Iman Ali: A Journey of Learning and Giving Back

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Article published on October 24, 2012 by GlobalArizona.com

After just a short conversation with Iman Ali, you leave encouraged, challenged, and inspired.  Based on her eloquence and comfortable manner of relating, you would never suspect that years ago, her English was limited to “yes” and “no”.  Iman came to America as a Somali refugee in 1996, following her mother and sisters. They were fleeing the same civil war that has forced thousands of Somalis to relocate since 1991.  Iman considers herself to be especially lucky.

“I am one of the luckiest ones because my family was here before me and they were able to guide and help me.  They walked with me through school and helped me day to day.  They gave me a lot of courage to continue my education.”

Iman felt that her main job was to study hard.  For this reason, she attended school year round.  She even attended adult ESL classes over the summer.  After only two years of living in the US, she graduated high school and applied for community college.  In college, she shared a dorm with American roommates and also met her husband, who she married around the time of her graduation. Through these relationships, her English also improved drastically.

Iman did not take these opportunities for granted, but instead worked to help those who were not so fortunate.  Many Somali refugees are single mothers who arrive in America with no family or support system. They find themselves having to navigate public transportation, grocery shop, and make doctor’s appointments in a country that speaks a different language.  Iman recognized this reality and responded in a variety of ways.

She began by accompanying her family members and neighbors to their appointments as a translator.  In one instance, Iman helped a doctor communicate the necessity of an emergency C-section.  In another, she enabled a Somali mother to fully explain her daughter’s symptoms, leading the doctor to change his diagnosis.  It was not long before Iman realized the value of effective communication.

“The help I was providing just by translating was literally saving lives.  That had an effect on me.  I needed to help Somali women.”

In 2010, Iman moved to Arizona.  Upon her neighbor’s recommendation, she enrolled her children in Imagine Tempe, a public charter school focused on character building, academic achievement, and community partnerships.  The principal noticed Iman’s ability to communicate with both Somalis and Americans and offered her a job as a liason between Imagine Tempe and the local Somali community.  Iman accepted.  As the liason, she informs Somali parents of school events and other important dates.  She also serves as a translator for parent teacher conferences, allowing teachers and parents to collaborate in improving the students’ education. In addition, Iman coordinates evening English classes on the Imagine Tempe campus for adults in the community.

When asked about the best moments in her work, Iman said “After I sit in a meeting and it goes smoothly and ends in a pleasant way…when both people are happy and I can see in their faces that they are understanding each other.  That’s the best part. That means I have accomplished my goal.”  Iman continues to look for ways to use her unique experiences and skills to serve the Somali community in Tempe.  The impact of her work is immeasurable.