incredibly powerful, especially for those who may have experienced trauma or instability. Another important factor is that our staff reflects the very community we serve. Women and girls see themselves in our team, whether through shared language, culture, or lived experiences. This representation fosters understanding, cultural sensitivity, and genuine connection. It allows them to feel comfortable opening up and seeking support, knowing they are being helped by people who truly understand their journey. Together, the safe space we create and the community-centered staff who deliver services make WAW a place where women and girls feel empowered, valued, and supported.
Q: What is a challenge looking into the future for the organization but also for women and girls?
A: One of the key challenges looking into the future, for both the organization and for women and girls, is the growing uncertainty around funding, policy changes, and shifting political climates that directly impact vulnerable communities. As resources become more competitive and immigration and social service policies continue to evolve, organizations like WAW must constantly adapt to ensure that critical services remain accessible and sustainable.
At the same time, women and girls, particularly those from immigrant and refugee backgrounds, continue to face layered challenges, including economic instability, gender-based violence, mental health needs, and barriers to employment and education.
Q: What are you most proud of for the organization in 25 years?
What I am most proud of in WAW’s 25-year history is our ability to respond to the community in moments when they needed us the most. A defining example of that was the opening of our second community center in Alexandria, VA, following the fall of Kabul in 2021. At a time when Afghan families were arriving in large numbers, facing uncertainty, trauma, and resettlement challenges, the community needed an open door more than ever. I am especially proud that I was able to lead that decision and move quickly from vision to action. Within just six months from the date we decided to open the center, we were able to welcome families through our doors. I also secured the seed funding that made the center possible, ensuring we had the foundation to begin serving the community immediately.
That experience reflects what WAW stands for, being responsive, courageous, and deeply committed to meeting people where they are. Seeing the impact of that center and knowing it was created at such a critical moment makes me incredibly proud of how far the organization has come in 25 years.