Jamila Chami: A Moroccan in Orlando

Ms Chami known as "Mimi" is straightforward when asked about her identity saying wherever she is, she remains Moroccan at heart. She moved to the U.S. seeking to improve her life with a diploma in applied management in her hands but very little money in her pocket. She found the Americans welcoming and helpful, they continued to help as they saw and appreciated her hard work and interest.

She decided from the beginning to improve her lifestyle and started visiting libraries and meeting intellectuals; experiences that sharpened her knowledge of the world around her. She is eventually enrolled in law school with the aim to participate in the American political scene.

Mimi then became engaged in social work visiting families and trying to help. She also became involved with the Arab American Community Center. She collaborates with this nonprofit organization that is based in Orlando and participates in various social services and programs.

Ms Chami has become an adviser on Arab education and culture for the local government in Orlando. She contributed to a youth program aiming to educate children in Arab culture and history among other artistic disciplines such as literature, music and theater.

Her initiative did not stop there. Committed to participating to improve the image of Morocco in the U.S, she created a mobile museum in which Moroccan artifacts and products such as Zellige tiles, henna and calligraphy are exhibited. In 2006 she used the museum to collect money to help victims of hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

Jamila explains that the 80's saw Moroccan immigrants without much education. Students and wealthier people went north to eastern Canada drawn by the French language, but that has changed in the 90's as educated immigrants started moving to the U.S to seek better opportunities in the land of Uncle Sam. This has created a good image for Moroccans. She believes that Moroccans in general are more respected in the US as opposed to, say, in Europe. This has led a few second and third generation Moroccans to immigrate to the States not only seeking better jobs and opportunities but most importantly seeking more respect.

Now Jamila Chami holds various positions in different organizations. She is the director of the Florida chapter of the Moroccan Charity Foundation, a position she has held since 2007. She also heads the Social Services of the American Resource Group and the Moroccan American Socio-Cultural Center.

Other interests range from the environment to politics. She is involved in green initiatives while also devoting her time to women's issues. She feels Moroccan women have made important strides in various fields but would like to see them more involved in the political process.

Ms Chami says that more attention should be focused on the young generation in Morocco. which is the Kingdom's backbone. It should be encouraged to express the interesting ideas, creativity and potential that will eventually contribute to the enrichment of their lives and the development of their country.