Hibah Siddiqui spotlight celebrating AAPI month
As part of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we interviewed one of our own: DFSA’s Program Coordinator, Hibah Siddiqui who shares about how her culture and family directly inspires her view as a woman and the world around her.
Can you tell us about your journey at DFSA from starting as an intern to the role you have today?
I started as an intern for Candy Cantrell, our Director of Volunteer Engagement, back in 2020. During COVID, DFSA gave me the opportunity to help empower women when I felt pretty lost in my life. Being able to work with such an incredible team alongside the women we serve gave me a sense of purpose and a chance to connect with my community. I quickly fell in love with the organization and its mission and knew I had to stay. Three years later, I am now the Program Coordinator and I still get that same rush of empowerment knowing I am making a positive impact in my community.
What inspired you to work at DFSA?
I always feel so inspired being able to hear how the women we serve are able to work so hard and accomplish their goals. Listening to their incredible stories keeps me motivated to continue further with our mission and help women achieve economic independence.
What's the most exciting part of your job?
The most exciting part of my job is being able to work with such an amazing and dynamic team. It's so rewarding to be able to see how each person brings their unique skills to the table and work together to tackle any challenge head on.
How has your heritage shaped who you are today?
My heritage has shaped so much of my world view. Growing up with immigrant parents, I was able to learn so much about our culture and the importance of community and building positive relationships within them. It's taught me how to be compassionate and grateful for the people I have in my life.
What's your favorite way to celebrate your culture? Do you have a favorite tradition?
As a South Asian woman, my favorite tradition is our food! It's been a great way for me to connect with my culture and family. My favorite dish of all time would have to be a dish called Nahari, it's a popular dish in northern India that actually use to be a royal dish but is now served at most major events and holidays like weddings and EID (a holiday that marks the end of Ramdan). It's a hard dish to describe but it's a kind of curry/stew that is similar to Menudo, traditionally made with Beef or Lamb and eaten with Naan (a type of Pita bread).
If you wrote an autobiography of your life, who would be in the credits?
My family and of course the DFSA Team! I feel like each and every one of them have played such a significant part in my journey to womanhood!
Do you have a favorite book?
It's kinda nerdy but I'm actually really hooked on this book series called The Expanse by James S.A. Corey. The book is essentially about what the human race will look like 100 years from now and seeing the diversity within the characters is so fascinating to me.
What about a favorite song(s)?
That's tough... I'd have to say "A letter to my younger self" by Ambar Lucid
What does Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month means a chance to be seen and understood. It gives us a chance to celebrate our community and create a sense of understanding within the greater American society of what it means to be an Asian/Pacific Islander American .
