"It’s important to always try to keep a positive outlook and truly be present in ever situation no matter how difficult the surrounding environment may be."
Meet Ayat Abuznade, founder of Team Humanity USA, a not-for-profit organization that was started in 2019 to provide emergency crisis care and aid to refugees across the globe.
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Table of Contents
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Ayat Abuznade: My name is Ayat Abuznade. My life took an unexpected turn after volunteering at Zaatari Refugee Camp 2014 during the Syrian War. There I connected with many families and witnessed the devastating impact war had on some of the world’s most vulnerable people.
I traveled immensely for years volunteering at several refugee camps that served to protect people recovering from war. I knew my life could never be the same and knew there will always be a need for more in the world. I took a vow that I would continue to do anything possible to instill hope and happiness back in the lives of people.
In 2019, I started my organization Team Humanity USA which serves to provide emergency crisis care and aid across the globe. I knew this was what was needed in order to really make change in a greater way.
2020 and 2021 threw a lot of curve balls into economy on a global scale. Based on the experience gleaned in the past couple years, how can organizations thrive in 2022? What lessons have you learned?
Ayat Abuznade: It’s important to raise awareness about your cause and challenge your thinking. Technology has changed a lot in the recent years and utilizing all resources and testing methods of engagement is essential in increasing awareness and nonprofit donations.
The pandemic seems to keep on disrupting the economy; what should governments focus on in 2022? What advice would you share?
Ayat Abuznade: The focus should be on building resilience to the pandemic. My advice would be to focus on managing policies and crisis management.
How has the pandemic changed the world and how you articulated Team Humanity USA’s Framework?
Ayat Abuznade: The pandemic has changed the way interaction with stakeholders, the population served, donors, and volunteer members takes place. Team Humanity USA’s framework has focused on awareness, increasing engagement, and how important the influence of storytelling and social media is for stakeholder engagement.
What advice do you wish you received when the pandemic started and what do you intend on improving in 2022?
Ayat Abuznade: Advice on digital transformation and the role this would play on society and fundraising efforts. We intend on improving this to help increase fundraising efforts and expand our trust and transparency to support our day-to-day project operations.
In recent decades, a lot of work had been done in the name of Global Warming. What gaps do you see are still needed to be filled in such regards?
Ayat Abuznade: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
You have been doing a lot of field work. How does it feel like to be surrounded by sweet little angels in saddened circumstances?
Ayat Abuznade: It’s important to always try to keep a positive outlook and truly be present in ever situation no matter how difficult the surrounding environment may be. Children in my eyes are truly resilient and keeping my focus on them and even just bringing something as simple as a smile to their face is the fuel that drives me despite the many challenges and saddened circumstances faced.
At what point you decided to adopt philanthropy as a full-time career choice?
Ayat Abuznade: In 2019 when I started my non-for-profit organization Team Humanity USA
Being founder is all about overcoming obstacles and creating opportunities for growth. What do you see as the real challenge right now?
Ayat Abuznade: Poverty is a real issue worldwide and so many people are facing economic hardship. The environment needs saving and climate crisis and natural disasters has led to extreme suffering in already poor and vulnerable countries.
In 2022, how hopeful are you?
Ayat Abuznade: I’m very hopeful. Are we ready to face the next pandemic?
I don’t believe you can ever be fully ready, but definitely more prepared. There will always be challenges along the way.
Besides food and nutrition, there are a lot of things that are considered basic necessities. Are you planning to expand your operational circle?
Ayat Abuznade: Yes, we actually focus on providing safe drinking water to vulnerable communities in Africa, life-saving essentials such as winter clothing to those displaced in refugee camps, and immediate crisis evacuation safety to many displaced fleeing conflict and war.
What other projects are under your consideration these days?
Ayat Abuznade: Currently, we are focused on immediate crisis care efforts to help thousands suffering from war. In addition, we are focused on providing safe drinking water and life-saving essentials to those vulnerable communities affected by natural climate disasters or displaced in refugee camps. Every year we aim to reach more communities in different ways and in different parts of the world.
On a lighter note, if you had the ability to pick any superpower, what would it be and how would you put it into practice?
Ayat Abuznade: Definitely, teleportation. Having the power to instantaneously move from one country to the next would save so much time and in turn help so many more people suffering.
What does “success” in 2022 mean to you? It could be on a personal or business level, please share your vision.
Ayat Abuznade: Challenging myself in every situation no matter how difficult it may seem. This is what I’ve realized has enabled me to grow and develop mentally, spiritually and professionally over the years.
How can our audience be of assistance to your cause?
Ayat Abuznade: Help us by becoming the change you want to see! We are always looking for volunteers to help us as we travel around the world to help those in need. Can’t volunteer? Donations help Team Humanity USA in a great way by providing us with tools and resources to help those in need. Contact us through our website, or donate today!
Jed Morley, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Ayat Abuznade for taking the time to do this interview and share her knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Ayat Abuznade or her company, you can do it through her – Instagram
Disclaimer: The ValiantCEO Community welcomes voices from many spheres on our open platform. We publish pieces as written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team and must meet our guidelines prior to being published.
