At YELLS, we empower youth to serve and uplift their community, and it’s inspiring to see that spirit continue long after they graduate. Fozia Paracha, a former “Big” in our YELLS Mentoring Program from 2009–2011, is a shining example of paying it forward. After moving back to the area, Fozia has reconnected with her YELLS roots, showing up to support our current teens at their Movies Under the Stars and Trunk-or-Treat events. She did not disappoint with her Wicked-themed trunk!
When asked why she continues to serve with YELLS, Fozia shared:
I really enjoyed my time as a big, so YELLS has a special place in my heart. I love what the organization stands for and accomplishes. Helping the children in our community is so important. These kids really value the time we spend with them and they look up to us. I’ve loved seeing how much YELLS has grown over the years. Laura and the YELLS team have actually done a wonderful job keeping me updated and connected, so I’ve been able to see their impact all these years.
Fozia was part of one of our earliest generations of YELLS Bigs. Even as a high school student, Fozia prioritized giving back to her community, serving with warmth, kindness, and commitment. She worked diligently with her peers to lead community projects like a “Throwdown for Change” Youth and Law Enforcement Symposium that brought teens and officers together for a day of interactive activities and perspective-sharing.
Her impact continues to have a ripple effect that illustrates the virtuous cycle that YELLS puts into motion. Fozia had the privilege of mentoring multiple Littles, and one of them, Miguel Enriquez, later became a Big himself. He shared often how much of a difference Fozia made in his life and that he wanted to pass on that impact to someone else. And he certainly has. Like Fozia, Miguel continued to stay involved after his own graduation, coming back to inspire new generations of Bigs and assist with service projects.
Fozia has always led with a humble spirit, and she was a natural role model to the Littles and her peers. She works hard, shows patience, and brings positivity and warmth.
Fozia went on to earn bachelor’s degrees in Finance and in Accounting from Georgia State University, and she’s now the head of operations at DigOpp, a crypto consulting firm. Fozia reflected that her time in YELLS prepared her for a successful career and she took many of the skills she had learned with her on her journey.
The first time I ever networked was at a YELLS event. Laura even made us business cards (which I still have)! It helped me gain confidence, become comfortable with networking, and improve my speaking skills.
It’s such a blessing to witness YELLS leaders like Fozia take what they have learned out into the world and continue to give back. Fozia certainly lives up to her own definition of a servant leader:
A good leader takes care of the people around them. They are someone who listens to their community, their needs and struggles, and then puts those needs and pain points first. Someone who is honest, trustworthy, and kind. Someone with integrity, who admits when they are wrong and strives to do better.
Thank you, Fozia, for the heart, leadership, and example you continue to share with YELLS and the world.
