Bangladeshi mother-daughter duo break barriers in two cities
#service
Dear Readers,
This week we’re looking at new local appointments, local happenings, and an opportunity to share your healthcare stories.
As always, thank you for being a part of The Saa Nasta community.
Sincerely,
Nargis
The City of Hamtramck appoints new Treasurer, commends new Lincoln Park police officer
This week the City of Hamtramck approved the appointment of Afiya Ali-Hussain as the City Treasurer.
“I am incredibly grateful to serve as The City of Hamtramck Treasurer,” she says.
Ali-Hussain says it’s challenging to be a minority woman in a leadership role.
“There were many times when education, skills, and experience were just not enough. Over and over again I had to prove myself through my hard work, work ethic, and consistency to move up in the corporate ladder, while others moved up effortlessly,” she expresses.
She says the city’s leadership gave her hope that she can identify as a hard-working woman.
“I grew up, accomplished my academic education, and started my entrepreneurial journey in Hamtramck,” she shared.
Ali-Hussain says she’s intrigued to return to her hometown.
“This opportunity fits my interests, experiences, and skill sets, and being located in Hamtramck made it just the perfect fit,” she expressed.
In her new role, she hopes to work with the youth.
“I hope to work closely with the City Council Board to open opportunities for our younger generation,” she says.
Ali-Hussain also hopes to work with minority women to encourage them to pursue different career paths.
"We have very strong young females in Hamtramck that need the support to flourish in their career paths. At times, we need encouragement, resources and support to move in the right direction. I hope to inspire other minority females as they step into their careers,” she says.
Her daughter Lana Nessa was recently sworn in to serve as a police officer for the Lincoln Park Police Department.
The Hamtramck Police Department commended both appointments on a Facebook post.
Ali-Hussain says she’s extremely proud of her daughter.
“One of my biggest accomplishments was getting to see my daughter accomplish her goal of becoming one of the first Bengali women to serve as a police officer for the City of Lincoln Park. She has been intrigued by law enforcement since she was 8 years old,” she shared. “She overcame all cultural and social barriers to achieve her ambition. I hope this will inspire young women of our culture.”
How do Bangladeshi women navigate healthcare? Here’s how you can share your story.
Bangladeshi women often face barriers to getting quality healthcare, including in states like Michigan. Despite having a large Bangladeshi population in Metro Detroit, there are still cultural, religious, and language barriers for Bangladeshi women.
Shustho Mind, Body, and Spirit is a health series that aims to unpack the experiences of Bangladeshi women and the healthcare workers who serve them.
I’m looking for individual people who want to share their experiences going to the doctor and finding health care for themselves in primary care, maternal or mental health.
I am also looking for Bangladeshi (men and women) interpreters, translators, nurses, and doctors who care for Bangladeshi women.
This radio feature series will be published and shared across multiple platforms, and be a part of a research study.
If you want to share your story or that of your family member, email me at: Nargis.Rahman@wdet.org.
Other Headlines:
Muslim Family Services (MFS) is hosting a free empowerment program for South Asians who have faced domestic violence. The program also features life skills.
State Senator Stephanie Chang is hosting a Women’s Roundtable on Nov. 23 at Adda Restaurant in Warren.
Detroiters share how Trump’s promise of ‘mass deportations’ may impact themselves and their families.
A new mental health clinic at the Islamic Center of Detroit aims to provide culturally competent mental health care to those in Metro Detroit. It’s one of the first centers inside a mosque in Michigan.
Detroit Friendship House is collecting toys for the holidays.
Thank you for sharing our story in your saanasta reading!