With more than a decade of experience, Jumana Rasheed-Rosenfield has established a successful career in coaching, specializing in employment and career development. Since 2021, she has served as a career coach at FenwayCDC, while also holding roles as workforce and education interim manager at Project Hope Boston since 2020 and director of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Washington, D.C. since 2019. In these capacities, she is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by individuals with limited English proficiency, helping them secure meaningful job opportunities and integrate into the workforce. Her work also extends to identifying human rights violations in Saudi Arabia, gathering information, interviewing affected individuals, and raising global awareness of women’s issues.
From 2019 to 2022, Ms. Rasheed-Rosenfield was the workforce coordinator at Project Hope in Boston, where she played a pivotal role in empowering individuals through education and employment initiatives. Prior to that, she was director of human resources at Caring Bees Healthcare in Dorchester, Massachusetts from 2018 to 2020. Her career began in 2018 as a legal assistant paralegal at Fragomen in Boston before transitioning to community engagement as a liaison for the City of Portland, Oregon from 2015 to 2018.
Ms. Rasheed-Rosenfield’s academic foundation includes a bachelor’s degree in linguistics from Umm Al-Qura University in Saudi Arabia in 1995 and a Master of Science in peace studies and conflict resolution from Portland State University in 2016. She holds certifications in recruiting, talent acquisition, and hiring from Udemy, management and leadership training from SkillPath, and mediation from Portland State University.
An active member of civic and human rights organizations, Ms. Rasheed-Rosenfield has dedicated herself to community building and advocacy. She has been a career coach at JVS Boston since 2017, a cultural navigator for Catholic Charities in 2016, a community ambassador for Green Lents in 2015, and a program coordinator for Hands On Greater Portland in 2012. Her commitment to fostering meaningful connections among residents reflects her belief that strong communities are built through engagement and shared purpose.
Reflecting on her path, before moving to the United States, Ms. Rasheed-Rosenfield lived in Europe, India, and Egypt, where she met inspiring women whose experiences motivated her. After traveling with her husband and children for a decade, she chose to pursue her own career, earning a master’s degree that deepened her understanding of social justice. This exposure led her to advocate for women and minority rights, despite the personal and professional challenges it entailed. A defining moment in her career came when she met a newly arrived refugee who had fled abuse and faced overwhelming isolation. Initially consumed by hopelessness, the woman’s transformation over time solidified her belief that even the smallest acts of support can cultivate resilience and hope.
Ms. Rasheed-Rosenfield attributes her success to her willingness to defy convention and forge her own path. From a young age, she has been deeply passionate about advocating for marginalized individuals, amplifying their voices, and standing up for what is right. Her resilience sets her apart, and despite facing many obstacles, she remains steadfast in her mission, refusing to let challenges deter her. She wants her children to be proud of her perseverance and unwavering commitment to change.
Looking ahead, Ms. Rasheed-Rosenfield aspires to complete and publish her memoirs, documenting her personal journey of healing and resilience. She also plans to launch a company dedicated to advancing women’s employment and education, breaking down barriers that hinder progress. Additionally, she seeks to expand the Center for Democracy and Human Rights, growing its membership and influence. One of her long-term goals is to establish a nonprofit focused on education, recognizing its power to instill confidence and create opportunities for lasting change.
In advising aspiring professionals, Ms. Rasheed-Rosenfield emphasizes the importance of approaching every story with fresh eyes, advocating against injustices as if personally affected, and never growing numb to the struggles of others. Compassion and empathy must remain at the heart of meaningful change. Outside of her professional life, Ms. Rasheed-Rosenfield is a proud mother of four children and enjoys listening to music, dancing, and cooking, finding joy in the simple moments that bring balance to her life.