• Mohamed Ahmed Abdi

    Nairobi, Kenya

    Chair

    Mohamed's roots trace back to Somali immigrant parents, and it was in the diverse landscapes of Kenya that he spent his early life. This culturally rich environment shaped his formative years, where he pursued his elementary and high school education with dedication and curiosity.

    Upon completing high school, Mohamed was drawn to the world of numbers and finance. He decided to further his studies at Kampala International University in Uganda, specializing in Accounting. Armed with a Bachelor's degree, he returned to Nairobi, Kenya, where he collaborated with various small businesses. His in-depth accounting skills, encompassing bookkeeping, financial analysis, auditing, and tax consultancy, proved invaluable to these enterprises.

  • AYAN ABDI

    SECRETARY

    NAIROBI, KENYA

    Ayan's story begins in the town of Namanga, Kenya. Her family's journey to this place wasn't by choice; they had to flee Somalia due to the escalating civil unrest. Finding refuge and a new beginning in Kenya, Ayan grew up with stories of resilience and hope. These narratives undoubtedly shaped her ambition and drive.

    She pursued her academic dreams at ICS College, where she specialized in Business Administration. Armed with the knowledge from her studies, Ayan showcased an adept understanding of business intricacies, which led her to work with several startups as a business consultant. Beyond providing expert advice, she extended administrative support, ensuring the smooth operation of these budding enterprises. With her acumen and skills, she soon embraced a pivotal role of providing bookkeeping services.

    However, Ayan's ambitions went beyond the corporate world. Driven by personal experiences and a deep-seated desire to uplift the marginalized, she decided to dedicate her skills to GIBRA, a non-profit organization in Kenya. Today, she not only brings her financial expertise to the table but also proudly serves as the Board Secretary, ensuring the organization's mission to assist the underprivileged is met with success.

  • ZamZam Mohamud

    Treasurer

    Nairobi, Kenya

    Zamzam grew up in a border region between Kenya and Ethiopia, born to a family that immigrated from Somalia. She began her education at Takaba Primary School before moving on to Elwak Boarding School. Later, she pursued her bachelor's degree in Health Records and Information Technology from Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences. Currently, she serves as a Health Record Officer at Huruma Health Center, located in Nairobi City County.

  • Abdirizak Jama Shire

    Media and Communications

    Dadaab, Kenya

    Abdirizak's academic journey began in Dadaab, Northeastern Kenya, where he completed his primary and secondary education. His passion for storytelling led him to the Africa Digital Media Institute (ADMI College), where he undertook a two-year intensive course in Journalism and Filmmaking.

    In recognition of his exemplary skills, Abdirizak was honored as the best director at the Filmaid Film Festival (Faff) in 2019. Beyond his media pursuits, he also holds a diploma in Business Management and Administration from the Cambridge International College, United Kingdom.

    Professionally, Abdirizak has enriched his portfolio by working with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC East Africa and Yemen) from March 2021 to March 2023, where he imparted knowledge as a Journalism and Photography assistant teacher. His talents extend to crafting video documentaries, with his work being commissioned by renowned entities such as the Danish Refugee Council and the NRC.

    In 2022, Abdirizak was selected for the prestigious UNHCR journalism mentorship program, an initiative by the UNHCR designed to nurture refugee youth worldwide.

    Currently, he is an integral part of the Dadaab Collective Freelancing Agency's executive team, an organization harmoniously led by refugees and host communities in Kenya.