“Khadeiga speaks six languages, but her truest language is compassion. She has a way of understanding people that goes far beyond words.”
– Macala Carter, Executive Director at the Center for People
A dream carried across continents
In 2006, Khadeiga Kitier arrived in the United States alone and pregnant, cradling her dreams of a better life for her children. Her husband, Bakhit Yousif, stayed behind in Sudan, working as an accountant until he could join her eight years later. When he did, they faced a harsh reality: His degree didn’t transfer. Refusing to let obstacles define their story, the couple chose a different path. Bakhit now drives for Uber to support their family, with plans to resume his master’s program in the future.
Khadeiga pours her heart into her work at the Center for People, where her calming presence welcomes neighbors who arrive feeling afraid, uncertain, or unseen. Her quiet support wordlessly says what people most need to hear: You belong, and you are not alone.
A profound welcome
Khadeiga’s compassion extends far beyond the workday. When she learned a refugee family was arriving in Lincoln speaking only Zaghawese — her first language and one rarely supported by translation services — she and her sister met them at the airport, greeting them in words that felt like home. That moment of solace, we’re told, captures exactly who Khadeiga is.
Grace under weighty burdens
At home, Khadeiga and Bakhit center life around their six children — Khalid (19), Mishcat (17), Mohamed (15), Muneeb (11), Ahmed (8), and little Abdelrahman (3) — guiding them with deep love and respect. Khadeiga believes in giving her children the power of choice, honoring tradition while empowering them to live with confidence, integrity, and agency.
This year has been especially difficult; their extended family remains in war-torn regions, facing unimaginable fear. Khadeiga carries that weight quietly, as she continues to lift others with her grace and strength.
Through every challenge, Khadeiga and Bakhit have held fast to the dream that brought them here — a future full of opportunity. And they keep reaching higher. Khalid earned a near-perfect ACT score and received Ivy League offers. Mishcat was just accepted to Brown. And Khadeiga? She enrolled at Southeast Community College, a testament to her belief that growth is both a privilege and a responsibility.
“For once, I want Khadeiga to be the one celebrated — for her kindness, her courage, and the quiet, extraordinary way she turns care into action and love into legacy every single day.”
– Macala Carter
Macala Carter, Khadeiga’s nominator, described her as awe-inspiring; humble, funny, and unwaveringly kind. She wanted Khadeiga and her family to be celebrated, to experience the warmth of community. UBT agreed and together with our amazing partners, made the season bright for the Al Tahirs, starting with the joy of shared experiences.
Creating magic for the Al Tahirs
Khadeiga and Bakhit love the theatre, so we arranged for a date night to see The Music Man at the Lied Center, paired with dinner for two at Leadbelly. Memberships to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and Lincoln Children’s Museum, Marcus Theatres and Prehistoric Putt passes, a LUX Center gift certificate, and a Lincoln Saltdogs suite experience ensure a year of family fun (not to mention Smart Chicken bundles for those family dinners). Khadeiga and Bakhit received a new laptop for their return to academia, and special gifts spoke to each family member, from glam lashes (thanks, Amazing Lash Studio) and new tech to new jeans and Paw Patrol.
The heart of the season
Khadeiga, Bakhit, and family, your story reminds us that determination and quiet courage can change everything. Congrats on your academic achievements, Khalid and Mishcat — you’ve set the bar pretty high for your siblings! Happy holidays from UBT, Al Tahir family!
