A tribute to Zomi
Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom
When a volcano erupted in Guatemala in 2018, Zomi Frankcom joined the World Central Kitchen team as a volunteer. For the first time, the colleagues she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with in the field felt the embrace of the warm energy she radiated even after the longest of days meeting the mission. She was both the heart and the heartbeat of the organization, according to the colleagues she worked closely with during her almost six years on WCK’s Relief Team.
Zomi was one of the most cheerful humanitarians—she always found time to dance, sing, and play with children. In the quiet or chaotic moments during a crisis, even laughter and smiles were possible if Zomi was present. One team member recounts the goofy “salad dance” Zomi would perform when delivering freshly made salads to children. She had one for oranges too.
Though her latest post as the Senior Manager, Asia Operations was based in Bangkok—a place her friends say brought her so much joy—Zomi has traversed the globe bringing her WCK backpack and a selfless dedication to providing aid and compassion with an infectious Australian accent. Travel was her engine, and the people she met, her fuel. She was curious and inquisitive about other cultures and nourished the spirits she served.
The 43-year-old from Sydney, Australia brought hope and comfort to people following flooding in Pakistan and Bangladesh, earthquakes in remote mountains of Morocco, Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas, wildfires in Californias, and Covid-19 in the Navajo Nation. Zomi was particularly inspired by WCK’s work in Venezuela when poverty and political instability caused food shortages resulting in widespread malnutrition and a catastrophic refugee crisis.
You knew Zomi lived in the details because when she told stories, she would describe colors, smells, and tastes vividly. Her life was just as vivid and that’s how she will be remembered after her final mission bringing desperately needed meals to Palestinians facing famine in Gaza by land, sea, and air.
Her family shared: “We are deeply mourning the news that our brave and beloved Zomi has been killed doing the work she loves delivering food to the people of Gaza. She was a kind, selfless, and outstanding human being that has traveled the world helping others in their time of need. She will leave behind a legacy of compassion, bravery, and love for all those in her orbit.
To the World Central Kitchen family and the many aid workers like her out there now, we thank you for the bottom of our hearts for tireless work and for giving Zomi a family away from her home here in Sydney. She loved and respected you all so much. You all need to be protected and championed.”
