Shamsa Ahmed

Shamsa Ahmed is a first-generation graduate from Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN with bachelor’s degrees in political science and international Relations. Raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Shamsa is passionate about peacebuilding and conflict resolution in Sub- Saharan Africa. Shamsa is a previous recipient of the David L Boren Scholarship studying Kiswahili in Arusha, Tanzania.  

While at Augsburg University, Shamsa received the Newman Civic Fellowship to recognize her efforts in public service, most notably women’s advancement in politics and promoting interfaith dialogue. Employed as Augsburg’s Interfaith Youth Coordinator, Shamsa was able to mentor middle and high school students in ways to work across bridges within the interfaith exchange.  

As a recent Fulbright English teacher, Shamsa was placed in rural South Korea teaching middle school students. While in Korea, Shamsa was able to immerse herself in the local community, joining community programs. As a Payne Fellow Shamsa will receive a master’s degree focusing on development. As a future USAID Foreign Service Officer, Shamsa wants to work with refugees in establishing peaceful and concrete ways of rehabilitation. She is passionate about lessening the refugee crisis.  

Shamsa speaks Somali and Swahili fluently and plans to learn many more languages. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to cafes, and watching Korean and Turkish shows.