Meet Maliha, Founder of SHEZ AWAKE

Before I joined the military, I was a young girl who had no idea of my strength and abilities. I was shy, lacked self-confidence, and was constantly seeking attention. Despite not fully understanding my worth or potential, I noticed that people were naturally drawn to me, often coming to me for advice. However, I was unsure of myself and didn’t trust the advice I gave, even though I was always resourceful and empathetic to others’ needs. Unfortunately, I didn’t extend that same empathy and support to myself.

At the age of 20, I became a mother. This was a turning point in my life. Being a mom propelled me forward, forcing me to seek and find my confidence. I realized that I had a greater purpose, not just for myself, but for my child as well. I didn’t want to be a statistic or fall by the wayside, relying on government assistance. I wanted my daughter to see that, even as a single mother, her life wasn’t defined by the obstacles she faced. It was this realization that led me to join the military, seeking a better life for myself and my child, and proving that being a single parent doesn’t mean your life is over—it just means you have different obstacles to overcome.

During my time in the military, I honed my skills as a leader, learned the value of structure, and gained the ability to thrive in high-pressure environments. The military taught me discipline, responsibility, and how to execute tasks with precision. However, it also required me to suppress my feminine energy and emotions to meet the demands of service. I took on significant responsibilities, often serving as the backbone of my team, both in my professional duties and in managing personal challenges. As a service member, I was focused, determined, and committed to the mission, but I often found myself struggling to balance this with my personal identity as a woman.

After transitioning out of the military, I faced the challenge of redefining myself in a civilian world that didn’t always align with the structured life I had known. I realized that while the military had made me strong, it had also made it difficult for me to embrace my feminine side and to understand how to live a balanced life. My experiences as a single parent, a breadwinner, and later, navigating the complexities of marriage and divorce, highlighted the need for a supportive community that understands the unique struggles of women veterans. I came to understand the importance of embracing both my strength and my vulnerability, and how critical it was to help other women do the same.