Today we’d like to introduce you to Zohra Zori
Hi Zohra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am one who believes in showing up as my full self as much as I can. There’s a blurred line between my personal and professional stories and it’s something I’ve grown comfortable with. My journey began in Afghanistan during the Soviet War, a time when my family’s safety was constantly at risk. My father was a general in the military, and my mother held a prominent position as the president of all pharmacies in the country. Because of this, our lives were under constant threat, forcing us to embark on a 12-day trek to Pakistan in 1987. Eventually, we secured political asylum in the United States. These early experiences of displacement deeply shaped who I am today, fueling my passion for work that goes beyond individual gain and focuses on collective well-being.
Throughout my career, I’ve drawn on my experiences as a refugee to build a path in nonprofit leadership and philanthropy. I’ve always been driven by a desire to make a direct impact, and this drive led me to my role as Chief Marketing and Engagement Officer at Alight. In this position, I’ve found a perfect blend of my personal experiences and professional goals, allowing me to create an environment of understanding and empathy for both my team and the people we serve.
At Alight, our mission to support displaced communities resonates deeply with me. Whether we’re guiding families to safety in Ukraine, responding to natural disasters, or welcoming Afghan refugees to the United States, my work is much more than a job—it’s a personal mission. I see reflections of my own story in the individuals we help, and every day, I’m reminded that this is exactly where I am needed today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think I was meant for smooth roads – and this isn’t a bad thing. Most refugee children do not often experience the type of childhood promoted in the west – carefree, experimental, and risk tolerant. I wouldn’t call them all struggles, but I did carry a lot of responsibility from a young age. From being the family translator to decision maker, I was counted on to lead the way from an early start. For example, at age eight, I was responsible for negotiating APR rates for a loan when my parents wanted to purchase our first new car. Imagine doing that when your language skills were that of a six year old in your native tongue. I was expected to make excellent grades and begin generating income as soon as it was legally possible (juggling three jobs since the age of 15 and throughout high school), all while carving out college decisions on my own. So long as I became a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, I knew I’d make my parents proud. When I announced that I’d study business administration and marketing in my first year of college, I could hear my parents’ hearts shattering. They didn’t understand it, but they committed to supporting me.
As an adult now, I have deep appreciation for the confidence and agency of choice I’ve developed as a result of my childhood experiences, though there were indeed moments of self-doubt about whether or not I was making the right decisions. The consistent prayers of my parents and encouragement by my brothers was my safety net. Now today, I feel indestructible thanks to this gift of courage they’ve given me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The name of our organization is Alight. We are a global humanitarian organization dedicated to serving and supporting displaced communities around the world. At Alight, we believe that every person deserves a life filled with dignity, purpose, and hope, regardless of the challenges they face. Our work spans across more than 20 countries, where we are committed to creating meaningful change for and with the people we serve.
What sets Alight apart is our human-centered approach. We don’t just provide aid; we work hand-in-hand with communities to co-create solutions that empower individuals and transform lives. Whether it’s guiding families to safety amidst conflict, responding swiftly to natural disasters, or helping refugees rebuild their lives in new countries, we are there every step of the way, ensuring that those we serve not only survive, but thrive.
We are most proud of the deep connections we build with the people we support and the impact we make together. Our brand is not just about delivering services; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and creating spaces where every individual can contribute to their own future. To learn more about our work and to support our mission, donations can be made at wearealight.org. Every contribution, no matter the size, directly supports our efforts and ensures that no one is left behind in their pursuit of a better life.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Though I’ve played many sports in my youth, my favorite sport as an adult is people-watching. I love learning about social norms by just sitting somewhere with a cup of tea and letting it all in.
Pricing:
- Make an online gift: Donations can be made quickly and securely through our website.
- Become a monthly donor: Regular monthly donations help us plan more effectively and ensure ongoing support for those in need. It’s easy to set up, and you can manage your donation anytime.
- Start your own fundraiser: Engage your community by starting a fundraiser to support Alight’s mission.
- Other ways to give: You can make a gift of cryptocurrency, donate stock, give in honor or memory of a loved one, or take advantage of workplace giving, including employer matching and grants from donor-advised funds. You can even make a donation through an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
- Every contribution, no matter the size or method, directly supports our efforts to create meaningful change in the lives of displaced communities worldwide. For more details and to explore all the ways to give, please visit wearealight.org/ways-to-give.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wearealight.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we.are.alight/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearealight/
- Twitter: https://x.com/We_Are_Alight
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-PGHthpTp-qpY_U-DyVJlg
