Umulkheir Mohamed is the founder of the Kesho Alliance Organization, a non-profit fighting for quality education and advocacy, especially for young women in Northeastern Kenya-Garissa. The Kesho Alliance pioneered Student to Student Sponsorship (S2S), providing financial assistance and mentorship to students in need. Funded by students for students, the goal of S2S is to offer bursaries for girls from low-income families and to instill a sense of responsibility among youth. She recently won 2nd place in the inaugural ‘Ms. President’ reality show on Kenyan TV. ‘Ms. President’ was funded by the European Union with additional support from the High Commission of Canada and Hivos East Africa, and aimed at challenging stereotypes and growing support for women vying for leadership positions by changing the perceptions of women in leadership. The show has empowered women to become key players in preventing the spread of violent extremism and radicalization. It continues to strengthen the institutional and operational capacity of civil society actors and media practitioners to prevent violence against women and protect human rights.
“Becoming an Eisenhower Youth Leader will give me great exposure and a good networking platform. As a young woman seeking to grow and serve her community, I believe becoming an Eisenhower Youth Leader will expand my circle and impart me with great skills.”