Farah was born and raised in Iraq, where she later graduated with a civil engineering degree. After losing family members to sectarian violence, Farah fled with her daughter to Jordan. She was granted refugee status by the UNHCR who decided she would resettle in the United States. Since arriving in 2008 as a single mother with a toddler, Farah has found it most rewarding to work in a sector where she has the opportunity to offer support, share experiences, and encourage people in similar situations. She enjoys empowering others with resources, knowledge, and guidance. Farah worked at the IRC (refugee settlement agency) for almost 10 years before having an opportunity to be a part of the family support team at Child Health Partnership. She then transitioned to work at the Piedmont Housing Alliance, assisting first time homebuyers with financial literacy and education. Farah currently works at the IRC as a casework supervisor. Charlottesville, Virginia, has been Farah’s home for the last 15 years; this is where she and her daughter now call home.