Find your impact
Our Leaders program helps Somaali college and university students grow professionally, connect with mentors in their field, and lead community projects.
Students served
Community projects
100%
350
10+
Free to join
Built to give back
About Leaders
Leaders is for Somaali students in college and university, the years where they step into adulthood and start shaping the path ahead.
Across two semesters, they grow through professional development, mentorship and community projects, building the skills and networks that carry a career.
More than a program, it’s where the ones who were once mentored become the mentors, keeping the circle going for those coming up behind them.
In the sessions
Professional development, all year round
Sessions are led by industry partners and professionals who bring real expertise to the room.
Demystifying Grad School
A clear look at graduate programs and how to get there.
Public Speaking
Building confidence and skill in presenting to a room.
Entrepreneurship
Turning ideas into ventures with a practical foundation.
Financial Literacy
Money management fundamentals, led by Wealthsimple.
Resumes & LinkedIn
Standing out to employers, led by The King's Trust.
Project Presentations
Pitching and presenting their community project work.
Community Building
Strengthening the bonds that carry past the program.
And many more...
Every year looks a little different with new topics.
Why it matters
Leaders are the next generation of Somaali professionals, advocates and organisers. This program helps them lead authentically while staying connected to their values, their community and each other.
A two-way program
Mentored, and mentoring
What makes Leaders different is that participants grow in both directions at once. They learn from those ahead of them and guide those coming up behind them.
They receive
Guidance from Somaali professionals
Leaders are paired with established Somaali professionals and attend monthly professional development workshops, building the skills to launch their own careers.
They give
Mentorship to younger students
At the same time, Leaders mentor high school students in our Dreamers program, passing down everything they have learned and keeping the cycle going.
Community projects
Built by Leaders, for the community
Every year, Leaders works in groups on a community service project, building professional and personal skills while giving back.
Here is some of what they have created.
Afka Hooyo
A Somaali language initiative serving youth across the GTA.
The 2000 & Something's Podcast
A podcast on identity, ambition and growing up in the diaspora.
Somaali Nomads
Getting Somaali youth outdoors through hikes and nature trips.
Whispers of the Horn
Book for kids where Somaali youth stories take centre stage.
Hooyo Iyo Aabo
A diaspora collective uncovering the untold stories of our parents.
+
And more
And more
Amanah, Akhri Corner, Power of Knowledge and others, with new projects every cohort.
Meet the team
The people who run Leaders
Every session is led by facilitators who connect Leaders with professionals in their fields, open doors to new opportunities, and stay invested in where each one is headed.
Salma Sheikh
Coordinator
Jama Yusuf
Facilitator
Zanira Ali
Facilitator
Ready to be the next leader?
Registration opens once a year and spots fill quickly. Click on apply to express interest or register when spots are open.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram @saysomaali to stay up to date with our programs and opportunities.