Asha Dirir
Asha is a distinguished local business owner and a Settlement Counsellor at YWCA Hamilton, where she serves as a cornerstone of support for the Somali and broader Muslim community. With over two decades of experience, she has dedicated her life to youth engagement, advocacy, and community development. Asha has initiated and volunteered in numerous projects aimed at raising awareness and providing education for Somali women and youth, ensuring their voices are represented in broader discussions.
As the first to establish an after-school program within the Somali community in Hamilton, Asha has laid the groundwork for countless youth to succeed academically and socially. In her role at YWCA Hamilton’s Munar Learning Centre, she is recognized for her cultural competence and commitment to empowering Somali women. Asha’s enduring dedication has made her a beacon of hope and an agent of change, transforming lives and communities through her tireless efforts.
What are the most meaningful aspects of this person's work and life?
For Asha, living and working with the Muslim community in Hamilton is more than a career—it’s a calling that fosters a deep sense of belonging and solidarity. Her work centers on creating safe spaces where individuals feel comfortable and supported, enabling them to thrive in a new environment. The most meaningful aspects of her work include fostering shared experiences of growth, collaboration, and interaction within the community. By building lasting connections, Asha has become a trusted figure who bridges cultural gaps and strengthens the fabric of Hamilton’s Somali and Muslim communities. Her dedication to empowering marginalized groups, especially Black Muslim women, reflects her passion for uplifting others and creating equitable opportunities.
How has this individual overcome the challenges they face?
Asha has faced numerous challenges inherent to supporting marginalized Black Muslim women, yet her resilience and culturally sensitive approach have been instrumental in addressing these obstacles. She leverages her deep cultural understanding and empathy to navigate complex situations, ensuring that the individuals she supports feel seen, heard, and valued. Asha’s ability to create a safe and welcoming transition for newcomers stems from her own lived experiences and her unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion. By advocating for systemic changes and empowering individuals to overcome societal barriers, Asha has proven herself to be a leader and an ally in the fight for justice and equity.
How has this individual empowered you and/or our communities?
Asha’s unwavering passion to serve marginalized groups, particularly Black Muslim women, has been transformative for both individuals and the community at large. Her efforts in connecting with the Somali community have enabled the creation of a government-supported women-focused program tailored to their unique challenges. These challenges, rooted in multiple intersections such as being women, hijabis, Black, refugees, and single mothers, often leave individuals feeling overlooked and disempowered. Through Asha’s support, resources have been directed where they are needed most, significantly improving the lives of many by providing culturally tailored services and fostering inclusivity.
Her guidance has also empowered me personally, offering valuable insights into the systemic barriers faced by this community and enabling me to advocate effectively. By rebuilding trust within the community and addressing long-standing gaps in services, Asha’s efforts have helped to amplify the voices of those often left unheard, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and change.
Name a Black Muslim woman who has been an inspiration to you and why.
I would have to say Dr. Madina Wasuge. She is someone is tirelessly working for the community and for the children to give them the best opportunity for success. She also works as the director at pathways for education and an assistant clinical professor (adjunct) of family medicine with HHS.