From Refugee to Visionary: Naheed Esar, A Transformative Leader in the Healthcare Industry

​Meet Naheed Esar: 

Q1. Can you share your personal journey and what led you to become the Executive Director of Asian Women for Health? How has your background and experiences shaped your vision for the organization?

I am originally from Afghanistan and first came to the United States as a Fulbright scholar to pursue a master's degree in Cultural Anthropology. After completing my studies, I returned to Afghanistan and founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women and children lead healthier lives. During this time, I utilized a book titled “Where There Is No Doctor” to teach health literacy to small groups of women, empowering them to disseminate this knowledge within their communities. 

​I have also worked with United Nations Development Organization (UNDP) as gender consultant and then pivoted to government sector. 

These diverse experiences, both professional and personal, have profoundly shaped my vision for Asian Women for Health (AWFH). They have equipped me with a holistic understanding of health gaps and the importance of community-driven solutions, which are central to our mission at AWFH.  

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​Q2. What does the work at Asian Women for Health mean to you personally? How does community health work resonate with you, and why should it matter to everyone in the US?

As an Asian, I'm deeply passionate about bridging the gap between communities and healthcare because I've experienced these barriers firsthand. When I was 6 or 7, my family fled civil war in Afghanistan and lived in a refugee camp in Pakistan. We had no health insurance, proper care, or transportation, but we had one community health provider, Gulalai. Despite not being a medical professional, she had basic healthcare training and provided essential care for us. One night, when I was very sick, my mother took me to Gulalai at 12:30 AM. She welcomed us warmly and cared for me through the night, preventing what could have been serious health complications. Gulalai was not just a care provider; she was a trusted member of our Afghan community, living in the same conditions and speaking our language—truly embodying the role of a Community Health Worker (CHW).

When I came to the US three years ago, I faced similar challenges accessing equitable care. Although there is more healthcare protection for refugees here, navigating the complex American healthcare system is a Herculean task, even for an English-speaking young professional like myself. This experience reinforced my commitment to community health work, highlighting the critical need for culturally competent care and support systems for all.

Q3. Why do you believe the work of Asian Women for Health is particularly important in today's healthcare landscape? Can you provide some examples of how the organization has made a tangible difference in the lives of the women and underrepresented community it serves?

Asian communities are incredibly diverse, with over 40 different ethnicities, each rich in culture and tradition. Yet, health inequities persist because this diversity is often overlooked, and Asians are seen as a monolith. Instead of understanding the root causes of health disparities, a one-size-fits-all approach is often taken. This oversight results in significant gaps in healthcare access and quality, leaving many without the care they need.

At Asian Women for Health (AWFH), we work to bridge the gap between Asian and underserved communities and healthcare. We do this by educating community health workers, advocating for equitable practices, and providing opportunities for Asians and underserved people to spread education, representation, and community engagement. Our mission has grown beyond cancer awareness to address cultural, linguistic, and systemic barriers, ultimately improving healthcare for Asians and other minorities.

In the past year alone, we've trained two cohorts of community health workers, with 95% from underrepresented backgrounds, nearly all securing employment. We've partnered with various organizations for health education, promoted vaccine equity, and created safe spaces for people to talk on sensitive health topics. We’ve raised awareness on data equity and supported racial justice initiatives. Currently, we're involved in three community-based participatory research programs.
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Q4. In what ways can the broader community support the mission of Asian Women for Health?

To build a healthcare system that truly understands and embraces the rich diversity within our Asian communities, we need the collective support of the broader community. Here’s how:

1. Integrate Communities into Health Systems: We must involve Asian communities in healthcare decisions and integrate them into health institutions.
2. Understand Health Inequities: By learning about the root causes of health disparities, we can address them more effectively.
3. Engage and Involve: Trusted community members should be actively engaged and involved in health institutions to ensure culturally competent care.

With your support, we can create an inclusive, equitable healthcare system that truly reflects and serves our diverse communities.

TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP TRANSFORM LIVES. DONATE HERE! 

We work tirelessly to enhance the lives of Asian women. When you donate to AWFH, every dollar directly supports our mission!