When Sultana arrived in the United States, she was carrying more weight than just suitcases. She and her husband were starting over with three children under the age of six — including children with special needs — while leaving behind the careers and community they had built in Afghanistan. Her husband had owned a travel agency. Sultana had built a career in Human Resources. In an instant, both had to begin again. 

But Sultana did not pause. 

Soon after arriving, she committed herself to rebuilding her professional life. She attended employment readiness trainings at Jewish Family & Community Services East Bay, enrolled in English classes, updated her resume, and practiced interviewing with a volunteer coach — often balancing these efforts alongside the demands of caring for her young children. 

During this time, Sultana attended a caregiver training we hosted in partnership with a local home health care agency offering free certification for caregivers. While she knew caregiving was not her own career path, she immediately recognized something else: opportunity. Drawing on her HR background, she saw how she could help the agency recruit, train, and onboard Afghan community members — especially women entering the workforce for the first time — while strengthening culturally responsive support for families in need. 

We saw it too. 

After learning more about Sultana’s experience and aspirations, we followed up with the agency presenter, shared her resume, and advocated for the value she could bring. Months later, the agency secured funding to create a six-month paid internship designed specifically for her skill set. 

Sultana exceeded every expectation. 

During her internship, she became instrumental in expanding services and bringing additional Afghan caregivers into the workforce — opening doors for others while rebuilding her own career. At the conclusion of the internship, she was offered a full-time position. Today, she continues to thrive in her role, contributing meaningfully to both her organization and her community. 

In a powerful full-circle moment, Sultana recently returned to our Job & Resource Fair — not as a job seeker, but as an exhibitor. Speaking in Dari, she recruited and encouraged others who once stood where she stood: hopeful, uncertain, and determined. 

Her story is not only about employment. It is about dignity, leadership, and partnership. It reflects what becomes possible when a client’s strengths are recognized, when a community partner is willing to invest in talent, and when the right support meets the right moment. 

Just as importantly, Sultana’s role provides the flexibility she needs to balance work and family life. In a hybrid position, she is able to remain present for her young children while contributing financially to her household and continuing her professional growth. That flexibility has been especially meaningful as she parents children with special needs and builds a new future in the United States. 

Sultana did not simply find a job. She reclaimed her profession — and is now helping others do the same.