November Veteran Spotlight

Illuminating Purpose: The Inspiring Journey of Samine Parris-Stowes

โ€œEvery act of service, no matter how small, is a light against injustice.โ€
โ€” Samine Parris-Stowes

In a world where leadership and compassion rarely intersect, Samine Parris-Stowes stands as proof that they not only can โ€” but must. A decorated U.S. Army veteran, dedicated public servant, and the visionary Founder and CEO of I Am Light Legacy, Inc., Samineโ€™s life is a testament to resilience, service, and faith-driven purpose.


From Soldier to Servant Leader

โ€œService isnโ€™t just what you do in uniform โ€” itโ€™s how you live after you take it off.โ€
โ€” from Haqq Dawah Media Interview

Samineโ€™s distinguished career spans more than 25 years in the U.S. Army, where she retired honorably as a Sergeant First Class (SFC) in 2014.

For the first 12 years of her military service, she worked as a combat medic, providing critical care and compassion under pressure. She later transitioned to serve as a Career Counselor, where she spent more than 13 years mentoring soldiers and helping them shape purposeful futures.


After retiring, Samine continued to serve through the U.S. Social Security Administration as a Social Insurance Specialist and Claims Representative, continuing her lifelong mission to uplift, guide, and advocate for those in need.

โ€œWhether itโ€™s a soldier on the battlefield or a parent at the Social Security office, people just want to be seen and supported.โ€
โ€” Samine Parris-Stowes


A Legacy of Light Begins

โ€œBeing a legacy of light means showing up โ€” in your family, your community, and your faith.โ€
โ€” Samine Parris-Stowes

In July 2025, Samine took her passion for advocacy and service to a new level by founding I Am Light Legacy, Inc. โ€” a nonprofit dedicated to education, awareness, and empowerment. The organizationโ€™s core mission is to prevent human trafficking, support survivors, and educate communities through outreach, advocacy, and restoration.

The name โ€œI Am Light Legacyโ€ was born from Samineโ€™s belief that every person carries light within them โ€” a power meant to heal, to guide, and to serve others. Through the organization, she has created a platform that invites people to stand together against injustice and to live their light with purpose.

โ€œYou donโ€™t wait for permission to shine your light โ€” you shine where itโ€™s needed most.โ€
โ€” Haqq Dawah Media Interview


Advocacy in Action: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated

As a proud and active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Samine has long exemplified the organizationโ€™s founding principles of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. She currently serves as the Commonwealth of Virginia Zeta Male Network (ZMN) State Coordinator, a role that fosters collaboration between Zeta members and men in their communities to strengthen family, mentorship, and civic engagement.

In January 2024, Samine represented Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. at a Congressional Briefing in Washington, D.C. on human trafficking awareness โ€” a defining moment that showcased her dedication to advocacy on both national and community levels.

โ€œBrotherhood and sisterhood are not just titles โ€” they are action words. Theyโ€™re how we build stronger communities.โ€
โ€” Samine Parris-Stowes


A Voice for Change

In her heartfelt appearance on the Haqq Dawah Media podcast โ€” โ€œOne Ummah News Hour Special: I Am Light Legacyโ€ โ€” Samine spoke powerfully about her faith, her experiences, and her vision for change.

โ€œAwareness isnโ€™t enough. We need to activate โ€” to protect our families, to educate our youth, to move from conversation to collaboration.โ€
โ€” Samine Parris-Stowes

Her message was both practical and deeply spiritual: the work of ending injustice and uplifting humanity starts with each of us taking responsibility for the light we carry.

โ€œThe legacy of light begins when you decide that silence is no longer an option.โ€
โ€” Samine Parris-Stowes


Be Part of the Legacy

If Samineโ€™s story inspires you, consider joining her mission. Your donation helps I Am Light Legacy, Inc. provide resources, education, and advocacy to prevent human trafficking and support survivors on their journey to restoration.

๐ŸŒŸ Donate Today โ€” Be the Light that Changes a Life
๐Ÿ’– Give through Zeffy (No Fees): Donate to Change Lives

Every contribution fuels awareness programs, survivor outreach, and educational workshops designed to bring safety, healing, and empowerment to communities in need.

โ€œWe canโ€™t do it alone โ€” but together, we can outshine the darkness.โ€
โ€” Samine Parris-Stowes

Connect & Follow the Light

To join the movement and follow Samineโ€™s journey, connect with I Am Light Legacy, Inc. across platforms:


A Final Word

โ€œLight is not a metaphor โ€” itโ€™s a mission.โ€
โ€” Samine Parris-Stowes

Through every act of service โ€” from the frontlines of the military to the heart of community advocacy โ€” Samine Parris-Stowes reminds us that real leadership begins with love and ends with legacy.

Her story is a beacon to all who seek to make a difference:
Be the light. Build the legacy. Leave the world better than you found it.

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