Alumni Spotlight: Delveen Tahir (’15 Rehabilitation Counseling)

After finishing her morning routine of prayer, gratitude and mushroom coffee, Delveen Tahir received a notification last fall that she had just received the Navy Civilian Service Commendation Medal — an accolade that is given to civilian employees of the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps who perform above expectations or who achieve something significant. 

“It was truly an honor,” said Tahir, a graduate of SDSU’s Rehabilitation Counseling program. “I was a little surprised because I just do what I needed to do for my job and helping others. I am who I am, wherever I go. Even with my own personal life. I’m always serving and helping others.”

Tahir works as an Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist, Disability and Reasonable Accommodations Manager, and a Health and Wellness Coach in the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity with the Department of the Navy. 

Her day-to-day work includes a combination of workplace accessibility, employee support and holistic wellbeing coaching — continuously working with employees with disabilities or medical conditions, stakeholders or just clients seeking assistance. And since the COVID-19 pandemic, her responsibilities have become more important than ever.

“Through my coaching, or even through going through reasonable accommodation requests with employees, I share with them that they do have a voice,” Tahir said. “They have the ability to change their lives and they’re very grateful. They really are. Just as simple as listening and letting them know that they’re valuable, they’re worthy, and they can make an impact in their lives and the people around them.”

Her passion for helping others can be traced back to the adversity Tahir had to face throughout her life. Originally from Kurdistan, Iraq, Tahir and her family had to flee the country in the 1990s as they were targeted by Saddam Hussein’s regime for her father assisting the U.S. Army. Before escaping, some of her family members faced torture and death. 

However, when Tahir and her family arrived in the U.S., she encountered a whole new challenge — culture shock and fitting in. She was bullied for looking different and not speaking English.

Tahir’s experiences with bullying, racism, discrimination and PTSD did not stop her from achieving success. She says the greatest thing she’s learned about herself is her resilience.

“I’m a go-getter,” Tahir said. “I don’t let my challenges define who I am or what I’ve been through.”

Tahir also credits her mother and small circle as her biggest motivators. They encouraged her to obtain both her bachelor’s in social work and master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling at SDSU. 

Looking back during her time as a student, Tahir says she is forever grateful for the mentorship she received. It not only shaped her academic success but also influenced the way she approached challenge-solving and professional development today.

“My professors and my advisors truly did care about my education and wellbeing and making a difference,” Tahir said. “I think these relationships are so important to me because without relationships, without interactions and people, I can’t do it all by myself. I’m all about recognizing people, because if I don’t have those folks on my side, I can’t do it all by myself.”

According to Tahir, Professor Charles Degeneffe had the most profound impact on her success in the Rehabilitation Counseling program, mentioning his kindness and compassion.

“I still remember going into his office, where he would intently listen and truly understand where I was coming from,” Tahir said. “He never rushed our conversations. Instead, he took the time to discuss my goals, challenges, and aspirations with genuine care. His ability to provide thoughtful feedback and encouragement helped me navigate the program with confidence.”

With the knowledge she has gained in SDSU’s rehabilitation counseling program, Tahir has been supporting others facing similar challenges for more than nine years. She firmly believes that all people can grow and flourish no matter the circumstances. 

She states that every day is an opportunity for people to grow and develop.  

One of the most valuable lessons Tahir has learned and shared is that while life is full of challenges and obstacles, there are just as many opportunities to make your or another person’s day.

“We all have doubts,” Tahir said. “We all have these insecurities, regardless of who we are, we all have those voices that are telling us no. But there are voices like, ‘I can do this.’ Looking in the mirror and saying, ‘I’m capable. I’m able, and I can and I will.’”