Facilitator Mission

Finding Freedom Through Friendship (FFF) facilitators are local community members contracted to implement and coordinate services for the widows and children in our programs.  They are leaders crucial to Finding Freedom through Friendship’s (FFF) success. Typically, each facilitator assists 4 to 7 families.  Services include providing nutrition, coordinating educational needs, addressing health issues, improving lodging (construction or renovation), installing appliances and assets, and microbusiness oversight.

The fees to facilitators are minimal compared to the services rendered.  Their primary motivation is a commitment to serving individuals and the community rather than financial gain.  Facilitators are expected to demonstrate effectiveness in managing their finances.  They are responsible for wisely assessing and utilizing every FFF dollar spent and providing receipts.  This highlights the importance of financial prudence and accountability for our organization.

In summary, facilitators are vital connectors between individuals and the organization's management.  The facilitator’s commitment and ability to make decisions on behalf of FFF is critical to delivering services to women and children.

Why local facilitators?

•  Facilitators speak the local language, which is essential for effective communication with local communities, participants, government officials, and partners. Language proficiency also helps translate documents accurately and convey the organization's mission and goals.

•  Facilitators understand the cultural nuances necessary for bargaining, coordination, building relationships, and connecting with local communities and leaders.   A deep understanding of culture, customs, and societal norms is essential in winning the participants' trust.

•  Facilitators are in the proximity of the participants year-round.

•  Provide job opportunities in the local economy.

Meet The Facilitators

Elliya Iskander (Egypt)

Elliya Iskander and his wife have two children and live in Cairo, Egypt.  Elliya is a visionary and compassionate leader who has dedicated his career to driving social impact through innovative programs as the Council of Services and Social Development director in Egypt.  With a background in social work and a strong belief in the transformative power of community-driven initiatives, Elliya joined the organization in 2022.  Elliya has diverse programs addressing social issues, from education and healthcare to poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability.  Elliya's strategic vision and hands-on approach have been instrumental in designing programs that create tangible and lasting change in the lives of the organization's members.  His empathetic leadership style fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment, empowering program teams to tailor interventions to the unique needs of the communities they serve.  (Member since 2022)

Bassem Wahba (Egypt)

Bassem Wahba, wife, and son, live in Cairo, Egypt.   Bassem is a seasoned financial expert who is pivotal in overseeing financial operations donated to programs in Egypt.  His keen financial acumen has enabled the organization to optimize funding and ensure strategic money allocation to deliver excellent social value.  Bassem's dedication to transparency and accountability has earned the trust of donors and partners.   Through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment, Bassem continues to be a catalyst for change, driving organizations toward financial resilience and ensuring their capacity to create lasting social change.  (Member since 2017)

Marian Gamal (Egypt)

Marian Gamal and her husband, Joseph, have two young children living in Cairo, Egypt.  Marian is a compassionate and driven individual dedicated to improving the lives of widows.   With a background in social work and a deep understanding of the challenges widows face, Marian provides comprehensive support and empowerment to widows in need.  Under her leadership, the Widow Program has grown into a thriving program offering numerous services, including counseling, children's education, home improvement, and microbusiness initiatives.  Marian's unwavering commitment and personal care have transformed the lives of countless widows.  Marian continues to be a beacon of hope for widows, empowering them to rebuild their lives with dignity, strength, and newfound opportunities.

Marian has been pivotal in planning and executing the Community Health Events—an inspiring initiative to bring much-needed medical care and services to underprivileged communities.  Her organizational prowess and unwavering commitment have transformed the event into a resounding success, attracting an ever-growing team of dedicated volunteers and healthcare professionals year after year.  Marian's empathetic approach and ability to connect with doctors, medical institutions, pharmacies, and beneficiaries have been instrumental in securing essential resources and support for the event.  Through her tireless efforts, she has improved countless individuals' health and well-being and helped foster a culture of compassion and social responsibility.  (Member since 2017)

Samia Saad Suleiman (Egypt)

Samia is a remarkable woman who has achieved significant accomplishments in education and vocational empowerment.  She is a certified trainer for Montessori teachers, showcasing her expertise in early childhood education and her commitment to nurturing young minds.  Samia is the Coordinator of the Karma Women's Development Center in Cairo.  Samia is pivotal in empowering underserved women, children, and communities by providing them with the skills and opportunities needed to enhance their livelihoods.  Her dedication to education and efforts to uplift marginalized women through vocational training exemplify her outstanding contributions to education and social empowerment.  Samia's work serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating the transformative power of education and dedication to making a positive impact on society. (Member since 2023)

Hany Wadia (Egypt)

Hany Wadia, wife and two sons live in El Minya, Egypt.   Hany is the director of the Karma Women Development Center (KWDC) and Microfinance Program.   Hany has meticulously crafted a comprehensive curriculum to equip women with essential skills in various fields, from culinary, sewing, hair styling, and technology to entrepreneurship.   Under his guidance, KWDC has flourished, offering a nurturing environment where women can gain confidence, independence, and a pathway to economic self-sufficiency.  Hany's hands-on approach and deep empathy for the women served by the program have fostered a sense of community and empowerment, making KWDC a beacon of hope for countless women striving for a better future.   Hany's unwavering commitment continues to transform women's lives, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive and break free from the constraints of poverty and inequality.  (Member since 2017)

Amany Magdy (Egypt)

Amany Magdy and her husband have two young children and live in El Minya, Egypt.  Amany is a passionate advocate for women's empowerment and the driving force behind the Karma Women Development Center (KWDC).  Amany's educational background profoundly advocates the transformative power of skills development and breaking down barriers hindering women's access to economic opportunities.  Under her leadership and unwavering dedication, the program has flourished, providing women from marginalized communities with comprehensive vocational training in various fields, from literacy to tailoring to culinary arts and sustainable micro businesses.  Amany’s unwavering commitment to women's economic independence and personal growth has touched the lives of countless beneficiaries, enabling them to break free from societal limitations, seize opportunities, and achieve newfound autonomy and success.  (Member since 2019)

Michael Yacoub (Egypt)

Michael Yacoub is a newlywed and lives in El Minya, Egypt.   Michael is a dynamic and compassionate individual who has significantly impacted the Microloan Program.  Michael recognizes the transformative potential of microloans in empowering entrepreneurs from underserved communities.  Michael has provided an accessible pathway to financial independence for aspiring business owners.  The microloan program has grown through his strategic leadership, providing countless small-scale entrepreneurs the capital and mentorship to kickstart and grow their businesses.  Michael's unwavering commitment to promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment has improved the lives of beneficiaries and fostered a culture of entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency within the communities.  (Member since 2019)

Rafik Louis Hanna (Egypt)

Rafik lives in Cairo.  He is married and has two grown children and several grandchildren.  Rafik is a highly accomplished financial professional who serves as the Financial Director at Finding Freedom through Friendship (FFF).  With a wealth of experience in the financial sector, Rafik has proven himself to be an invaluable asset to the organization.  His exceptional skills in QuickBooks and Excel have streamlined financial operations and reporting, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in FFF's financial management.  Rafik's meticulous attention to detail, strategic financial planning, and dedication to maintaining fiscal integrity have contributed to the company's success and earned him a reputation as a trusted financial expert.  With Rafik at the helm of economic affairs, FFF continues to thrive and make informed financial decisions with confidence.

Rafik is also the Director of "Wings of Freedom," a dedicated Tutoring Program in Cairo.  Under his visionary leadership, Wings of Freedom has achieved remarkable success by exceeding all expectations in its mission to provide educational support to children living in the challenging conditions of the city's slums.  Rafik's commitment to improving the lives of these young learners is nothing short of extraordinary, as he tirelessly works to bridge educational gaps and create brighter futures.  His unwavering dedication, innovative strategies, and heartfelt compassion have transformed the lives of countless children, instilled hope, and empowered them with knowledge.  Rafik's outstanding leadership at Wings of Freedom continues to make a profound and lasting impact on the community, illustrating the transformative power of education and compassion in even the most challenging circumstances.  (Member since 2020)

Fabiola and Vinnie Samayoa (Guatemala)

As a Business Administrator, Public Accountant, and Auditor, coupled with their roles as pastors and missionaries, this couple derives great joy and fulfillment from the opportunity to assist families on behalf of FFF.  They firmly believe in the organization's mission and are dedicated to contributing their expertise and efforts to bring positive change to the lives of those in need.  Since the inception of FFF, Fabi and Vinnie have played a pivotal role as intermediaries between FFF and its clients located in various rural areas of Guatemala, with a specific focus on Quetzaltenango (Xela).  Under their guidance, FFF has significantly impacted the lives of widows and single mothers in Guatemala, offering them essential support and renewed hope for their future.  Under their leadership, the Widow Program has grown into a thriving program offering numerous services, including counseling, children's education, home improvement, and microbusiness initiatives.  This couple's commitment and personal touch have transformed the lives of hundreds of Guatemalan widows.  Through their diligent and compassionate approach, Fabi and Vinnie continue to be a beacon of hope for widows, empowering them to rebuild their lives with dignity, strength, and newfound opportunities.  (Members since 2009)

Victor Lopez (Guatemala)

Being a good driver in Guatemala involves following traffic laws, being aware of your surroundings, and practicing defensive driving techniques.  As our FFF team driver, Victor does all of this and more.  Although his primary job is keeping the team and board members safe on the roads and secure in our surroundings, Victor also delivers and oversees the support services that FFF provides for widows and their children.  Victor is resourceful, dedicated, persistent, and intelligent.  We have not found an obstacle in the many years of working in Guatemala that Victor has yet to find a way to resolve.  As a dedicated husband and father of two, Victor is a man of principle, which is evident in how he carries out the responsibilities of our program.  (Member since 2009)

Sister Bernice Kita (Guatemala)

Community life is integral to religious life, providing support, companionship, and a sense of belonging.  Guatemala, a country with social and economic challenges, offers nuns opportunities to engage in meaningful and impactful service to marginalized communities.  Sister Bernice is an example of an FFF facilitator who represents the best of our organization when offering our services to the widows she assists us with.  As an integral part of her community for over forty years, Sister Bernice has a vast knowledge of widows and their children's challenges in rural Guatemala.  Networking FFF services into the lives of economically destitute widows is a culturally delicate process.  Sister Bernice is highly regarded in her geographic area of Guatemala, which allows her to journey alongside the FFF widows as they transition into increased well-being.  (Member since 2009)

Pedro Chuy (Guatemala)

Navigating the bureaucracy to operate a restaurant can be time-consuming and sometimes complex.  Business owners need help with infrastructure like electricity, water supply, and transportation, which can affect day-to-day operations.  Despite these obstacles, Pedro and his wife, Juana, find time to run the restaurant full-time while facilitating care for some of our widows and scholarship students.  As the father of three children, Pedro understands the necessity of education.  Twelve scholarship students in his village have been the beneficiaries of his time and talents for inspiring the students, holding them accountable for their scholastic work, recording their report cards, and paying their school fees.  (Member since 2010)

Estela Ramirez (Guatemala)

Guatemala has a rich cultural heritage and multiple indigenous languages spoken.  Nurses must navigate cultural sensitivity, language barriers, and traditions to communicate and care for patients effectively.  Estela has the talent to negotiate the complexities of hospital nursing to provide holistic care to the FFF widows in our program.  The rural populations we serve have limited access to healthcare services due to geographical remoteness, lack of transportation, and financial constraints.  Estela played a crucial role in FFF outreach programs and preventive care initiatives.  As a wife, mother, and hospital nurse, Estela has the complex capabilities to perform multiple functions for her family and FFF widows.  (Member since 2020)