Fresh Faces of Philanthropy 2026: Hadeel Abouhasira

Profession: Business immigration attorney, Holland & Knight

Nonprofit: YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee

Empathy and understanding are central to Hadeel Abouhasira’s work at YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee. The organization provides trauma-informed services and a safe space for women and children to heal from domestic abuse. Committed to eliminating racism and empowering women, YWCA provides essential tools for independence, safety and success — both personally and professionally. 

“YWCA Nashville serves as a lifeline in our community,” she says. “The organization provides safety and hope to survivors of domestic violence when they need it most.”

Hadeel’s lived experiences connect her to the women she serves, shaping her perspective on relationship dynamics and calling her to support people in vulnerable situations. 

Working as a business immigration attorney, she helps individuals, families and employers navigate the U.S. immigration system. Wanting to further her advocacy, she became involved with YWCA in Richmond, Va. Shortly after relocating to Nashville in 2023, she joined YWCA Nashville’s junior board committee. “Continuing that involvement felt necessary,” she explains. 

As junior board committee president, Hadeel is responsible for bringing YWCA Nashville’s impact to life. She leads fundraising and awareness efforts, supports community engagement initiatives, and participates in key events — like Wine, Women & Shoes — that meet women where they are and share the organization’s mission with a larger audience. 

Pamper Night is one of Hadeel’s favorite junior board committee events. Residents of YWCA Nashville’s domestic violence shelter are treated to childcare, dinner, hair, makeup and other services that make them feel special and cared for. One survivor told Hadeel that after getting glammed up at Pamper Night, she felt confident enough to attend a job interview the next day — and ended up landing the position. 

Through fundraisers, toiletry drives and hands-on volunteer opportunities, Hadeel forms deep relationships with the women YWCA Nashville serves — and the people volunteering alongside her. “My commitment to YWCA Nashville is rooted in empowering women and leading with empathy,” she says. “Working alongside people so clearly dedicated to this work allows me to give back in a way that feels purposeful and aligned with the legacy I hope to leave behind.”