Afnan’s Journey - Resilience, Service Leadership, and the Power of Community
“I’m driven by values rooted in my faith, my desire to give back, and my love for my daughter. Islam teaches us to contribute positively to society and that it is our duty to pass on knowledge and good values. I’m motivated to create spaces where others feel seen and empowered.”
“My life’s goal is to change the victimised narrative of refugees, women and people of colour face in everyday life.”
Meet Afnan Rubayee the Women of Colour in the Public Sector Network (WOCPSN) incoming Co-Chair in March 2025. She is a Senior Advisor, Refugee & Migrant Services, Immigration New Zealand (INZ). She came to New Zealand in 2003 when the Saddam Regime fell in Iraq as a refugee under the Refugee Quota Pathway. Her life has been shaped by her experiences and the connections she has built within her community, and is driven by a passion for learning, advocacy, and making a positive impact. Her goal in life is to change the victimised narrative of refugees, women and people of colour face in everyday life.
Afnan’s journey is a testament to resilience, service leadership, ongoing learning and the power of community.
Identity
Afnan identifies herself as an Iraqi, Arab, Kiwi Muslim woman of colour. Each aspect of her identity holds deep significance. Her faith in Islam guides her values and purpose, while her cultural and ethnic background instils a strong sense of knowledge, belonging and pride. Afnan is deeply connected to her heritage and language and is proud to be able to pass that on to her daughter.
"Islam guides my values and purpose," Afnan shares. "Being a woman of color is a source of strength and voice, reflecting my commitment to uplifting others in my community and standing up for equity and justice. ensuring that other women of colour have the opportunities I never had, it means that my daughter gets to see an example and a role model that fought and worked to ensure her path is paved, opportunities are accessible, and a legacy of perseverance is left for her. "
Home
For Afnan, home is both Baghdad and Wellington, New Zealand.
“Home is both a physical place and a feeling for me. It’s where I find community, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Home is both Baghdad, where I was born and Wellington, NZ where I spent most of my life, faced challenges that I overcome, had my child and connected with the community I serve today,” She explains.
Influenced by Family, Faith, Mentors and Motherhood
Afnan’s life has been profoundly influenced by family, faith, and mentors, teaching her resilience, compassion, and the importance of knowledge and growth. Being a parent has also shaped her career and identity, grounding her and prioritising her responsibilities. “Being responsible for a human being brought onto this earth and knowing that they will have you as their role model, really grounds you and ensures that you have your priorities laid out,” she says.
Overcoming Challenges through Faith, Patience and Support
"Faith, patience, and support from loved ones are key in helping me through challenges," Afnan explains. "I find peace in knowing that everything is part of a larger plan."
Afnan's advice to those facing challenges is to trust themselves and their instincts. "Seek strength through faith and remember that challenges, while difficult, are also opportunities to grow."
Her favorite verse from the Quran, "Verily, with hardship comes ease" (فَإِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا), reminds her that challenges are always followed by relief, instilling hope and resilience.
Afnan is deeply motivated by her faith and her desire to give back to her community. "Islam teaches us to contribute positively to society," she says. "I'm motivated to create spaces where others feel seen and empowered."
Reflections and Future Dreams
Reflecting on her journey, Afnan is most proud of the positive impact she has had on others, especially within her community. "Seeing others feel supported or inspired because of my work brings me immense satisfaction."
Afnan dreams of making a lasting impact, particularly for young women of colour. She hopes to create a world where diversity is celebrated, and everyone has the support and opportunities to reach their fullest potential.
WOCPSN- Vision and Goal
On being the WOCPSN incoming Co-Chair, Afnan says “I feel truly honoured and privileged to be the incoming Co-chair of WOCPSN. This role allows me to give back to my sisters in the public sector and support strategic progress. It also offers a chance to learn from many inspirational women. My vision is to build strong allyship across the public sector and beyond, creating a movement that paves the way for future women of colour leaders.”
Advice to Women of Colour Joining the Workforce
Be proud of who you are and what you stand for.
Stay true to your values and embrace growth.
Surround yourself with mentors and allies.
Find ways to support others.
Remember that you are capable of achieving great things.
"Our identities are powerful," Afnan concludes. "Each of us has the potential to create meaningful change […] Speak up for what you believe in and aspire to inspire in everything you do."
Afnan Al-Rubayee's story is one of hope, resilience, service leadership and the unwavering belief in the power of community and identity. Her journey from a former refugee to a community leader is an inspiration to us all, and a reminder that with hardship comes ease.
You can connect with Afnan via LinkedIn