7 Questions with Lilian Haddad

Empowering Refugee Communities in Jordan

In a time when the meaning of "freedom" is more complex than ever, we sat down with Lilian Haddad, Project Manager of the Refugees Program at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Jordan.
Through her reflections, Lilian shares her insights on the motivations behind her work, the challenges and rewards she encounters, and the powerful impact of believing in small, steady change.

Here’s what she had to say:

1. What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “freedom”?

"Freedom is a complicated and deeply personal concept. It’s not one-size-fits-all—it differs from one individual to another. For me, it’s about aligning our principles, beliefs, and actions to find a path where we feel truly free. It’s also about choices and responsibilities, and how we maintain a sense of commitment to ourselves, even when life’s obligations seem overwhelming. Freedom is intense, wide-reaching, and not easy to define, but it’s at the core of how we navigate the world."

2. What inspired you to work with refugee communities?

"I believe that every action, no matter how small, can create lasting impact—like the butterfly effect. Working with refugee communities is not just about inspiration; it's about responsibility. Whether it's at the local or regional level, I am driven by the possibility of making even the smallest difference in someone’s life, especially for those who have faced adversity. Designing meaningful programs, building personal connections, and witnessing even a slight improvement in someone’s life reminds me why this work matters."

3. What does a typical day in your role look like?

"My work is dynamic and highly organized. Each day involves communicating with partners, refugee youth, and colleagues across different teams—finance, communications, and beyond. Planning is essential; I always structure my day, week, and month to ensure that projects are based on real needs and deliver tangible results. One of my favorite parts of the job is designing new projects after thorough needs assessments and then seeing them implemented successfully on the ground."

4. What’s one moment from your work that really stayed with you?

"It’s hard to pick just one. But the moments that touch me the most are at the end of each project when participants share how their lives have changed. Hearing someone say how a project idea helped transform their reality, or seeing their genuine smiles when they achieve something meaningful—those are the moments that stay with me. It's incredibly rewarding to know that the impact continues beyond the formal scope of our projects."

5. What’s one stereotype about refugees you wish more people challenged?

"The idea that refugees are a burden on communities. In our dialogue sessions with local communities, this misconception comes up often. But the truth is, refugees bring resilience, skills, and valuable contributions. They enrich societies when given the opportunity."

6. How does FNF Jordan support refugees?

"At FNF, especially through the Refugee Unit, we focus on building skills—both technical and non-technical. We work to empower refugees through self-employment initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and programs that promote financial, intellectual, and social independence. Our goal is not just short-term support but helping refugees integrate into local communities and rebuild their lives sustainably."

7. If you could send one message to every refugee watching this, what would it be?

"I’ve seen firsthand the capabilities of refugee youth—both men and women—and I want to tell them: keep going. Challenges exist everywhere, but you have the strength and potential to create change. Focus on building your skills, believe in your ideas, and never lose hope. You are more than capable of achieving great things."

Through her work, Lilian Haddad reminds us that real change starts with belief—in oneself, in others, and in the power of perseverance. Every small effort matters, and together, we can build a future where freedom and opportunity are truly within reach for all.