Shatha Boudakh was born in Baghdad, Iraq, in 1974 to Assyrian Chaldean parents. Growing up in a strong and resilient Christian household, she was deeply connected to her heritage and community. However, life in Iraq was marked by challenges, and after the Gulf War, she was forced to leave her homeland at the age of 15. Seeking a brighter future, she immigrated to London in 1991, where she prioritized her education and attended Westminster University.

In 1996, Shatha met her husband in London, and together, they built a new life in Chicago, Illinois. While adjusting to a new country and culture, she remained deeply committed to her faith and heritage. Her passion for serving the Assyrian community led her to dedicate nearly 20 years to St. Mary’s Church in Roselle, Illinois where she helped run the school program.

Recognizing an even greater need for assistance beyond the church, Shatha took a bold step to expand her mission. She founded Assyrian Family Aid, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Assyrian refugees and displaced families—those who, like her, were forced to flee their homeland due to war and persecution. The vision for Assyrian Family Aid was born from her own journey and the journeys of her partners that founded the organization with her. 

Five years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Shatha and other members of the foundation recognized an urgent and growing need to support Christian Middle Eastern communities back home. This realization solidified the purpose of Assyrian Family Aid, which has since provided critical assistance to those in need, offering resources, support, and a sense of hope to displaced families.

Today, as a proud mother of three and a dedicated advocate for the Assyrian people, Shatha Boudakh continues to lead with compassion and unwavering faith. Through Assyrian Family Aid, she remains committed to uplifting and empowering those facing adversity back home, ensuring that no family feels abandoned in their time of need.