July 24, 1958 - September 14, 2025

We celebrate Rashida, one of our founders, a woman of infinite warmth, boundless compassion, and unshakable strength. Her departure on September 14, 2025 has left an aching silence in our lives, but her love, her light, and her legacy remain etched in our hearts forever. Rashida was extraordinary. She was a loving and devoted mother to precious daughters, Jihana and Samara, a role she cherished above all else. Samara through her short life served as the inspiration for the Heart of a Child Foundation for Rashida, and, every smile Jihana gave was reflected back tenfold in Rashida’s eyes, which sparkled with pride, joy, and that deep, selfless love only a mother knows. Rashida raised her daughter with tenderness, strength, and boundless grace, always encouraging her to dream, to explore, and to love fearlessly. She was also the beloved wife of Raghu, her best friend, her rock, her heart's counterpart. Their love story was one of laughter, resilience, and unwavering devotion. Through life’s highs and lows, they stood side by side, partners in every sense of the word. In Raghu, Rashida found someone who not only loved her, but truly saw her. Their bond was beautiful and rare, built on mutual respect, gentle understanding, and the kind of love that doesn’t fade, not even with time. To her friends and family, Rashida was a shining light, a deeply cherished daughter and sister, filled with kindness, joy, and generosity. She was the glue that held so many hearts together. Her presence at gatherings, her infectious laughter, her comforting hugs, her insightful words, all of it made people feel safe, seen, and loved. She was thoughtful and sincere, fiercely loyal, and endlessly loving.

Rashida also carried within her a quiet but unshakable strength, especially during her valiant battle with cancer over the past year. She faced every day with grace, courage, and dignity. Even in pain, she found room for love. Even in fear, she found ways to comfort others. Her bravery was nothing short of awe-inspiring. She was surrounded by love, always. Friends and family encircled her like a protective halo, because to know Rashida was to love her. She had a gentle magic about her, a way of making everyone feel important, a way of listening that made you feel truly heard, a smile that could light up every room. She was generous, sensitive, wise beyond words, and always had time for others. She made the world a better place simply by being in it. Her love radiated outward, nurturing, healing, and uplifting all those around her. As we say goodbye to this incredible woman, let us remember her not with only tears, but with gratitude. Gratitude for the time we had. Gratitude for the lessons she taught us, how to love fiercely, how to live deeply, how to show up for others with open arms and open hearts.