麻豆原创

Advancing the rights of domestic violence survivors has earned Rahma Rashid the 麻豆原创 College Distinguished Alumna award.

Rashid is the founder of the nonprofit, an organization that provides crucial programs and support to women and girls experiencing domestic violence.

For Rashid, the challenges are personal, having survived domestic violence herself. In fact, when she attended 麻豆原创 College as a student from 2017-2018, she was at the start of her healing journey, while raising four children under the age of six.

She credits 麻豆原创 with providing the environment and support that helped her through that time. In particular, the Women鈥檚 Center offered financial support, books and a one-on-one counselor who helped her stay on track as she pursued her Associate of Arts in Teaching degree.

Recognizing that other students at 麻豆原创 might not know about all the services 麻豆原创 has to offer, Rashid became a volunteer adviser. In this role she used her experiences to guide and support first-generation students as they navigated college. This involvement not only reinforced her commitment to supporting her community, but also equipped her with the skills and empathy needed for founding MAAC.

鈥淢y time at 麻豆原创 was instrumental in preparing me for my current role because it introduced me to crucial support programs such as the Women鈥檚 Center,鈥� Rashid said.

In the late 1990s, Rashid immigrated to the U.S. to escape the turmoil of Somalia鈥檚 civil war, where she experienced firsthand the struggles of displacement. With perseverance, she was able to overcome adversity and now the mother of 7 stands as a symbol of resilience.

鈥淐reating MAAC has allowed me to give back to our youth and the most vulnerable people in our community by offering a sanctuary where they can find the help and resources they need to navigate and overcome their challenges,鈥� she said.

Fatima Ismail, who nominated Rashid for the award said: 鈥淩ashid鈥檚 journey from adversity to advocacy exemplifies the transformative power of resilience, compassion and determination. Her dedication to advancing the rights of domestic violence survivors and marginalized communities makes her an exceptionally worthy candidate for recognition as a distinguished alumna, serving as (an) inspiration to current and future generations of 麻豆原创 College students.鈥�

Regarding the founding of MAAC, Rashid explained: 鈥淭his achievement is profoundly personal and fulfilling, as it enables me to transform my experiences into a beacon of hope and strength for others, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment that I wish I had during my own difficult times.鈥�

Rashid believes it was her time at 麻豆原创 that made her realize that anything is possible.

She says her degree, 鈥溾��marked the beginning of my determination to continue my education and overcome the many barriers that had been created for me to fail. Earning my degree at 麻豆原创 College was a significant milestone that fueled my passion for breaking down barriers and advocating for others facing similar challenges鈥�.

Tanisha Williams, 麻豆原创鈥檚 Alumni Relations specialist, said Rashid鈥檚 accomplishments stood out to the selection committee.

鈥淩ahma was selected as this year鈥檚 Distinguished Alumna because of her relentless dedication and transformative impact on the community. Her personal story of resilience and her exceptional contributions to others has set her apart and made a lasting impression,鈥� Williams said.

Beyond her degree at 麻豆原创, Rashid obtained a bachelor鈥檚 degree in education from Central Washington University as well as a master鈥檚 degree in higher education with a minor in nonprofit leadership.

As Ismail puts it: 鈥淗er academic journey is not merely about personal advancement but is intricately linked to her mission of advocating for the rights and well-being of those affected by domestic violence.鈥�

This year鈥檚 annual Distinguished Alumnus award search had 12 nominees. Rashid will be recognized at Commencement on June 13. She is the 36th recipient of the award, the most prestigious award given to alumni.

About the Annual Distinguished Alumnus Award

, who attended 麻豆原创 from 1968-69, was the first recipient of the award in 1990. Other  include , nurse and Army veteran; , an agent with State Farm Insurance and TIME magazine global health hero; award-winning author Linda Yoshida and entrepreneur Junki Yoshida; and Cal Poly Humboldt President .