Meet Semab Shafiq, A Student Nurse, Future Healer

Q: What does Empowering Women mean to you?

Semab: To me, empowering women means breaking barriers—culturally, socially, and personally—to lead with purpose and inspire others to do the same. As a Pakistani immigrant and first-generation college student, I’ve had to challenge cultural stigma and expectations that often discourage women from taking leadership roles or speaking up in public spaces. I’ve chosen to rewrite that narrative by pursuing my nursing degree full-time, working as a Certified Behavioral Technician to provide ABA therapy to children with Autism, and actively serving my Maryland community through public health outreach (DMV).

Through my work with organizations like Elite Response Training, I lead opioid overdose awareness and CPR training sessions for diverse groups—youth, adults, school based communities such as Quince Orchard High School and Wheaton High School (staff and students) and even faith-based communities like the Islamic Center of Maryland. I’ve proudly stood at the intersection of healthcare and cultural understanding, using my background not as a limitation, but as a bridge to reach and empower others.

Empowering women is about showing that we can lead, serve, and uplift while still honoring our identities. It’s about creating space for the next generation to thrive—unapologetically, boldly, and united.

Q: How did you get started working in your field?

Semab: My journey began with a passion for helping underserved communities—especially where care is often overlooked. As a Pakistani immigrant and first-generation college student, I saw how autism and mental health are often stigmatized, particularly in our culture. That inspired me to become a Certified Behavioral Technician and pursue nursing to advocate for those who don’t always have a voice.

I also became deeply involved in community outreach, leading Narcan and CPR trainings across Maryland—a state heavily impacted by the overdose crisis. My goal is to raise awareness, fight stigma, and save lives through education and access to life-saving tools.

Q: What do you love most about your job? / What are you most proud of?

Semab: What I love most about my work is knowing that I’m truly making a difference—whether it’s in a classroom, clinic, or community event. Whether I’m helping a child with autism make progress through ABA therapy or teaching someone how to use Narcan to save a life, I know my efforts matter.

I’m most proud of being able to educate and empower people—especially in communities where these conversations don’t always happen. As a Pakistani immigrant and future nurse, I’m breaking barriers and helping shift the stigma around mental health, addiction, and emergency response. That’s what keeps me going—knowing that every session, every training, and every conversation could be the reason someone’s life is saved.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work?

Semab: My advice? Be patient, don’t get discouraged, and most importantly—keep going. This line of work can be challenging, especially when you’re juggling school, work, and community service. But every small effort matters. Every child you support, every person you educate, every life you touch—it all adds up.

There will be moments that test you, but if your heart is in it, the impact you make will be worth it. Stay grounded in your purpose and never underestimate how powerful your presence can be in someone else’s healing.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

Semab: I just want to say that representation matters, and I’m proud to be part of a growing wave of women—especially first-generation immigrants—who are stepping up to lead, serve, and speak out in healthcare and public safety.

My goal isn’t just to succeed for myself, but to open doors for others, to start conversations in communities where they’re long overdue, and to remind young women who look like me that they belong in every space they’re passionate about.

This work is personal—and it’s just the beginning.

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