👤 Fatima Al-Zahra

About

Syrian refugee and small business owner leveraging entrepreneurial spirit to transition into technology. Survived conflict, rebuilt life through determination, and now seeking to create digital solutions that empower displaced communities.

Experience

Trainee Software Engineer

CodeYourFuture
Sep 2023 - Present · 4 mos

Learning software engineering skills to develop technologies supporting refugee integration and entrepreneurship.

  • Software Engineering, Problem Solving, Community Innovation

Small Business Owner

Zahra Handmade Textiles
Jun 2018 - Aug 2023 · 5 yrs

Established and managed artisan textile business after arriving in the UK.

  • Created export market for Syrian traditional textiles
  • Developed online sales and marketing strategies
  • Managed international customer relationships
  • Navigated complex import/export regulations
  • Built network of refugee artisan collaborators
  • Entrepreneurship, International Trade, Digital Marketing

Community Interpreter

Birmingham Refugee Support Network
Jan 2016 - May 2018 · 2 yrs 5 mos

Supported newly arrived refugees with language and integration services.

  • Provided Arabic-English translation services
  • Assisted with official documentation
  • Supported medical and legal appointments
  • Facilitated community connection programs
  • Translation, Community Support, Cultural Mediation

Skills Transition

Professional Skills

  • Entrepreneurial thinking
  • Cross-cultural communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Resource management
  • Customer relationship building

Technical Learning

  • Basic programming concepts
  • Digital literacy
  • Online business tools
  • Technology for social impact

Personal Journey

Resilience Highlights

  • Rebuilt life after displacement
  • Established successful small business
  • Learned English and adapted to new culture
  • Committed to continuous personal development

Education

CodeYourFuture

Software Engineering Program
2023 - 2024

Languages

  • Arabic - Native Speaker
  • English - Professional Working
  • Basic French

Key Strengths

  • Exceptional adaptability
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Entrepreneurial mindset
  • Resilience
  • Multicultural perspective