Some stories stay with you long after you hear them—and Doa’s is one of those. From fleeing Iraq as a young child during the Gulf War to surviving years in a refugee camp, her journey is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering strength. As she shares what her family endured, I found myself deeply moved by both the hardship and the hope woven throughout her story.

We talk about what it means to rebuild a life from nothing, navigating a new country, culture, and language, and the emotional weight of growing up between worlds. Doa also reflects on family, loss, and the incredible impact her parents had on shaping the life she’s built today. This conversation is powerful, emotional, and one that will stay with you.

Episode Highlights

[00:00:38] – Doa’s introduction and the early hardships that shaped her journey from refugee to where she is today

[00:01:37] – The beginning of her story during the Gulf War and her father’s involvement in the uprising

[00:03:08] – The night her father fled for his life and the devastating loss that followed

[00:04:00] – Escaping in the middle of the night with her family and leaving everything behind

[00:05:22] – A terrifying sandstorm buries the children during their first night in the refugee camp

[00:06:33] – Life in the camp begins to take shape with aid, shelter, and basic survival

[00:07:28] – Finding moments of normalcy through school and friendships in the camp

[00:09:48] – The opportunity to come to the United States and the beginning of a new chapter

[00:11:37] – Culture shock upon arriving in the U.S. and adjusting to a completely different world

[00:12:00] – Facing bullying and challenges while adapting to school and wearing a headscarf

[00:13:00] – Her father’s PTSD diagnosis and how it impacted their family

[00:15:07] – The aftermath of 9/11 and the fear, confusion, and discrimination they experienced

[00:17:44] – Her mother’s strength and sacrifice in holding the family together

[00:18:00] – Navigating adulthood, education, and eventually meeting her husband

[00:20:23] – Reflecting on her father’s legacy and the opportunities he created for their family

[00:21:25] – Words of wisdom: recognizing your potential and embracing what’s possible

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Big dreams often begin long before anyone else can see them, and Chef Zweli Williams’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when passion, resilience, and faith come together. From discovering her love of flavors as a child in Zimbabwe to building one of North Carolina’s most celebrated restaurants, her journey is filled with courage, reinvention, and purpose. What makes her story especially powerful is not just what she has built, but everything she overcame along the way.

We talk about migration, motherhood, heartbreak, entrepreneurship, and the determination it takes to keep moving forward when life looks nothing like you expected. Zweli also shares how staying true to her roots shaped the heart of her food, why community service matters so deeply to her, and how giving back remains central to everything she does. Her story is inspiring, honest, and unforgettable.

Episode Highlights

• Zweli shares what it was like growing up in Zimbabwe and how political and economic changes shaped her path
• Why North Carolina became home and how family support helped ease the transition to a completely new culture
• Her early love for food, hospitality, and creating meaningful experiences for others
• The story of meeting her husband in college, the heartbreak that followed, and the unexpected journey back to one another years later
• What life looked like during the years between college and launching her own business, including motherhood, divorce, and working hard to build stability
• The challenges of being a single mother while climbing the ladder in the food and hospitality industry
• How she knew the time had come to step away from job security and build something of her own
• Why authenticity mattered so much when creating her business and introducing Zimbabwean cuisine through Zweli’s Kitchen
• The inspiration behind her menu and how childhood memories, culture, and simple ingredients shaped the flavors she shares today
• The story behind dishes like her peanut butter collard greens and the connection between food, ancestry, and agriculture
• How local farmers and community partnerships continue to shape the future of the restaurant
• What it felt like to be invited as a VIP guest to a presidential debate and how quickly life changed after that moment
• Her upcoming book and the desire to inspire young women and children facing difficult circumstances
• The mission behind the Eden Spring Trust and why sustainability, education, and self-sufficiency matter so much in the work she does
• How virtual cooking classes became a creative and meaningful way to connect people through food
• Her words of wisdom around making “the next right move” and trusting the steps that lead you forward

Links & Resources

• Zwelis Kitchen: https://www.zwelis.com
• Planning a trip to Durham? Check out everything the Bull city has to offer. www.discoverdurham.com

Follow Amelia

Instagram: @AmeliaOldOfficial

Website: https://AmeliaOld.com

If this story inspired you, share it with someone who’s standing on the edge of a big leap. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and leave a review — it helps these stories reach more people and continue making an impact. 

Everyone has a story to tell. Join Host Amelia Old as she shares stories of family, friends, and strangers through her everyday life and travels.