The Cincinnati Enquirer recently voted Afreen Asif as one of the ten Women Of The Year. Ms. Asif was inspired by her Muslim faith to start a social outreach called Rahma Community Services (“rahma” means “mercy” in Arabic). Just under three years old, the outreach helps people in need with health care, job training and counseling.
Examples of success stories include a woman who was initially denied claims by her insurance after being diagnosed with cancer, but received council from Rahma and her insurance was amended. A grandmother who couldn’t help her grandchildren with homework because her English wasn’t that strong, now can help after undergoing tutoring provided by Rahma. And then there was a woman who couldn’t get a job because she didn’t know how to drive, but now with Rahma’s help, she knows how to drive and yes, has a job.
“Afreen’s efforts serve as a hopeful light in troubling times,” wrote Eric Rademacher, in a letter supporting Ms. Asif’s Women Of The Year nomination. “It has become increasingly difficult to answer the call to lead as a Muslim American in a time when misunderstandings and misconceptions are prevalent. Yet, Afreen continues to answer that call to lead through her commitment to serve those in need in our community.”
