With pride and honor, Haki Al-Azzawi walked across the graduation stage. With his family cheering him on, the father of three received his degree in business management from Northwest Vista College. For Haki, 43, it was a full-circle moment. 

“Fifteen years ago, I arrived in this country, as an immigrant, not knowing the language or how to perform the most basic of everyday tasks,” said Al-Azzawi. “I knocked on hundreds of doors, looking for a job, without any success. But then I came to Goodwill, and they opened the door for me, offering me a job and the dignity that comes with it.”   

For Al-Azzawi, his story is an inspiring testament to the power of hope, perseverance, and community support. Born in Iraq, Al-Azzawi was living amidst conflict and instability when his brother was murdered for working alongside the U.S. military. Fearing for his safety and with the encouragement of his family, he fled to Syria. 

While working in a cybercafé he was presented with the opportunity to move to America through a refugee program. With initial reluctance, he applied to the program and was approved.  

“It was a scary decision for me to pack up and leave Syria where I had built a new life,” said Al-Azzawi, who feared he would lose his permanent residency in Syria and be forced to move back to Iraq.  “I was worried about starting over in a new country, but my sisters convinced me to take this opportunity.”  

With no money, passport, or personal belongings, Al-Azzawi boarded a plane, leaving behind his family and the life he knew. He took with him just a plastic bag containing paperwork about his case. Two plane trips later, he landed in San Antonio and was given six months to learn English and find a job. 

“I decided to teach myself the language, and I started knocking on doors and nobody was hiring. I cannot tell you how many jobs I applied for and how many interviews I did,” said Al-Azzawi. “I had one more month in San Antonio to find a job, if not all immigrant program funding would cut off.” 

Running low on hope, a friend referred him to Goodwill San Antonio where he enrolled in the IT Program at the Good Careers Academy, it was during the program that he also landed a job as a donation attendant at the De Zavala store.  

Today Al-Azzawi proudly declares that he is living the American dream thanks in part to Goodwill San Antonio. While working for the non-profit organization, he has moved up the ranks within the organization. He has worked in all areas, from donation attendant, team lead, assistant manager and manager; to his current role as Senior Director of Donated, Goods, and Retail, where he oversees everything from warehouse operations to e-commerce. 

Reflecting on his journey, Al-Azzawi is forever grateful to Goodwill San Antonio. “I came to the United States to escape the war in Iraq and for the opportunity to work and live in peace and freedom. Like millions of immigrants before me, I arrived not knowing the language or customs, much less how to make a living,” said Al-Azzawi. “I am so grateful to Goodwill for all the wonderful things they have done for me.”   

Al-Azzawi’s story is a powerful example of how Goodwill San Antonio is true to its mission of Helping Change Lives Through the Power of Work. His success stands as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges, proving that with determination and the right support, anything is possible.