Sanaa moved with her family to the United States – first to Alabama, then to Denver – from Baghdad, Iraq, when her husband got sick.
Sanaa was eager to support her growing family. She had been an Arabic teacher in Iraq, but her early work experience in the US was limited to housekeeping. She wanted something more fulfilling, so she applied for a job with Denver Public Schools Transportation Services to work with students with special needs.
Unfortunately, she didn’t get the job. But the interviewer recognized her obvious potential and caring spirit, and told her about an opportunity to attend free English-language classes at Mile High United Way’s Center for Family Opportunity.
Sanaa wasted no time improving her English skills, and thanks to the integrated approach at the Center for Family Opportunity, also gained skills in résumé-writing, interviewing, and financial literacy.
Her hard work paid off: when Sanaa applied again, Denver Public Schools eagerly hired her. While her perseverance was never in question, Sanaa’s daughters now have one more reason to be proud of their mother.
Sanaa is fighting for a stronger future for her entire family. What are you fighting for?
