Karima Sharifi

Who is Karima Sharifi?

Karima was born in Kabul, Afghanistan.She came to the United States with her family when she was only 4 to escape the on going war there.Karima and her family lived in the Bay Area ever since. Karima attened and graduated from California State University East Bay with her bachelors in History and minor is Latin American Studies. She is now one of head managers of the Pathway to College program for all Highschool students around the bay area at the youth program ,East Oakland Youth Delevpmonet Center. Working besides Domine and others.

What's Her Inspiring Achievements?

Karima is inspirational all the way around but what inspires me the most is her graduating from a 4 year college and her helping others like me acheive the same thing. In the area I grown up in its not common that kids my age get to see their graduation day let alone their first day to college! Karima has made it her misson to make that change within the community. Her drive to push teens to be young adults at all cost using all resources and then some touches the warmest place in my heart and mnd. IT makes my drive harder to acheive the things I once thought were just dreams.All her behind the scene work for grants,scholarships never go unnoticed or took for granted. Her and Domine have been doing this for about 6 years and within those 6 years they have helped dozens of kids from classes 2021-2025 attended some of the best schools. By leading workshops, FREE college tours in and out of state,helping kids build portfolios,credit recovery, even sometimes taking it a step further to help build academic plans that fit just right so that these kids she takes in as her own meet their goals.

Personal Connection

I was introuced to Karima the summer going into my sophomore year while working my internship with EOYDC. I remeber the first time I met her and seen her we had a small quick converstation. I applied for her and Domine PTC2 program for the fall not knowing the drastic impact they where going to make on me. I attended my first workshop in August of 2023 with her and hit off since then. Karima is not only my mentor but shes family to me. There was times I felt so low about myself academtically and Karima made it her job to help me with that and stay on top of me. She let me cry and just told me it would be okay. She help me set numerous plans and plays while also being my personal journal. Ive never felt so comfortable with anyone like her and Domine especially in a work place. Words literally can't explain how grateful I am to expierence this women and her love! Karima has helped open values within myself that I will hold forever. Because of her and Domine i'm on the road to leave next year and attend a 4 year university and not be scared to explore somthing that can be really good for me even though it will be different. I love my Rima so much and I can't wait to walk the stage in May and make her and Domine proud.

Lessons and Takeaways

My biggest lesson and takeaway from Karima is to always ask questions. No question is a stupid question. An what works for others may not work for me so to always do what's for me and not what someone else may think is for me.