Amisa Ahmed is a remarkable individual whose dedication, hard work, and unwavering focus have made her a force to be reckoned with in community-based mental health interventions and trauma-informed programs in Kenya. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Nivishe Foundation, she has tirelessly worked towards building community resilience and promoting social cohesion in vulnerable and marginalized communities.
Amisa’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for her outstanding work. In 2021 alone, she was named among the 100 influential young Africans, the African Youth of the Year, and a finalist for the Positive Role Model category in Eastern Africa in the 9th Gender Mainstreaming Award. She was also a finalist for the Spirit of Philanthropy – Individual Award – at the East Africa Philanthropy Awards and the only Kenyan finalist for the Global Student Awards as a Public Policy Student.
Despite the challenges of working in marginalized communities, Amisa has remained focused on creating safe spaces and offering psychosocial support to victims of violence. Her organization, Nivishe Foundation, offers community-based mental health interventions and trauma-informed programs that promote social cohesion and build community resilience. Moreover, Amisa’s efforts to provide mental health services through sign language has ensured inclusivity for individuals with hearing aid challenges.
In addition to her work with the Nivishe Foundation, Amisa serves as a board member for several global and national organizations including Restless Development, RHIZE, Amrell International School, SIASA PLACE, and the Young Women Leadership Institute. She has also participated in prestigious fellowships such as YALI, Future Africa, and Orygen Global Fellowship for Young Mental Health Advocates, which have enabled her to advocate for mental health policy and create positive changes in Africa.
However, what sets Amisa apart is her commitment to mentoring other women and girls to pursue leadership positions in their communities and organizations. As a young woman from the marginalized Nubian community in Kenya, Amisa understands the importance of inclusivity and the need to promote diversity in leadership. Her efforts to create a more inclusive society exemplify what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to serving others.
In conclusion, Amisa Ahmed’s leadership skills and commitment to creating positive changes in vulnerable and marginalized communities in Kenya have made her an exemplary leader and a beacon of hope for many. Her work is a testament to the power of perseverance and the positive impact that can be made when individuals commit themselves to serving others.
Here are some key takeaways and lessons that young women can learn from Amisa Ahmed’s life:
- Dedication and hard work can lead to great accomplishments: Amisa’s tireless efforts have led to numerous awards and accolades for her outstanding work in promoting mental health and social cohesion in vulnerable communities.
- Focus on a clear mission: Amisa’s work is grounded in a clear mission to build community resilience and promote social cohesion in vulnerable and marginalized communities.
- Embrace inclusivity: Amisa’s dedication to providing mental health services through sign language exemplifies the importance of inclusivity and the need to create safe spaces for everyone.
- Mentoring and empowering others: Amisa’s commitment to mentoring other women and girls to pursue leadership positions in their communities and organizations demonstrates the importance of empowering others and promoting diversity in leadership.
- Participate in fellowships and other learning opportunities: Amisa’s participation in prestigious fellowships like YALI and Orygen Global Fellowship for Young Mental Health Advocates has enabled her to develop her leadership skills and advocate for mental health policy.
- Perseverance: Amisa’s work in marginalized communities demonstrates the power of perseverance and the positive impact that can be made when individuals commit themselves to serving others.