Ilwad Abdulle [she/her]

Rise on Boards+ | Cohort 3

Ilwad Abdulle is a fourth-year Economics student at York University with a passion for community leadership, equity, and youth empowerment. She served as a Program Manager with EmpowHERto, where she led the LeadHER program, a 12-week initiative supporting young women in building confidence, purpose, and entrepreneurial skills. Ilwad has also contributed to the Regent Park Community Health Centre through their Anti-Racism Action Program, where she focused on outreach and creating content that connected with and amplified community voices.

In addition, she has been active with Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP) Toronto, where she gained experience in advocacy, communications, and engaging diverse perspectives in decision-making spaces. As a first-generation Somali woman, Ilwad brings lived experience, empathy, and a deep commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. She strives to ensure that underrepresented voices are not only included but centred in shaping meaningful change.