Today we’d like to introduce you to Dina Abbood
Hi Dina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
was born in Iraq, moved to Jordan, and earned my software engineering degree. After college, my first job involved selling IT services door-to-door to clinics, factories, and businesses. I married my high school sweetheart and had a daughter soon after graduation. Political instability led us to leave Iraq, and we moved to the U.S. with our 1-year-old daughter.
Starting from scratch at 25 was challenging. Though I spoke English, I struggled to use the language naturally. Without a driver’s license or complete paperwork, I spent my days walking with my daughter to the library or the gym, where I focused on my health. I lost weight and transformed my body, which led a friend to encourage me to become a fitness trainer. I pursued certification and worked part-time while my daughter was young.
When my daughter started preschool, I began applying for engineering jobs. After months of rejections, I finally secured a position at a telecom company. However, after three years, the company shut down its office, pushing me to pursue my long-held dream of earning a master’s degree in the U.S. I studied while working, balancing the two to complete my degree.
My mindset shifted, and I began thinking about entrepreneurship. We moved to Houston for my husband’s job, and I started my own business. After a tough first year, I attended conferences and reconnected with former colleagues, which eventually led to my first contract. From there, I expanded my work, teaching others how to communicate professionally in English, and eventually wrote a book. Today, my husband and I run our business together, and we continue building the life we once dreamed of.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
t has definitely not been a smooth road. The biggest struggles were adapting to life in a new country with a different culture, while raising a young child without any family support. Balancing motherhood and work was incredibly challenging. Learning to communicate effectively with my accent, gaining people’s trust, and facing rejections in the job market were tough. There were moments of self-doubt and exhaustion, but every challenge pushed me to grow, learn, and become more resilient, both as a mother and a professional.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about IfIelder?
iFielder is a women-owned business offering comprehensive engineering and design solutions to telecommunication companies. Our engineering services team specializes in OSP Design, FTTH, Field Surveys, Katapult, Pole Audits, and Make Ready Engineering projects. We provide turnkey solutions, handling everything from field surveys to design implementation, ensuring efficient, high-quality results for our clients. With years of expertise in the telecommunications sector, we are committed to delivering projects that meet the highest industry standards while offering exceptional customer service and attention to detail.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me truly happy is living in the present moment and embracing life as it unfolds. I find joy in simply enjoying each day and being present, appreciating the little things. Moreover, being able to give back and support the community fills me with purpose and fulfillment. Helping others, making a difference, and sharing positivity brings me a deep sense of happiness. The combination of living mindfully and contributing to others brings me the most joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ifielder.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingwithdina?igsh=MWowazA1N2Z5bWZkZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Lois Campos.
