Growing up, I watched my mother, an international medical graduate from Greece, fight to re-enter medicine in a new country. She faced skepticism from others because of her foreign credentials, especially in a male-dominated field. Watching her persevere made me more aware of the challenges many immigrant women face.
In September 2025, I started mentoring a refugee teenager from Afghanistan. Listening to her story of overcoming displacement further shaped my perspective. Helping her gain acceptance to college inspired me, and I realized I wanted to encourage other women to chase their dreams. After graduating from Texas A&M University and moving back to Dallas, I chose to get more involved with the communities I care about most, and this is how I found Mosaic.
At the shelter, I facilitate weekly groups ranging from professional development, such as resume building or financial literacy, to personal development, like mindfulness and yoga, boundary setting, or embracing positivity. Getting to connect with these strong women reminds me each week that I made the right decision to volunteer here. Mosaic is uniquely equipped to offer survivors safety and a place to get back on their feet, while simultaneously helping to restore the autonomy that was taken away. I am proud to be a part of this mission.
– Nicole A.
