40 Under 40: Nonprofit leader Ekhlas Ahmed was first woman in family to graduate from college
Photo / Tim Greenway
Ekhlas Ahmed is founder and executive director of Chance To Advance.
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Significant professional accomplishment: Obtaining my master’s degree in education. This achievement holds deep personal and cultural significance for me, as I am the first woman in my family to graduate from college. Earning this degree was not just a personal goal, but also a long-held dream of my mother’s and grandmother’s generations. It is a testament to the resilience and aspirations of many Sudanese women who were denied the opportunity to pursue higher education.
Current state of mind: As a genocide survivor and first-generation immigrant female living in Maine, I have faced many challenges. However, I recently made the important decision to seek therapy, which has helped me achieve a clearer, more balanced state of mind.
Throughout my life, I have dedicated myself to activism and community organizing, often prioritizing the needs of others over my own. But I have now made the conscious effort to include myself in that priority list as well. To achieve a better work-life balance, I recently completed a personal training program.
I am also currently on a two-month sabbatical to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate, so that I can continue supporting communities across our state with renewed energy and focus.
Passion project: Honoring my grandmother’s memory, I am compiling a book of her beloved coffee drinks, teas and breakfast recipes. Cooking these cherished family dishes brings me comfort and helps me share her unique flavors and traditions with loved ones. This bittersweet project has become a meaningful way for me to grieve and celebrate my grandmother’s life.
‘Lightbulb’ moment: My life path has felt clear to me from a young age. Growing up with responsibilities like helping raise my three brothers, I naturally gravitated towards roles as a caretaker and helper. This seamlessly translated into my career as an educator — a purpose that has always felt inherently right. I find deep fulfillment in molding the next generation, while they in turn help me continue to find my own voice.
Audacious goal: My most audacious goal is to establish a global Sudanese coffee franchise. This would serve as a tribute to my cultural heritage, while building community around the shared joy of exceptional coffee worldwide.
Coffee holds deep significance in Sudanese culture, and I aim to share this rich history and hospitality by bringing these distinct flavors to an international stage. Beyond selling coffee, the franchise would create spaces for cultural exchange, conversation, and community-building, welcoming customers as guests.
Favorite quote: “A little self love goes a long way” — Breanne Cogan
Influential book: “The Path Made Clear: Discovering your life Direction and Purpose,” by Oprah Winfrey
Favorite podcast: Host of the first ever podcast by a young Sudanese women, “Wanssa with Ossaa”
Best way to recharge: I recharge by immersing myself in nature — one of the great joys of living in Maine. The hiking trails and coastlines rejuvenate me. My favorite spot is Pleasant Beach, where I feel a deep connection to the water. Traveling the world also helps expand my perspectives.
My most recent trip to Marrakesh, Morocco, was a transformative experience. Exploring new cultures and environments allows me to view the world through fresh lenses, fueling my creativity and sense of wonder.
At age 60: If, God willing, and I live till I’m 60, I see myself continuing to traveling the world with my life partner and children. I see myself as a successful businesswoman who connects community members through coffee and uplifts the voices of immigrant and refugees through storytelling. I see myself as a volunteer to local organizations and especially in the symphony because I love music. I see myself as a person who has a deep connection with God and visits Mecca on an annual basis to thank Him for His blessings and guidance.
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