Israa grew up in a big family in Iraq. She describes her father as having the kindest heart in the world. He always helped her mother when she needed it. “So, I was raised in a family where men respect women.”

But at six years old, Israa began to realize that not all men were like her father. She saw fathers and husbands in her community who would stop women from attending school, or make their daughters marry someone they didn’t want to. That’s when she began to think We need something to empower women.

Israa explains, “I can’t tolerate any unfair things happening to anyone. I can’t stay silenced. I can’t.”

“I can’t tolerate any unfair things happening to anyone. I can’t stay silenced. I can’t.”

While living in Iraq, her husband began to receive death threats because he was working for an American company, so Israa and her family moved to Jordan where they awaited refugee status. Years later, they moved to Washington County, Oregon where they reside today.

Once in Oregon, Israa began to think about what she wanted to do. She had a degree in mathematics, but since she didn’t receive her degree in the U.S., employers wouldn’t give her a job.

She started volunteering at places like the local food bank.

“I don’t like to isolate myself. I like to inspire others,” said Israa.

Then, she heard about the Washington County Civic Leaders Project. “I felt like I didn’t have a lot of information about the system, the government rules. What were my rights and my duties?” said Israa.

She and her husband both decided to apply, and were accepted. The Washington County Civic Leaders Project, led by Adelante Mujeres in collaboration with Washington County, invites communities of color to complete a hands-on leadership training, equipping them to actively participate in the civic life of the county and engage in county decision making.

“This training opened a lot of doors for me. It gave me a lot of information about many things that I didn’t know before. Now, if anyone in my community needs help, I can direct them.”

Completing this leadership training course also helped Israa overcome fears about talking to government officials by providing opportunities for her to meet and talk with senators and representatives throughout the weekly sessions.

Israa plans to keep learning by looking for more programs and projects to work on, and says she won’t hesitate to join boards or committees now.

“It’s changed me, and I’m sure it’s going to change the whole community.”

You can support the Washington County Civic Leaders Project and help more women like Israa become empowered to lead.