Honoring Hodan Nalayeh: A Lifetime of Inspiration
"When you invest in people—when you believe in their dreams—you change the world."
—Hodan Nalayeh
Today marks six years since we lost Hodan Nalayeh, our visionary leader, mentor, and a true gift to Give to Learn to Grow. While the pain of her absence still lingers, her example continues to guide and inspire us every single day.
Hodan dedicated her life to the belief that every person, no matter their circumstances, deserves dignity, opportunity, and hope. She was a tireless advocate for displaced families, standing beside them in their most difficult moments and ensuring they had the resources and support needed to rebuild their lives.
But Hodan’s vision extended far beyond immediate relief. She understood that education is the most powerful tool we have to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change. She poured her energy into initiatives that opened doors for children and youth who might otherwise have been left behind. Because of her work, countless young people have discovered the joy of learning and the courage to dream bigger.
Over the past six years, her legacy has become the foundation of everything we do. Each scholarship awarded, each classroom built, each life touched is a testament to Hodan’s enduring belief that when we invest in people, we invest in a better world for us all.
Today, as we honor her memory, we also celebrate the impact of her compassion, resilience, and hope. Her legacy lives on in every child who finds opportunity, every family who finds hope, and every community who dares to envision a brighter future.
How You Can Be Part of Hodan’s Legacy:
• Share her story to inspire others to lead with empathy.
• Support our education and community programs that continue her mission.
• Volunteer your time and talents to help make her vision a reality.
If you’ve been inspired by Hodan’s story, we’d love for you to be part of this journey. Every contribution helps—whether it’s giving a little or spreading the word—to keep her vision alive. Let’s honor Hodan together by making sure every child and family has the chance to build a brighter future. Give today to honor Hodan’s legacy and help build the brighter future she envisioned for every child and family.
Hodan believed that change begins with a single act of kindness and a steadfast commitment to humanity. As we look ahead, we remain committed to carrying her vision forward, building a world rooted in dignity, learning, and possibility.
Thank you for standing with us to honor Hodan Nalayeh’s extraordinary life and to continue the work she began. Together, we can keep her light shining for generations to come.