Samia Yaya Hamid
Samia Yaya Hamid is a dedicated and accomplished individual with a rich cultural heritage, hailing from a Sudanese and Chadian family. Born and raised in the small town of Klemat, Chad, Samia’s early life experiences profoundly shaped her commitment to social impact. At the age of 16, she witnessed the tragic death of an infant due to malnutrition, a moment that ignited her passion for preventing such tragedies. This led her to establish the Impact Project, an initiative focused on combating malnutrition and supporting vulnerable communities.
Samia pursued her academic journey with a strong foundation in statistics, earning her degree from Cheikh Anta Diop University in Senegal. Currently, she is in her final year of Actuarial Science at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), where she continues to excel academically.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Samia is a multifaceted individual. She is a certified fitness coach and an avid marathon runner, demonstrating her dedication to health and wellness. Her commitment to community service has been recognized through multiple awards, including the prestigious Black Excellence Award from Islamic Relief Canada in 2022, honouring her significant contributions to community involvement.
Samia’s journey is a testament to her resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the world.
What are the most meaningful aspects of this person's work and life?
Samia’s life and work are driven by faith, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving others. She is known for her selflessness, leadership, and consistency in supporting humanitarian causes, particularly through fundraising and advocacy for Sudan, Chad, and other global issues. Her ability to balance community work, education, and personal growth sets her apart.
As a role model, she inspires others through her discipline, generosity, and perseverance, always striving to uplift those around her. Whether through her nonprofit work, activism, or mentorship, Samia embodies the belief that true success lies in empowering others.
How has this individual overcome the challenges they face?
Samia overcomes challenges with resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering trust in Allah. She approaches obstacles with patience, wisdom, and a problem-solving mindset—seeking feedback, learning from experiences, and adjusting as needed.
Rather than letting hardship deter her, she transforms challenges into motivation, as seen in her creation of the Impact Project following a tragic loss. Balancing rigorous academics, nonprofit leadership, and personal growth, she consistently pushes her limits while maintaining discipline and focus.
Her faith, perseverance, and optimism enable her to navigate setbacks, whether adapting to new environments, managing a demanding schedule, or persisting despite a lack of external support. She remains steadfast in her goals, always seeing challenges as opportunities for growth and a test of her dedication, belief, and purpose.
How has this individual empowered you and/or our communities?
Samia empowers others through leadership, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her community. She leads by example, inspiring those around her to pursue education, embrace discipline, and take action to help others. Through her volunteering, fundraising, and social activism, she fosters a sense of unity and collective responsibility, making an impact both locally and globally.
Her kindness, consistency, and strong faith motivate people to push themselves in their personal, academic, and spiritual lives. Whether by introducing others to long-term volunteering, encouraging healthy habits, or fostering confidence in their abilities, she ensures those around her feel supported, valued, and empowered to make a difference.
Name a Black Muslim woman who has been an inspiration to you and why.
Without hesitation, my mother has been the most significant inspiration in my life.
Her strength, resilience, and unwavering faith have shaped the woman I am today. She has faced immense challenges with grace and dignity, always prioritizing the well-being of her family and community. Watching her navigate life with courage and selflessness taught me the importance of perseverance, compassion, and hard work.
Her example inspires me daily to push boundaries and strive for excellence, not just for myself but for those I aim to serve.
IG: @impactproject0