In times of hardship, when life gets you down, it never hurts to have some support. And the women of Sioux Falls never hesitate at the chance to support their fellow woman.

It’s always important to build up your fellow community members. And everyday, women are finding new ways to help build each other up.

What makes a strong community? Is it having a strong economy? Is it everyone living in the same place? The real answer?

The diversity.

“I like it. I like to be a part of this strong women community,” Owner of Sanaa’s Gourmet, Sanaa Abourezk said.

Sioux Falls is made up of women that come from all around the world. Some bring a little bit of that world to the community.

Local restaurant owner, Abourezk, creates her own recipes that originate from her home in Syria.

“It’s a very empowering thing to start your own business, whether you are a man or a woman, but especially if you’re a woman because it gives you Independence, gives your self-assurance, you’re secure. If you establish your business, especially the restaurant business – it’s a very tough business – and you survive and you succeed then you feel, ‘you know what? I can do it. I can conquer anything,'” Abourezk said

A success such as hers can end up influencing those around her.

“I am an immigrant. I came from Ethiopia in 1997 and my father was – his name is Eyob Mergia – and he was an artist here for a long time and I saw his struggle as an immigrant. And I also watched Sanaa in kind of a different light as a women, and she took what she had and made something out of it,” Photographer Maggie Sweets said.

Sweets most recent venture is a blog called “Passion Project” and it focuses on highlighting influential women in the community.

“I have seen multiple times over and over women in our community that are always giving back, are volunteering, are helping other people, children, families,” Sweets said.

Hoping not only to inspire those around her, but future women with passions of their own.

“A rising tide lifts all ships. And I know that if we’re supporting one another it’s only going to make our community a better place. And also, I know all the young people are looking at us to, you know, take over someday basically,” Vice President of Downtown Sioux Falls Brienne Maner said.

But the message doesn’t only resonate to women. 

“If you like it, if you’re passionate about it, if you know how to do it, do it. We always have our fear, It’s just a matter of how you deal with your fear,” Abourezk said.

But to anyone in need of support.

“I know that we need to lean on one another as a community, and that includes men as well. You know, I know many men that consider themselves to be feminists and are there to lift one another up,” Maner said

Coming next month on KELO-TV, on Friday March 8th we are airing a special called ‘Celebrating Women.’ That also happens to be International Women’s Day.

To see a preview of the special you can click right here.