Meet Hiba Tanvir | Preschool Director/ Founder of Hope Kitchen/Radio show host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hiba Tanvir and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hiba, what inspires you?
I love what Brenee Brown describes as “slash careers” which basically means we are not restricted by one job, designation. I’ve always been inspired by people who do a variety of things, have varied interests and passions. When people ask what I do, I don’t just want to be confined by my day job which is I’m one of the Directors of our family run business, Wisteria Preschool. I also volunteer with a non profit where I teach English to refugee women. I also host a radio show called Reflections with Hiba on Radio Azad where I challenge social conditioning, dogma and gender bias.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Hope Kitchen is a venture that started about a year ago when I started volunteering with DFW Refugee Outreach Services. I am very passionate about gender equality, human rights and women empowerment. Weekly, I started teaching English to a group of refugee women. But, I knew that was not enough to really change their lives. My mother always said the greatest independence is financial independence. I wanted to help these hard working, talented women earn a living from home since they couldn’t work outside of their homes. After having them complete a skills inventory. I discovered many of them were interested in cooking. That’s where the idea of Hope Kitchen was born. A home based catering business that makes authentic Afghani, Pakistani and Arab cuisine at very reasonable prices.

Our vision is empowering women, one dish at a time. Also, each order helps these women support their large families and earn a living with dignity.
Their advantage is very reasonable prices, generous serving sizes and authentic food.

In less than a year, Hope Kitchen has grown to where these ladies enjoy weekly orders, referrals and sold out stalls at local mosques.

What made me the happiest was learning that one of the Hope Kitchen chefs was able to save enough money to send back to her family in Afghanistan. Her family was able to purchase wood to make fire for the bitter cold in the winter.

Please support the Hope Kitchen by ordering from them. Check out their Facebook page @ The Hope Kitchen.
You can find their full menu at https://dfwros.org/kitchens/

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Allen Outlet Mall for shopping. To get  pampered, The Maroc Hamam Spa is heavenly.  Downtown Dallas for the skyline is a must do.  Another great idea would be to book a cabin at Tiny Homes in Denison which is just an hr away. West Legacy would be a great spot for the restaurants and to get the Dallas vibe.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t have a story if it were not for my tribe that offers me unconditional support, motivation and inspiration. I’m able to engage in so many interests and projects with 2 young children because of the amazing support my family offers me. It takes a village to raise a child, I’m so glad my village is always present and supportive so I can go out in the world and make a difference.

I’ve always had a longing to help and work with those less fortunate. DFW Refugee Outreach Services has provided me with the perfect platform to be face to face with amazing women who want to learn and better themselves.

Radio Azad happened at a time when I was desperately seeking a creative outlet. I had just moved back to Dallas and I was seeking something out of the box to satisfy my creativity. I loved the ability to share my thoughts, raise taboo questions, reflect on uncomfortable realities of our society on the airways. I feel a different kind of energy and freedom being on air interacting with listeners from over 60 countries.

Website: https://dfwros.org/kitchens/

Instagram: @hibatanvir