Living Trailblazing Women of WNY: Nancy Abdelhaq


Nancy Abdelhaq has held the esteemed position of Executive Director at RAHAMA since April of 2021, demonstrating unwavering commitment to providing culturally sensitive emotional, spiritual, and advocacy support to survivors of domestic violence in Western New York.

Not only does she continue to provide endless support to her survivors, but leading and guiding all members of the RAHAMA Team. Throughout her tenure with RAHAMA, which commenced in 2017, Nancy has fulfilled many roles, including advocate, case manager, and interpreter, thereby shaping her leadership approach with a well-rounded perspective.

With a specialization in special education, Nancy brings a wealth of expertise in social work augmented by her profound understanding of Western New York’s faith and immigrant communities. Her dedication to continuous improvement is evidenced by her participation in leadership programs, such as the Executive Edge training at United Way and Peaceful Families Muslim Abusive Pattern Intervention Training.

Of over 500 applicants, Nancy was one of 24 recipients of the Karen Lee Spaulding Oishei Leader of Color fellowship in 2022. She continues to enhance her knowledge and skills to serve domestic violence victims and the local community better.

Related articles

Cornyn rakes in record fundraising ahead of Texas primary

The Republican senator is fighting to survive a competitive reelection.

Bill Cassidy raises $1.65 million for reelection fight

Sen. Bill Cassidy raised $1.65 million in the latest fundraising quarter and has $11 million in cash on hand, his team told POLITICO, as he seeks to ward off a right-wing primary challenge.

The Louisiana Republican is facing several primary challengers on the right fueled by his past criticism of President Donald Trump. Cassidy voted to impeach Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack against the Capitol, a stance that angered the GOP base in Louisiana.

Cassidy has consistently posted slightly higher fundraising numbers than his opponents, John Fleming, the state treasurer and a former congressman, and state Sen. Blake Miguez, but has a significantly larger war chest. Cassidy has raised more than $17 million this cycle to date. Fleming and Miguez haven’t released their latest numbers; they had just over $2 million and $2.5 million in the bank respectively as of the end of September. Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.) has also flirted with a bid, though sources told POLITICO she is not expected to run; she had $2.3 million in the bank as of the end of September.

The senator will have some help. A pair of super PACs supporting Cassidy’s reelection will show they had $5 million in cash on hand at the end of 2025 and received an additional $2 million in the first two weeks of January, according to a person close to those efforts. The PACs expect to spend between $13 million and $15 million on his behalf.

Cassidy is one of a trio of GOP senators facing tough reelection fights where Trump is declining to endorse a candidate, along with Texas Sen. John Cornyn and Maine Sen. Susan Collins.

Cassidy’s Senate GOP colleagues are backing his reelection. On Thursday, Majority Leader John Thune will host a fundraiser for Cassidy in Baton Rouge that’s expected to bring in $600,000.

Palau agrees to take up to 75 deportees from US under $7.5M deal

The agreement emerged in a broader pattern of what the Trump administration has called "third-country deportations."