Lidya Ayalew, CHW

Lidya Ayalew is a compassionate connector and advocate for health equity, deeply committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, can access the care and resources they deserve. As an Ethiopian-American and proud daughter of immigrants, Lidya draws on both personal and professional experiences to create culturally affirming, community-centered spaces of support.

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Lidya recently joined Abide Women’s Health Services as the bilingual client intake specialist, where she serves as a vital bridge between clients and care. In this role, she welcomes individuals and families into a safe, supportive environment with dignity and respect, helping them feel seen, heard, and empowered from the very first interaction.

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Before joining Abide, Lidya spent four years advancing refugee health and resettlement efforts through roles in case management, program coordination, and virtual service delivery. She began her career at Interfaith Ministries in Houston, where she provided intensive case management and led operations for three programs. She later supported Episcopal Migration Ministries in developing virtual case management models for refugee families in rural communities, connecting them to essential health and social services.

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Lidya earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston in 2021 and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington. As a Certified Community Health Worker, she brings a holistic, trauma-informed approach to her work at Abide, meeting clients where they are with compassion and care.

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Outside of the clinic, Lidya finds joy in running, reading, attending live music events, volunteering, and spending time with loved ones. She firmly believes that one resource, one conversation, and one act of care can be the spark that transforms a life—a belief that guides her work every day.