FEBRUARY 23, 2026
PHOENIX, AZ (February 23, 2026) – Fresh Start Women’s Foundation announced the promotion of Abdu Dahr from Vice President of Strategic Partnerships to Chief Business Development Officer. In this role, Dahr will continue leading Fresh Start’s partnership strategy, workforce development initiatives, and employer engagement efforts, building on the work he has led since joining the organization.
A seasoned nonprofit partnership, workforce, and economic development executive, Dahr brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit and social impact sectors. During his time at Fresh Start, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening mission-aligned partnerships with employers, educational institutions, and government agencies that expand access to education, training, and sustainable careers for women across Arizona.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to grow with Fresh Start and to continue serving our community,” said Dahr. “I see firsthand the positive impact of Fresh Start’s work, not only in individual lives and families, but to our workforce, economy and collective future. I remain committed to our mission and to ensuring that every individual we serve has access to the support, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive. The ripple effects are incredibly powerful for our entire community.”
During his tenure, Dahr has spearheaded initiatives that connect women to high-growth career pathways across Arizona, including in the high-growth technology sectors. Women currently represent less than one-third of the state’s technology and advanced manufacturing workforce—sectors where wages are approximately 115 percent higher than the state median and job growth exceeds the national average. Through strategic partnerships with educators and employers, Dahr has helped Fresh Start equip women with industry-aligned skills, opening doors to higher-paying fields and supporting long-term career advancement, economic stability, and self-sufficiency.
Dahr has also supported Fresh Start’s participation in national and state level workforce and policy conversations, strengthening relationships with the U.S. Department of Labor, Maricopa Corporate College, Semi Foundation and others, helping to advance the organization’s impact in workforce development. He is a Microsoft TechSpark Fellow and a graduate of the Valley Leadership Catalyze Program.
“Abdu’s leadership, vision, and ability to bring partners together have been instrumental in expanding Fresh Start’s impact,” said Kim McWaters, President and CEO of Fresh Start Women’s Foundation. “This promotion recognizes the results he has already delivered and reflects our confidence in his continued leadership as we strengthen workforce and self-sufficiency pathways for women.”
Prior to joining Fresh Start, Dahr spent much of his career designing and leading programs that supported adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, promoting independence, inclusion, and long-term stability. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Services and a Professional Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from Arizona State University.
Fresh Start’s mission is to provide access and resources that help women achieve self-sufficiency and use their strength to thrive. Our ultimate vision is to create unlimited opportunities for women. For over three decades, Fresh Start has supported more than 65,000 Arizona women, serving approximately 5,000 women each year who are 18 years and older. 60% are single mothers, 67% make an annual income less than $25k, and 72% are domestic violence survivors. These women face a variety of barriers hindering their ability to be personally or financially self-sufficient, including generational poverty and unemployment. Fresh Start offers focused programs, services, access to training and education, as well as employment and career services to help women reach their personal and professional goals through our signature Impact Program. For more information, visit freshstartwomen.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.