Ottawa, Ontario

Rising from the confines of the Dadaab Refugee Camp, Hamdi's journey is one of resilience and aspiration. After completing her education at Dagahaley Secondary School, she secured a coveted scholarship to Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. There, she earned a bachelor's degree in Nutrition. Witnessing firsthand the grave challenges of malnutrition in the refugee camps, Hamdi developed a fervent passion to reshape the health landscape for displaced children. Now, as a part of the 'Give it Back Refugee Aid' team, she channels her education and experiences towards her mission: to profoundly change the lives of those children and ensure they thrive.

Ottawa, Ontario

Nairobi, Kenya

Adan's journey from the Dadaab Refugee Camp to becoming a recognized figure in the financial realm is truly inspirational. He was granted a scholarship to study at Vancouver Island University, a prestigious Canadian institution, through the World University Services of Canada program. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business Management along with a certificate in Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation.

Adan's expertise spans decades, primarily in the financial domain, and he has been instrumental in aiding relief organizations achieve their fiscal objectives. Right after high school, he stepped into the role of Senior Program Officer for CARE Kenya, specifically for the Hagardera refugee camps. While at university, he took on the responsibility of presidency for the World University Services of Canada, the very organization that had sponsored his scholarship.

His extensive experience includes a position as a Human Resources and Payroll Coordinator for Saipem. After university, Adan ventured into the realm of accounting with BDO, where he offered services ranging from corporate and personal tax to bookkeeping and financial consultancy.

Adan's association with the World University Services of Canada (WUSC) was reignited when he joined them as a Financial Analyst, focusing on bilateral cross-border projects. By 2019, he was back with CARE, this time as a Corporate Financial Analyst overseeing the finances for Care Canada's global health projects in Eastern and Southern Africa.

In April 2022, Adan's skills were sought by Veterinarians Without Borders Canada, where he served as the Director of Finance and Administration. By 2023, he had taken up a new challenge with CARE USA's mission in South Sudan, he is currently stationed in Nairobi, Kenya, fulfilling his role as the Grant and Contracts Lead.

Ottawa, Canada

Afreenish and her family moved to Canada when she was just 7 years old, and she spent her formative years in the capital region. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Carleton University, earning a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Food Science and Nutrition. Later, she furthered her education at the same institution, attaining a Master's in Public Policy with a focus on Sustainable Energy and the Environment.

During her academic journey, Afrenish was deeply involved in research and extra curricular activities. She contributed as a laboratory research assistant and as a research assistant at the Carleton University School of Public Policy and Administration. In the professional realm, Afrenish has been associated with the Government of Canada's Canadian Food Inspection Agency for the past five years. She has served in roles ranging from Student analyst to Junior Policy and Program Analyst. Currently, she holds the position of Policy and Program Analyst and also Co-Chairs the Women's Circle Network within the Equity and Diversity Steering Committee and is a part of the Board of Directors for the Institute of Public Administration of Canada for the National Capital Region Chapter.

Ottawa, Ontario

Bare Abdi's early life was spent in the Dagahaley Refugee Camp in Dadaab. Post his high school education, Bare served as a Somali/English Interpreter for the UNHCR Dagahaley Field Office between 2008 and 2012. He then transitioned to the role of an International Consultant for UNODC, working in Seychelles and Mauritius from 2013 to 2016.

Educationally, Bare has a diploma in Public Relations from Kenyatta University and a certificate in Refugees & Forced Migration Studies from Oxford University. He is presently pursuing a Joint Honours degree in Communications & Political Science at the University of Ottawa.