Khadra’s title is Office Manager but she really wears many hats here at Della Lamb. She leads our social services efforts including Operation Holidays and the food pantry. Even in the depths of the COVID-19 crisis, Khadra was passionate about ensuring our food pantry stayed open and functioning for our community members. As a former refugee herself, Khadra can so easily relate to those that we help and is an essential part of our team.
Read her interview below to learn more about her and her passion for Della Lamb!
How long have you been at Della Lamb and what do you do here?
I’ve been working here for 17 years and am the Office Manager. I also help out with social services, as a case manager and an interpreter.
How did you first get involved with Della Lamb?
When my family came to Kansas City as a Refugees on July,21, 1994. Della Lamb helped us a lot. It was a great facility for my whole family to learn English, play sports, and get involved in after school programs.
What is your favorite thing about working at Della Lamb/Why is Della Lamb important to you?
I have always loved helping others. As a young girl growing up in a war zone and a refugee camp in Kenya, I used to help women and children get water and food. Della Lamb is important to me – reminding me every day where I come from while still helping my community here in Kansas City.
What has been your favorite project at Della Lamb?
Operation Holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas events) and welcoming the refugees to their new homes.
Where were you born?
I was born in the Capital of Somalia – Mogadishu.
What are your hobbies/how do you spend your free time?
I love to read, spend time with my family and make them laugh.
If you could meet anyone living or dead, who would you meet?
My Daddy
What is your favorite thing about Kansas City?
Kansas city is my second home love everything Kansas city zoo and Nelson Atkins Museum
Any favorite quote from a movie or simply a favorite movie?
“Let it Go” from Frozen
Other random facts about you?
I’ve been happily married for 24 years and the proud mother of 3 beautiful children who are now adults. My daughter is 23 years old and graduated from the University of Missouri MU (health science), my son is 21 and is at KU getting his Undergraduate (accounting/business) and my youngest son got a full scholarship to Washington University in St. Louis where he is studying engineering.