Amal Abdi [she/her]

Rise on Boards | Cohort 9

I am a first-generation Somali-Canadian changemaker who transforms personal adversity into community solutions. After losing family members to gun violence, I channeled my grief into action by joining Smile for Sache, where I coordinate mental health initiatives that create safe spaces for marginalized youth. My work bridges lived experience with systemic change, ensuring those most affected by violence have platforms to heal and advocate.

As co-founder and product lead at Learnly, I design inclusive edtech solutions by centering the voices of students, parents, and educators. My leadership reflects my commitment to equity, whether I'm prototyping adaptive learning tools or organizing community workshops. This dual focus on technology and social impact stems from my professional background at Apple and Livingston International, where I learned to translate complex problems into human-centered solutions.

I hold a degree in psychology and anthropology from the University of Toronto, and my approach is rooted in both empathy and evidence. I’m particularly passionate about addressing how mental health, education, and systemic barriers affect Black and immigrant communities.

I believe governance should reflect the communities it serves. My lived experience, technical skills, and community advocacy make me ready to contribute meaningfully as a leader.