How one woman’s journey from Somalia led to a career built on connection, compassion, and learning from others.

From Somalia to a Life of Connection and Care

Home still feels familiar when Sahra watches videos from Somalia.

Born and raised in East Africa, she spent the first 15 years of her life in Somalia surrounded by her parents and five siblings in what she remembers as a good and simple life. Family, culture, and respect for others were woven into everyday life and remain values she carries with her today.

Moving to the United States as a teenager changed everything.

The transition wasn’t easy. New surroundings, new expectations, different foods, and different ways of life took time to understand. In fact, she laughs remembering that she refused to try American food for her entire first year in the U.S. Adjusting took patience and time, but she slowly found her footing while holding onto the traditions and values that shaped her.

One of the things that surprised her most when meeting people from different backgrounds was seeing how much culture influences everyday life—from clothing to food to routines people never think twice about.

If she could teach people one thing about Somali culture, it would be the deep respect people are taught to show one another.

Today, she still stays closely connected to home through phone calls, video chats, messages, and speaking her native language with family. When she feels homesick, she turns to videos from her culture—small moments that help her feel grounded and connected no matter how far away she is.

She especially looks forward to celebrating Eid and sharing traditions that bring people together. And if there’s one food she believes everyone should try, it’s sambusa—her version filled with rice and goat meat, a reminder that even foods shared across cultures tell unique stories.

Outside of work, she enjoys gardening and traveling and has explored Europe, Asia, Saudi Arabia, and other parts of Africa.

Her path into this field came through something simple: a friend’s recommendation. But once she experienced the work for herself, she fell in love with it.

What keeps her here is the people.

When asked what she’s learned from the individuals she supports, her answer is immediate:

“They are sweet and lovely, and they teach people a lot if they take the time to pay attention.”

Her story is one of adaptation without losing connection, discovering purpose in unexpected places, and carrying home with her wherever she goes.