The Multifaceted Life of Nawal Umar
Nawal Umar is a remarkable individual who seamlessly balances two distinct professional roles – that of a Senior Policy Analyst and a passionate Matchmaker. Her dedication to empowering individuals, whether through policy advocacy or relationship-building, has made her a trailblazer in her community.
From Public Health to Policy Advocacy
Nawal’s journey began with a deep-rooted interest in improving people’s overall well-being. After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the University of Texas, she went on to pursue a Master’s in Public Health from Columbia University, specializing in Sexuality, Sexual, and Reproductive Health.
“Growing up, I had always wanted to be in a field that involves empowering individuals to improve their physical and mental well-being,” Nawal explains. “For this reason, I had initially wanted to pursue medicine, but I soon realized there were other avenues in the realm of public health that allowed me to make a significant impact.”
Her passion for health education and promotion led her to work as a peer health educator on her university campus, where she provided community instruction on various health and wellness topics. This experience solidified her desire to advocate for comprehensive sexual health education in K-12 public schools, which ultimately led her to her current role as a Senior Policy Analyst at a non-profit organization.
In this position, Nawal works tirelessly to ensure that young people receive the information and resources they need to make informed, healthy decisions. Her research and policy work have been instrumental in addressing the knowledge gaps and sexual health disparities faced by Muslim-American communities, particularly around topics like sexually transmitted infections and access to contraception.
Matchmaking: A Heartfelt Calling
Alongside her policy work, Nawal has taken on an additional role that has become a true labor of love – matchmaking within the Muslim community. She explains that her foray into this endeavor was sparked by witnessing the struggles of her friends and family members in finding their life partners.
“I have a lot of friends and family members who have been through the wringer trying to find their life partner. They had tried multiple avenues and were unsuccessful in finding someone, and I just wanted to do my part in helping them find someone and also being able to bypass some of these dragged-out talking stages,” Nawal shares.
Recognizing the importance of community support and the Islamic principle of helping others, Nawal decided to take matters into her own hands. She began by creating a comprehensive Google form for interested applicants to fill out, covering everything from their personal background and values to their preferences and deal-breakers.
“I also feel that, as a Muslim, it’s our obligation as members of a community to help others, and one of the ways we can help them is by connecting them to others,” Nawal emphasizes.
The Matchmaking Process
Once an applicant completes the form, Nawal adds them to her extensive internal database and begins the process of finding potential matches. She meticulously cross-references the profiles, assessing compatibility and prioritizing the most suitable pairings.
“I then introduce the match to both individuals to get their approval and/or allow them to ask follow-up questions,” Nawal explains. “If they both confirm the match, we schedule a time slot for a short, introductory Zoom call where I am present for the first few minutes to level set and give guidance, and then I hop off the call and let the two people chat and see if they vibe with one another.”
Nawal’s approach is designed to strike a balance between traditional elements and modern conveniences. While she still sends a biodata-style profile to each potential match, the use of Zoom allows individuals from across North America to connect without the need for prolonged texting or in-person meetings.
“I think one of the ways I have tried to modernize the process is through the use of Zoom so that people from all across North America can get connected, which can help eliminate the drawn-out texting phase before a real conversation if folks are not in the same area,” Nawal explains.
Navigating Family Dynamics
Nawal acknowledges that navigating family dynamics can be one of the more challenging aspects of her matchmaking work. She proactively addresses this by asking applicants about their level of parental involvement and encouraging them to keep their families informed throughout the process.
“I have dealt with this before, and it is not an easy situation. While I cannot entirely prevent this from happening, I do ask my clients on the form how much they anticipate parental involvement as well as try and ask them if their parents are aware that they are signing up for this service just so we can avoid hiccups like this,” Nawal shares.
Her advice to those seeking a matchmaker’s expertise is to maintain open-mindedness and clear communication with their families. “It is important to have key values and characteristics that are important to you and dealbreakers that are reasonable, but it is also on the individual participating in the service to make sure they are keeping their family in the know (assuming they are relevant or important to their decision-making) and to set and maintain boundaries with family members regarding this process,” she emphasizes.
The Power of Community and Faith
Nawal’s approach to matchmaking is deeply rooted in her Islamic faith and her desire to support her community. She encourages her clients to remain open-minded, recognizing that sometimes our personal desires may not align with what Allah (SWT) has planned for us.
“I always tell people that sometimes we may want something, yet Allah (SWT) doesn’t think is in our best interest, and sometimes we might not have considered something that Allah (SWT) thinks is best for us,” Nawal reflects.
This spiritual perspective, combined with her genuine care for her clients, has made Nawal a trusted and respected figure within the Muslim community. Her work has not only facilitated countless successful matches but has also fostered a sense of community support and empowerment.
Shining a Light on Nawal’s Achievements
Nawal’s remarkable journey as a Policy Analyst and Matchmaker has not gone unnoticed. She has received praise and appreciation from her clients, who have expressed gratitude for her unwavering support and dedication.
“I want to shout out some of my amazing clients who make the service so worthwhile and who have always been so positive, affirming, and appreciative and have trusted me with holding their hand and supporting them through this process of finding someone as much as I can do so,” Nawal says.
Moreover, Nawal’s work in the field of sexual health education policy has earned her recognition and respect within the academic and professional spheres. Her master’s thesis, which explored parent-teen communication about sex and sexual health in Muslim-American families, has contributed valuable insights to the ongoing discourse around this sensitive yet crucial topic.
As Nawal continues to juggle her two passions, she remains committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those around her. Whether it’s advocating for comprehensive sex education or facilitating meaningful connections, Nawal’s unwavering dedication and compassion serve as an inspiration to the entire Stanley Park High School community.
