Our Story
Since 2013, Baraka (blessing) and Bilal (new beginning) has been preparing authentic East African cuisine in San Diego. Created by UWEAST (United Women of East Africa Support Team) as an opportunity for refugee women to learn entrepreneurial skills within their cultural traditions, Baraka and Bilal offer unique hand-crafted delicious foods that can be prepared by request for any event that seeks unique East African cuisine.
Our
Mission
At Baraka & Bilal, our mission is to feed our community with purpose. We offer employment pathways and hands-on training for members of the East African and refugee communities, helping them build skills, confidence, and long-term career opportunities. Every event we cater helps fuel that mission.
Our Founder
Sahra Abdi
Sahra Abdi, a Somali refugee woman, who has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to addressing the physical, economic, mental, and social well-being of East African women and their families for over 18 years. Her commitment shines through her multifaceted work in health education, advocacy, and social services. As a co-founder of the United Women of East Africa Support Team (UWEAST), a nonprofit organization, she has remained resolute in her mission to enhance the overall health and well-being of San Diego’s East African women and families. Sahra also played a significant role in creating the San Diego Refugee Community Coalition. This coalition has brought together 13 ethnic-based organizations into a cohesive model that has made explicit contributions to diverse refugee populations within the Afghan, East African, Haitian, Karen/Burmese, Middle Eastern, Russian, and Ukrainian communities. Sahra’s remarkable efforts have garnered well-deserved recognition. In 2006, she was honored with the California Peace Prize from the California Wellness Foundation, acknowledging her outstanding contributions.
