We recently connected with Zahraa Alrafish and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Zahraa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Looking back on your career, have you ever worked with a great leader or boss? We’d love to hear about the experience and what you think made them such a great leader.
The best boss I’ve ever had is Ayesha Maxwell. She led with trust, not ego, and always saw potential before titles. What stood out most was how she balanced high expectations with genuine care, she pushed me to grow while making me feel supported every step of the way. I remember moments when she trusted me with responsibilities I didn’t yet feel “ready” for, and that confidence changed how I saw myself as a leader. Working under her taught me that real leadership is about empowering others, creating space for growth, and leading with integrity and heart.
Zahraa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Zahraa Alrafish, and I’m the founder of Arab Women United, a community-driven nonprofit rooted in empowerment, education, and access for Arab and immigrant women. I entered this work through lived experience; growing up in an immigrant family, witnessing barriers to healthcare, education, and opportunity, and realizing how often women are expected to navigate systems alone.
Arab Women United provides programming centered on leadership development, mental health, entrepreneurship, and community wellness. What sets my work apart is that it’s deeply relational and culturally grounded; I build spaces where women feel seen, supported, and equipped to thrive. I’m most proud of creating something that didn’t exist before: a space where women don’t just survive systems, but learn how to lead within and beyond them.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I built my audience slowly and intentionally, starting with community before numbers. When I launched Arab Women United, I wasn’t trying to “go viral”; I was trying to speak honestly to women who felt unseen. I shared real moments: wins, setbacks, behind-the-scenes work, and stories from the community. That authenticity created trust, and trust created growth.
My biggest advice is to stop chasing perfection. Consistency matters more than aesthetics. Speak to one person who needs your message, not to everyone. Engage back, show up regularly, and let your voice evolve naturally. Your audience will grow when people feel like you’re talking with them, not at them.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
High morale comes from feeling valued, not micromanaged. I’ve learned that clarity, trust, and recognition go a long way. People want to know the mission, understand their role in it, and feel appreciated for their contributions. I prioritize open communication, check-ins that go beyond tasks, and celebrating progress, especially the small wins.
I also believe in leading with empathy while holding clear standards. When people feel safe to speak up and supported as whole humans, they show up stronger. A motivated team isn’t built on pressure, it’s built on purpose, respect, and shared ownership of the vision.
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