Meet Zahraa Alrafish of Detroit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zahraa Alrafish

Hi Zahraa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am Zahraa Alrafish, the founder of Arab Women United, a movement built from the belief that women, no matter their background, deserve a voice, a space, and the power to shape their own future. As an Iraqi Arab American and first-generation immigrant, I have witnessed the struggles women in my community face barriers to education, financial independence, and leadership. Instead of waiting for change, I decided to create it.

I started Arab Women United as a student organization at Schoolcraft College, where I led initiatives to establish prayer rooms, advocate for halal food options, and educate others about Arab heritage. After my success at Schoolcraft, I went on to build Arab Women United as a nonprofit, expanding its mission beyond the campus to serve women in communities who needed resources, support, and opportunities.

When I transferred to Wayne State University, I continued this vision, founding Arab Women United WSU to bring women together, create leadership opportunities, and uplift underserved communities. Within a year, what started as a small student group grew into a nonprofit with over 200 members, providing mentorship, financial literacy resources, and mental health support.

Through this journey, I have broken barriers, built bridges, and given countless women the tools to step into their power. I have partnered with Optimize, local chambers of commerce, and community organizations to provide professional and personal development opportunities for women who need them the most. My leadership has been recognized with the Arab American Leadership Award at Schoolcraft College, and my advocacy continues through my role as an Outreach Coordinator at ACCESS and as an Ambassador for the National Association of Social Workers.

Arab Women United is more than an organization, it is a movement, a force, a call to action. It stands as proof that when women come together, they create change that cannot be ignored. My mission is not just to empower women but to remind them that they have always had the strength to rise.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have faced challenges that many immigrant women know all too well, navigating cultural expectations, breaking barriers in male-dominated spaces, and constantly having to prove my worth in rooms where my presence was unexpected. Growing up, I saw how women in my community were often overlooked, their ambitions limited by social norms and a lack of resources. I refused to accept that reality.

One of my biggest struggles was starting Arab Women United with little more than a vision and determination. I didn’t have a blueprint, a team, or funding, I had to learn everything through trial and error. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, when doors closed in my face, and when I questioned whether I was strong enough to keep going. I faced resistance from people who didn’t understand why creating spaces for Arab and immigrant women mattered, and I had to fight to make them see the need for change.

I overcame these struggles by refusing to give up. I educated myself, sought mentorship, and built relationships with people who believed in my mission. I leaned into my resilience, knowing that every challenge was an opportunity to grow. I surrounded myself with women who shared my passion, and together, we built something that could not be ignored.

I learned to advocate for myself, to use my voice even when it shook, and to turn setbacks into motivation. When funding was a challenge, I found ways to generate income through community partnerships and services. When I felt alone in my journey, I reminded myself why I started, because no woman should have to struggle in silence.

Every obstacle I faced became part of my story, a story that fuels my mission today. Arab Women United was born from struggle, but it thrives because of resilience, community, and the unwavering belief that women deserve more. My journey has taught me that when one woman rises, she brings others with her, and I am committed to making sure no woman is left behind.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As the leader of Arab Women United, I am known for bringing women together, fostering leadership, and creating spaces where they feel empowered to thrive. My work focuses on building strong community networks, hosting leadership workshops, organizing mental health programming, and providing mentorship opportunities. I collaborate with organizations to ensure women have the resources, guidance, and support they need to break generational cycles and take control of their futures.

Beyond Arab Women United, I work at ACCESS with the Business Development team, where I help connect aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners with essential resources. My role focuses on connecting business owners, helping to facilitate workshops, and ensuring that essential tools and resources reach Arab American populations. I support our team in collaborating with local institutions, financial organizations, and workforce development programs to provide guidance on business planning, funding opportunities, and professional skill-building, ensuring that immigrant and underserved communities have the support they need to start and grow successful businesses. Through this work, I have seen how economic empowerment transforms lives, helping individuals build businesses that foster stability and long-term success.

As a social work student and community advocate, my passion is creating inclusive spaces and fostering unity. I understand the barriers that prevent marginalized communities from accessing economic opportunities, leadership roles, and essential resources. My work as NASW student ambassador further aligns with my mission of breaking down barriers, increasing access to resources, and ensuring that individuals have the support they need to succeed.

What sets me apart is my ability to build unity and create lasting support systems. Whether through Arab Women United or my work at ACCESS, I strive to bridge gaps, strengthen communities, and ensure that resources are accessible to those who need them most. I believe in the power of collaboration, resilience, and advocacy, and I remain committed to creating spaces where individuals, no matter their background, can thrive.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For any woman starting out, my biggest advice is to believe in your power, even before the world sees it. You don’t have to wait until you feel ready, take the first step, learn as you go, and trust that you are capable of more than you realize.

Build a community of women who uplift you. Surround yourself with those who inspire, encourage, and remind you of your strength when you forget it. Success is never a solo journey, and when women support each other, we rise together.

Stay resilient, stay fearless, and never shrink yourself to fit expectations. There will be challenges, but every obstacle is a stepping stone, every setback a lesson, and every moment of doubt a reminder of how far you’ve come. Most importantly, never forget your why. You are here for a reason, and the work you do, no matter how small it seems, has the power to create change. Your voice, your vision, and your dreams are valid. Take up space, lead with confidence, and never let fear silence the impact you were meant to make.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arabwomenunited.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arabwomenunited/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahraa-alrafish