At just 25, Ekhlas Ahmed is a reference of defying immense challenges to shape a brighter future for herself and others. Born in Darfur, Sudan, Ekhlas endured the devastating impacts of conflict, fleeing her home with her family to seek refuge in Egypt before eventually resettling in Portland, Maine. Despite losing two critical years of education during this upheaval, Ekhlas transformed her story of displacement into one of determination and achievement.
When Ekhlas arrived in the United States in 2005, she faced a daunting reality: she and her family did not speak English, leaving them feeling isolated and alienated. Yet, her commitment to learning became her anchor. Starting as a high school freshman with no knowledge of the English alphabet, Ekhlas not only mastered the language but accelerated her educational journey, graduating in record time. Today, as a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in education, she embodies the transformative power of learning.
Her experiences inspired her to bridge the gap for others facing similar struggles. Through AmeriCorps, she teaches at the same high school where her educational journey began. Working with refugee students, she provides the safe space she once desperately needed, fostering hope and belonging. She is the founder and executive director of Chance to Advance (CTA), an organization amplifying the voices of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through storytelling. CTA aims to dismantle barriers, creating a more inclusive and connected world. Ekhlas also serves as vice president and co-founder of Darfur Youth of Tomorrow, raising awareness of the ongoing violence in her homeland and advocating for the needs of her community.
Her innovative approach to combating stereotypes has made an impact as well. By organizing events like “Abaya Day” at her high school, she promotes understanding and challenges negative perceptions of Muslims in the media. These initiatives underscore her unwavering dedication to empowering marginalized groups and fostering acceptance.
