Determination and Resilience  

Nagham Alyousef has experienced more change, loss, and responsibility than many people face in a lifetime. What stands out, though, is not only what she has lived through. It is the way she continues to show up for herself, and others.

Nagham lived through the war in Syria and lost many family members. She spent two years in a refugee camp in Jordan before coming to Canada, where she learned a new language and adjusted to an entirely different way of life.

Along the way, she faced bullying, financial stress, and the ongoing reality of both of her parents living with chronic and debilitating health conditions.

And still, Nagham found ways to become deeply involved in her community.

She began volunteering at RayCam Community Centre while she was in Grade 8. Over the years, she took on more responsibility and grew into a strong youth leader. She is now President of the RayCam Youth Council and also represents young people through the City-Wide Youth Council.

A student at Sir Charles Tupper Secondary School, Nagham brings lived experience, empathy, and determination into the work she does. She understands what it means to feel displaced, to carry family responsibilities, and to try to find belonging in a new place.

Her leadership is not separate from those experiences. It has grown from them.

Nagham’s story reminds us that leadership is not always loud. Sometimes it looks like continuing to participate, taking responsibility, and helping create a stronger community even while carrying significant challenges of your own.

Soroptimist International of Vancouver is proud to recognize Nagham as a 2026 Violet Richardson Award recipient and to honour the strength, compassion, and commitment she brings to her community.