Hope is a powerful belief that carried me forward through life’s challenges, giving me the strength to surrender to the light instead of succumbing to the darkness. Without hope, we risk being consumed by despair.
–Aimmee Kodachian
As CEO/ReImaginator for 360° Nation and Chief Encouragement Officer of our affiliated pro bono social impact enterprise; GoodWorks 360° Foundation, I was delighted to have the opportunity to get better acquainted with Aimmee Kodachian, h.c., Founder of the TEARS OF HOPE MOVEMENT, committed to bringing light to the darkest corners of humanity, advocating for children who endure the unspeakable hardships of war. . Learn more as you enjoy my recent interview with Aimmee below.
We’d like to hear about your personal story BEFORE launching the Tears of Hope Movement.
Before the Tears of Hope Movement came to life, I was a young girl navigating impossible odds. My journey was marked by unshakable faith and an extraordinary encounter with divine guidance that illuminated my path through the darkest moments.” As I share my story, I hope to help you recognize and connect with the magnificent light within you—a source of strength and beauty that guided me through life’s greatest challenges and can lead you toward hope and purpose.
I grew up during the Lebanese Civil War, a time that tested me in unimaginable ways. However, before the war began and at the tender age of seven, I was physically and mentally abused by my brother Elie and struggled with severe dyslexia—a condition that was not understood at the time. My teachers punished me, calling me lazy, and my classmates repeatedly bullied me. Year after year, I was held back in school, losing hope of ever feeling normal or accepted like the other children—a struggle I had to endure silently.
When I was 12, the Lebanese Civil War began, bringing unimaginable chaos and loss. One day, as the fighting raged on, I was sitting in the living room with my older brother Robert, sharing my struggles with school. Robert, my hero and greatest source of encouragement promised to help me achieve my dream of becoming a teacher—a dream born from my desire to support children who struggled as I did. Just seconds later, as I took a few steps to the kitchen to grab his tea, a bomb tore through our living room, shattering everything in its path and taking Robert’s life before my eyes. I witnessed the horror of war firsthand. In that instant, my world was forever changed.
In the days after the chaos, I was paralyzed by fear and confusion. Sensing my struggle, my father placed his hands on my shoulders, looked into my eyes, and said, ‘Aimmee, don’t be scared. I am here, and everything is going to be all right.’ Then, with a Wisdom I would carry with me forever, he pointed to the tiny black circle in the center of his eye—the pupil—and said;
‘We only see through the dark part of our eye. Sometimes, we must go through darkness to see the light.’
Although I didn’t fully understand his words then, they became my anchor—a timeless reminder to trust the journey and always look for the light, even when the path ahead seemed uncertain.
Robert’s horrific tragedy of war shattered my family to its core. We became homeless, and I found myself alone, caring for my six-year-old brother in the mountains, surrounded by war, with no food, water, or safety. I believed I would never see my family again. Amid that despair, when the overwhelming darkness and weight of anguish felt unbearable, I realized I had a choice: to surrender to the darkness or to the only force I believed was stronger—God. Crying out at that moment, I made my choice and completely surrendered, seeking the light my father spoke of to fill the emptiness in my heart. In that act of surrender, something extraordinary happened—a divine light enveloped me, filling my heart with calm and reminding me that even in the darkest times, hope can find its way into our lives. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of the difference between our daily purpose and our “SOUL” purpose.
The extraordinary insight I gained from surrendering took weeks to process. It was a revelation beyond human comprehension, let alone for a 12-year-old girl. This newfound awareness and knowledge became my guiding force, helping me navigate 13 years of the harsh realities of war that deeply affected my family and every aspect of my life. I could not have endured or survived without it.
Eventually, I reunited with my family, but we had no home to return to. For months, we slept on cardboard, unable to reconnect with the rest of our family due to the war. After countless struggles, we were blessed to find a one-bedroom apartment—a small but precious refuge and a roof over our heads that gave us a sense of safety and hope.
The day I lost Robert was also the day I lost my mother emotionally and mentally; the war had taken her spirit along with her beloved son. In an attempt to ease the burdens the war had placed on us, my mother encouraged me to marry in hopes of a better life. Three days after my 14th birthday, I walked down the aisle, clinging to hope, only to face the shocking reality of disappointment and the sting of being judged for my lack of Education and our financial struggles—a price I paid for the devastation the war inflicted on my family. In those moments of heartbreak and rejection, what helped me endure was the guidance I received every time I surrendered to the light. It was through this surrender and the deep understanding of my SOUL purpose that I found the strength to navigate the harsh realities of war, face the turmoil within my new family, and summon the courage to keep moving forward.
By 15, I was a mother to a beautiful baby girl, but by 16, I faced another devastating loss. My newborn son died within 24 hours due to the lack of nurturing and resources I needed during pregnancy to give him a healthy start. I left the hospital with empty arms and a shattered heart. Shortly after giving birth to my son, I became a single mother while still a teenager. With no Money, education, or skills, I was raising my daughter in a society that judged single mothers harshly. I survived the war, the loss of many family members, and escaped death three times. Finally, I found my way to the United States, seeking a better life. I arrived with less than $200, no knowledge of the language, and my 10-year-old daughter to raise. Many people told me I wouldn’t make it and even offered me a ticket to return to my country. But I refused to give up. I leaned on the light that had guided me through my darkest times, following my intuition and faith in God’s plan.
Through persistence and countless hardships, including periods of homelessness and often relying on the kindness of friends and sleeping on their couches, I took one step at a time and slowly found my way.
I became an entrepreneur and eventually wrote my book, Tears of Hope: My Miraculous Journey of Faith, Courage, and Survival. Sharing my story was never something I imagined doing; it was deeply personal and painful to open up about my journey. Yet, I felt compelled to speak not only for myself but for the countless children who, like me, endured the unimaginable horrors of war. Through my eyes, I wanted to tell their stories, give their suffering a voice, and keep their memories alive. At the same time, I share my testimony of how the light guided me through the darkness, helping me find the strength and purpose to continue forward.
Even though I knew I could not stop war, I realized I could use the opportunity of living in the best country in the world, with the freedom it offered, to do something meaningful. I began building a platform to raise the world’s Consciousness through education, inspiration, and life-transformational programs. This platform led to the creation of my TV show, online classes, and Empowering Humanity Magazine
. Through these programs, I bring together top experts in their fields to connect with individuals and students ready to learn and grow, believing that knowledge alone is not enough. Knowledge paired with direction and action can be a powerful force for change, one that can help create less war and more peace. From this mission, I was guided to produce and direct the Tears of Hope Anthem (see below), performed by over 70 musicians and mixed by Emmy and Grammy winners, composed by rising star Rey Fernandez Jr, sung by talented Stephanie Thompson, and performed alongside a beautiful children’s choir.
After achieving what I was meant to accomplish through this project, the Tears of Hope Movement was born—a movement inspired by my personal journey and the resilience of countless children whose stories of suffering needed to be heard.
Tell us about the Movement and the inspiration behind it.
The Tears of Hope Movement was inspired by the message of my 12-year-old self to humanity—a message born from unwavering faith, hope, and the desire to replace the darkness of war with light. Witnessing the suffering of countless children, including my six-
year-old brother and my young daughter, I knew their stories deserved to be told. At its heart, the movement seeks to heal emotional wounds and nurture the next generation of compassionate leaders. By helping children rebuild their lives, the movement demonstrates how every action, no matter how small, can inspire peace and bring hope to those who need it most.”
The Tears of Hope Movement invites everyone to participate, emphasizing the incredible power of their voice. Every voice can make a difference, and we encourage individuals to use theirs to stand with us in advocating for hope, healing, and a more compassionate future. Together, our collective voices can create ripples of change that transform lives and uplift humanity.
What’s unique about the Tears of Hope Movement?
What sets the Tears of Hope Movement apart is its focus on healing the emotional wounds of children—an often-overlooked aspect of recovery amidst efforts to provide food and shelter. While we are deeply grateful to organizations that provide essential safety and nourishment to God’s precious and innocent children, we recognize the importance of addressing their emotional well-being to help build a generation of compassionate and empathetic leaders.
the vulnerability of countless children caught in the conflict, while my infant daughter, in her innocence, stood as a poignant reminder of how many children, growing up in the midst of war, would never have the chance to realize their potential. In those moments, I longed for something—anything—that could bring them comfort and a sense of safety. Through the Teddy Bear Hug Set Project, we provide children with a meaningful gift set: a teddy bear, a pillow, and a blanket. These are not just items—they are designed to comfort and inspire. The colorful blanket and pillow spark imagination, offering a brief escape from their struggles. The lightweight design allows children to carry them easily when rushing to safety. These small but thoughtful gifts symbolize hope, love, and care, reminding children they are not forgotten, even in the darkest moments.When did you launch, and what’s been the biggest challenge?
The Tears of Hope Movement officially launched in 2024, inspired by the vision of my 12-year-old self—a message rooted in resilience, hope, and light. The biggest challenge has been translating this vision into reality, balancing the emotional weight of the mission while building the movement step by step, often without the structure and resources of a conventional nonprofit. Unlike organizations supported by boards and grant funding, I relied on the purpose placed in my heart to move forward. Although I currently operate independently, I plan to transition into a nonprofit organization when the time is right to ensure the mission’s sustainability and expand its reach.
Challenges don’t disappear when carrying out a mission of this magnitude; they evolve, shaping the mission’s Growth and refining its purpose. Each struggle has brought an opportunity for transformation, and at every critical moment, the right people—like angels—have appeared, offering their unique gifts and carrying the mission forward when it was most needed. Time is now the greatest challenge. Each moment, a child suffers, and the urgency to expand this mission with the necessary resources weighs heavily. It is challenging to reach children around the world quickly enough to address their emotional needs and provide them with the support they deserve. Yet, I remain hopeful, knowing that each step taken has the potential to ignite the light of compassion not only in these children but also in the child within us all—a call to meet them where they are, offering love, support, and understanding without prejudice or judgment.
This moment is a call to awaken compassion, inspire collective action, and bring light to every child’s darkness. The challenges are great, but the responsibility is ours—to ensure no child is left behind and that the next generation grows with hope, resilience, and the drive for a peaceful future.
Any noteworthy surprises or ‘A-ha’ moments along the way?
One of the most profound moments was connecting with nonprofit organizations that work directly with children in war zones. I initially approached them with the idea of providing “Teddy Bear Hug Sets,” expecting them to focus solely on the urgent need for food and shelter. Instead, their response surprised me—they immediately recognized how these small, comforting gifts could play a significant role in helping children emotionally heal. Hearing them express how something as simple as a teddy bear could make a difference in a child’s life affirmed the power of emotional support. It was a reminder that while physical needs are critical, addressing emotional wounds is just as vital in helping children rebuild their lives. This insight deepened my belief in the importance of this mission and the role the Tears of Hope Movement can play in creating lasting change.
What about the impact/outcomes of your movement so far?
The Tears of Hope Movement officially launched in late 2024 and is already building remarkable momentum. The anticipation around our petition for children’s emotional rights and the Teddy Bear Hug Sets has been heartwarming, sparking meaningful conversations and affirming the importance of addressing children’s emotional well-being alongside their physical needs. We’ve been deeply moved by the support of compassionate individuals and organizations like Be an Angel, led by Anya Verkhovskaya, and global collaborators such as 360° Nation. These partnerships amplify the movement’s reach and help to ensure its message resonates worldwide.
This growing momentum is a testament to the progress being made since the launch. I am profoundly grateful to witness how this movement is inspiring communities to take meaningful action. Knowing that these efforts will bring comfort, healing, and hope to children suffering from war fuels my commitment to its success. Together, we are laying the foundation for transformative change—ensuring these children receive the support they need to rebuild their lives and become compassionate leaders for a more peaceful future.
What’s the next big thing/challenge for the Tears of Hope Movement?
As we approach 2025, the Tears of Hope Movement is preparing to launch a global program dedicated to providing emotional healing and leadership development for children and nonprofit organizations worldwide. In the meantime, our immediate goal is to deliver three containers of the Teddy Bear Hug Set to children affected by war in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Armenia within the next six months. These efforts represent the first steps in expanding the movement’s reach and ensuring that vulnerable children receive the emotional support they desperately need. Expanding the movement to help more children globally is no small task. However, with every action—no matter how small—we can preserve the heartfelt essence of the Tears of Hope Movement while striving toward its goal. Whether it’s spreading the message, signing the petition, or offering support in other ways, individuals and organizations alike play a crucial role in turning this global vision into reality.
I deeply value the power of ambassadors—people who resonate with the mission and actively share it within their communities. Ambassadors are the bridge between the movement and the world, igniting conversations, inspiring action, and creating a ripple effect of compassion and hope. Together, with their dedication and the collective effort of many, we can ensure no child faces their emotional struggles alone and foster a brighter, more compassionate future for all.
As a humanitarian, what’s non-negotiable for you?
Keeping the focus on children affected by war is non-negotiable. No matter where or who is at war, their suffering must always remain at the forefront. Children are often the silent victims of conflict, bearing emotional and physical scars that can last a lifetime. It is not an option to shift focus away from their needs. Their emotional healing must be prioritized alongside their basic necessities to ensure they are seen, heard, and supported. Equally important is an unwavering commitment to integrity, compassion, and a recognition that every child is a precious creation of God. They deserve love, protection, and the chance to grow into leaders who inspire a future of peace. No matter how difficult the journey, I firmly believe that focusing on children’s well-being is the most powerful way to create lasting change. This belief drives every decision I make, every program the Tears of Hope Movement develops, and every effort to build a world where no child faces their darkness alone.
How can our readers learn more about and support your Movement?
Participation in making a meaningful difference begins by visiting our website, TearsOfHopeMovement.com. There, leaders can learn more about our mission and explore initiatives that are transforming the lives of children impacted by war.
Here’s how you can support the movement:
Compassionate leadership is at the core of our movement. With the right individuals guided by compassion and a shared commitment to creating a brighter future, we can bring healing, hope, and peace to children whose stories often go unheard. Every small action has the power to spark waves of transformation—one child at a time.
Share with us your favorite quote related to all that you do.
Hope is a powerful belief that carried me forward through life’s challenges, giving me the strength to surrender to the light instead of succumbing to the darkness. Without hope, we risk being consumed by despair. My favorite quote, born from my journey and the mission of the Tears of Hope Movement, is:
HOPE IS: Having- Open-Possibilities-Every Day.
When we give hope to children, we offer them a space to connect with a light stronger than their obstacles. We allow them to discover their inner strength. Recognizing the unimaginable hardships precious and innocent children have endured because of the horrors of war is vital to this mission. We’re not just providing comfort—we’re giving them hope to unlock possibilities, helping them envision a brighter future and believe in a better life filled with love and compassion.
BONUS QUESTION: What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
Most people don’t realize the determination I carry in my heart and soul to keep the 12-year-old girl’s dream for humanity alive. That girl endured the horrors of war—witnessing her brother lose his life—while facing abuse and severe dyslexia. Yet, despite those challenges, she remains alive within me, unchanged, no matter how many decades have passed. Through my deep faith, I’ve preserved her message, turning hardship into an opportunity to inspire others to awaken the child within themselves. Her dream of lifting the world’s consciousness to create a future with less war and more harmony has guided my work. Despite receiving formal education only up to the fourth grade, I’ve been able to achieve what once seemed impossible.
I’ve become an author, founded platforms like EmpoweringHumanityTV.com and TearsOfHopeMovement.com, produced the Tears of Hope Anthem, and launched Empowering Humanity Magazine. Along the way, I’ve been honored with two global awards and an honorary doctorate in Humanitarianism.
Every day, I strive to honor the 12-year-old girl’s dream—a vision of a world with less war and more harmony—no matter how arduous the journey may be. What might surprise people most is that this journey has been both a blessing and an extremely difficult yet rewarding path, inspiring me every step of the way. I trust that I am guided and protected by God’s light, and I believe the right angels will walk this path with me, carrying the same commitment to creating a compassionate world where humanity can thrive, live in peace, and leave a lasting Legacy of love and hope for future generations.
To learn more about Aimmee’s work, please visit:
Originally Published on https://www.bizcatalyst360.com/author/dennisjpitocco/
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