My Sister's Keeper

My Sister's Keeper focuses on Muslim immigrant women in the US, addressing their underrepresentation in professional fields and societal integration. Research indicates that despite being highly educated, these women confront distinct challenges including discrimination, cultural dissonance, and a lack of tailored support leading to an employment rate significantly lower than US-born women. Only 41% of female MENA immigrants participated in the workforce, below the 59% of U.S.-born women, despite 43% having at least a bachelor's, exceeding the overall immigrant (30%) and U.S.-born (32%) rates. Addressing this gap is crucial as it leverages untapped potential to contribute to the economy, promotes social cohesion by facilitating integration, and enriches the societal tapestry with diverse perspectives. Empowering these women not only aids their personal and professional development but also challenges and changes broader societal stereotypes, fostering a more inclusive community.

Our program offers personalized mentorship and leadership training to build a supportive community for Muslim immigrant women in the US. It offers personalized mentorship through culturally competent mentors who are cognizant of the religious sensitivities relevant to Muslim women as well as upskilling resources to enhance market-relevant soft and hard skills, legal literacy and empowerment programs, and access to a peer network of like-minded women who have similar interests.

Our model will sustain through grants, donations, membership fees, and fundraising through events and online campaigns. These resources will be utilized for program development, delivery, operational expenses, legal services, marketing & outreach & providing required forms of support to the participants.

Major milestones include the design of a tailored curriculum catering to the unique needs of Muslim women, establishment of partnerships for mentorship and initiation of community-building activities. 

Our project, in its holistic approach, addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by Muslim immigrant women. It combines mentorship, upskilling resources, peer network and legal support in a tailored curriculum. This unique blend not only fills existing gaps in available programs but also creates a synergistic effect, empowering women on various levels simultaneously. By integrating legal advice and community resources, we aim to provide a comprehensive solution, fostering a supportive environment that goes beyond skill-building to address the emotional and practical needs of participants. Our innovation lies in creating a transformative community that uniquely tackles the complexities of these women’s experiences.

The target population for "My Sister's Keeper" is Muslim immigrant women in the United States specifically it targets first-generation refugee women seeking to upscale, newly arrived refugee women in the U.S., women seeking entry-level jobs, and women reentering the workforce. These women face unique challenges stemming from the intersection of their religious, gender, ethnic identities, and immigrant status. Despite high educational attainment, they are significantly underrepresented in the professional workforce due to cultural dissonance, discrimination, and a lack of tailored support.

The solution aims to address these needs by providing a comprehensive program tailored to their specific challenges. It offers personalized mentorship, professional skill development, legal support, and a supportive community network. By empowering these women with education, skills, and support, the solution seeks to enhance their integration into the workforce, thereby improving their economic opportunities and societal contributions. Ultimately, "My Sister's Keeper" endeavors to transform the lives of Muslim immigrant women by offering them the resources and support needed to thrive in their new home country.

Manal: My familiarity with the community stems from shared experiences of displacement and adaptation. As a Muslim woman who has been a victim of the Islamophobic political upheaval in India, I want to facilitate the transition for immigrants who seek a place to call home, only to be met with obstacles of navigating a new culture and finding a sense of belonging. 

Khadija: In 2021 during Afghanistan's collapse in the hands of the Taliban, I became a refugee navigating legal resources and challenges. This inspired me to create a supportive space for Muslim immigrant women to connect, share and support each other in redefining home.

Irum - My motivation stems from my journey of breaking generational patterns and redefining gender roles. As a woman coming from the margins and having challenged the status quo to be a first-generation female student, I feel strongly about using my skills and privilege to uplift the state of other vulnerable women around me.

Our team is uniquely positioned to deliver "My Sister's Keeper" due to our direct proximity and understanding of the communities we serve. As individuals who have experienced displacement, adaptation, and cultural assimilation firsthand, we intimately comprehend the challenges faced by first-generation refugee women, newly arrived refugees, and women seeking to enter or reenter the workforce in the U.S. Our backgrounds as Muslim immigrant women provide us with a deep empathy and insight into the cultural, religious, and socioeconomic barriers that these women encounter.

Moreover, our team's diverse experiences and connections within these communities ensure that the design and implementation of our solution are meaningfully guided by their input, ideas, and agendas. We have engaged directly with our target population through primary market research, interviews, and surveys to validate our approach and ensure that it aligns with their specific needs and aspirations. Additionally, our partnerships with organizations like the Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center demonstrate our commitment to collaborating with established entities deeply embedded in the communities we serve, further amplifying the voices and agency of our target population in shaping the program. Through our collective lived experiences, expertise, and community-driven approach, we are well-equipped to design and deliver a solution that truly empowers and uplifts refugee women in the U.S.

Our project is in the stage of validating the user hypothesis. Over the past 6 months, we have progressed from ideation to laying the groundwork. We have established a solid foundation by identifying key objectives, narrowing down our target group, conducting extensive market research through interviews and surveys, and engaging with potential community partners. Currently, we are developing a roadmap outlining our strategies for implementation, growth, fundraising, and seeking experts for pilot workshops. We were recently awarded the Amazon Prize for Social Good, and our goal is to utilize this award in the process of piloting our project.

Our project kicks off with a pilot in Boston from January through March 2025, starting with 12 participants who are pursuing a degree and looking for entry-level jobs. The pilot will be a three-month hybrid program, including skill-based workshops led by industry-level experts from Harvard/MIT, one-on-one legal consultations, and in-person networking and bonding sessions. The first week of the pilot will focus on mentor matching, with an in-person weekend boot camp created to facilitate connections. By our one-year mark, we will scale up to 120 participants, and within five years, to 1000 women. Ultimately, we aim to have a local chapter in every state. With the success of our local chapters, we will develop a blueprint that can be applied to different communities across the country with minimal adaptations, while unifying through an interconnected platform for Muslim immigrant women all over the U.S.

We are applying to Solve because we believe in its mission to connect Solver teams with partners who can provide both monetary and non-monetary support to advance solutions. While funding is important, our primary goal in applying to Solve is to access a network of partners who can help us overcome specific barriers that we face in implementing our solution, "My Sister's Keeper."

Some of the barriers we hope Solve can assist us with include:

• Technical Expertise: We may need assistance in developing and implementing digital platforms or technological solutions to enhance our program delivery and participant engagement.

• Legal Guidance: Navigating legal frameworks related to immigration, employment, and nonprofit regulations can be complex. Solve's network may provide access to legal expertise to ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Our solution is deeply rooted in cultural understanding and sensitivity. Solve's network could offer insights and guidance on effectively addressing the cultural needs of our target population and ensuring inclusivity in program design and delivery.

• Market Connections: Access to Solve's network can help us establish connections with potential partners, collaborators, and stakeholders in various sectors, facilitating program scaling, resource mobilization, and sustainability.

Additionally, we recognize the critical importance of mentorship in guiding our project's development and implementation. We hope Solve can help us connect with experienced mentors who can provide valuable insights, advice, and support as we navigate the challenges of launching and scaling "My Sister's Keeper." By joining Solve, we aim to leverage its platform and resources to overcome these barriers and enhance the impact and scalability of our project in empowering refugee women in the United States.

"My Sister's Keeper" presents an innovative approach to empowering Muslim immigrant women in the United States by addressing the multifaceted challenges they face. Unlike existing programs that often focus narrowly on specific aspects such as religious roles or civic engagement, our solution takes a holistic approach. By offering a comprehensive program that combines personalized mentorship, professional skill development, legal support, and community networking, we aim to tackle various barriers to employment and societal integration simultaneously. Crucially, our solution is designed with cultural sensitivity at its core, respecting and addressing the unique cultural and religious needs of Muslim immigrant women. Moreover, the design and implementation of "My Sister's Keeper" are guided by direct input from the target population, ensuring that the program meets their specific needs and aspirations. With the potential for scalability and replicability, our solution can catalyze broader positive impacts beyond its immediate participants, serving as a blueprint for empowering marginalized women in various settings and fostering a more inclusive and equitable landscape for immigrant women in the workforce.

Our solution, "My Sister's Keeper," aims to empower Muslim immigrant women in the United States by providing them with comprehensive support and resources tailored to their unique needs. Through activities such as personalized mentorship, professional skill development workshops, legal consultations, and community networking events, we expect to see immediate outputs such as increased confidence, improved job readiness, expanded social networks, and enhanced cultural understanding. These outputs are directly linked to longer-term outcomes for our target population, including higher rates of employment, career advancement, social integration, and overall well-being. Our theory of change is supported by research indicating that access to mentorship, skills training, and community support can significantly improve outcomes for marginalized populations. By addressing the specific barriers faced by Muslim immigrant women and providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, we believe that "My Sister's Keeper" has the potential to create meaningful and lasting impacts on the lives of its participants, their families, and their communities.

Our impact goals for "My Sister's Keeper" are aimed at transforming the lives of Muslim immigrant women in the United States. Firstly, we strive to increase their employment rate by providing them with the necessary skills and resources to secure stable jobs. We will measure our progress by tracking the number of participants who successfully find employment within six months of completing our program. Additionally, we aim to support their career advancement by monitoring the number of participants who receive promotions, salary increases, or enroll in further education or training programs after completing our program. Social integration is another key goal, where we seek to enhance participants' sense of belonging and connectedness within their communities and the broader society. Progress in this area will be assessed through participant surveys assessing changes in social connections and community engagement. Furthermore, we aim to promote mutual cultural understanding and appreciation among participants and the wider community, with qualitative assessments tracking progress. Lastly, our program aims to empower participants personally, fostering self-confidence, resilience, and self-efficacy, which will be measured through self-assessment surveys. Through diligent tracking and evaluation of these indicators, we ensure that "My Sister's Keeper" not only makes tangible impacts on the lives of its participants but also contributes to broader societal transformation.

The core technology powering "My Sister's Keeper" is a hybrid model that includes a comprehensive website alongside various digital tools and resources to support Muslim immigrant women in the United States. The website serves as the central platform for program participants who can access it through a mobile app or computer, offering access to personalized mentorship, professional skill development modules, legal guidance, and networking opportunities. Through the website, participants can engage in virtual mentorship sessions, access on-demand training materials, and connect with peers and mentors from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the platform incorporates interactive features such as discussion forums and virtual events to facilitate community building and collaboration. By leveraging a hybrid approach with a website as the primary interface, "My Sister's Keeper" aims to provide a user-friendly and accessible solution that empowers Muslim immigrant women to achieve their professional goals and foster meaningful connections within their communities.

There are currently four people in our team: 

Khadija Ghanizada- First year Master in City Planning Candidate at the Department of Urban Studies and Planning. 

Phone number: +1 (518) 704-7887

Manal Zia- First year Master in City Planning Candidate at the Department of Urban Studies and Planning. 

Phone number: +1 (857) 465-9907

Irum Malik- First year Master in Public Policy Candidate at Harvard.

Phone number: +1 (857) 961-7784

Sapna Saleem- Recent graduate of Harvard School of Education. 

Phone number: ‪+91 99899 97168‬

We have been working on this solution for the past 6 months starting November 2023 until April 2024. 

Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our team is a fundamental aspect of "My Sister's Keeper." Our leadership team comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants, refugees, and individuals with experiences of displacement. We recognize the importance of representing the communities we serve and strive to foster an environment where all team members feel valued, respected, and supported.

Our team's goals for becoming more diverse, equitable, and inclusive are centered around actively seeking out and amplifying diverse voices and perspectives. We believe that diversity fuels innovation and leads to more effective solutions. To achieve these goals, we will implement several actions in our hiring process in the future, including:

• Recruitment Practices: We prioritize inclusive recruitment practices to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds. This includes actively seeking out candidates from underrepresented groups and ensuring job postings are accessible to all.

• Training and Education: We provide ongoing training and education on DEI topics to all team members to increase awareness and understanding of diversity-related issues.

• Inclusive Decision-Making: We involve team members from diverse backgrounds in decision-making processes to ensure a range of perspectives are considered and valued.

• Safe and Supportive Environment: We foster a culture of respect and inclusivity where team members feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their ideas without fear of discrimination or bias.

• Continuous Improvement: We regularly review and assess our DEI practices to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to address them.

By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our team, we not only create a more welcoming and supportive environment for all team members but also strengthen our ability to effectively serve and empower the communities we work with.

The business model of "My Sister's Keeper" focuses on empowering Muslim immigrant women in the US, targeting specifically first generation immigrants looking to upskill, women seeking entry-level jobs, refugee women, and those seeking re-entry into the workforce. Through a comprehensive suite of services including upskilling resources, personalized mentorship, legal literacy support, and a peer network, our aim is to facilitate the integration of these women into the workforce, with a goal to impact 1,000 individuals over the next five years.

Our initiative will utilize a robust delivery model comprising hybrid workshops, structured mentorship, legal support, community building, and job placement. The hybrid workshops will provide a flexible learning environment, offering both online and in-person sessions. These workshops are designed to develop essential employment skills, covering foundational soft skills like communication and leadership, as well as pertinent technical skills required in today's job market.

Each participant will benefit from a personalized mentorship program, pairing them with culturally competent mentors who are professionals in their fields. This will ensure guidance that appreciates the unique backgrounds and challenges these women face.

Recognizing the complexities of immigration status, we will provide legal literacy workshops and personal consultations with legal experts. These sessions will focus on employment and immigration laws, arming our participants with knowledge about their rights and legal procedures, which is vital for their security and confidence within job settings.

Job placement is an integral component of our model, where we will work closely with local businesses to secure suitable employment opportunities that align with the skills and aspirations of our participants.

The curriculum and service offerings will be continually refined based on participant feedback and evolving job market trends to ensure relevance and effectiveness. Additionally, we will conduct specialized events and workshops that address cultural and religious sensibilities, fostering an environment that is not only respectful but also inclusive.

By implementing this multi-faceted approach, "My Sister's Keeper" aims to not only enhance the professional capabilities of Muslim immigrant women but also empower them to achieve meaningful participation in the workforce. This strategy supports individual growth and enhances the broader narrative of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and dynamic American society. Through this initiative, we are dedicated to enriching the tapestry of American economic and social life by integrating and uplifting an often overlooked segment of the population.

The financial model of "My Sister's Keeper" is designed to ensure sustainability and effectiveness in empowering Muslim immigrant women in the U.S. We hope to receive substantial support through grants from government agencies and private foundations focused on social innovation and workforce development, which provide essential seed capital for covering initial operational costs and program setup. Additionally, we aim to secure donations by actively engaging individual donors and corporations, highlighting the transformative impact of our initiative to attract financial contributions and in-kind resources. To generate steady revenue, we have implemented a freemium membership model where users can access basic services for free, with the option to purchase a premium subscription that offers enhanced services such as advanced workshops and personalized mentorship. We also offer fee-based services, including specialized training and personal coaching, which not only serve those who can afford to pay more but also support the inclusion of financially disadvantaged participants. Regular fundraising events and dynamic online campaigns further supplement our funds, enabling ongoing program development and outreach activities.

A key highlight of our funding success is the prestigious Amazon Prize for Social Good, a $15,000 award we recently received through participation in MIT's IDEAS Social Innovation Challenge. A recognition from such eminent institutions not only boosts our financial footing but also enhances our credibility, making our initiative more appealing to prospective funders and partners. The prize money will enable us to pilot our proposed activities and refine our delivery approach based on real-world feedback and outcomes. Leveraging this award, we hope to attract further investment and expand our reach, ensuring that our services remain adaptive and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve. This careful orchestration of multiple funding sources, along with our commitment to transparency and impact, positions us to build a strong foundation for continual growth and sustained support, crucial for achieving our mission of integrating and uplifting Muslim immigrant women into the American workforce. This strategic financing approach not only supports operational stability but also encourages scalability and innovation within our programs, ensuring long-term positive outcomes for our participants and the broader community. Through this thoughtful and dynamic approach to securing and managing funds, we are equipped to face the challenges and opportunities that come with supporting this underserved demographic, enhancing their potential for success and inclusion in society.