Nafira Nayeem Ahmad
For Nafira Nayeem Ahmad (Junior, ENH), civic engagement was never a snap decision, it was a way of life that she inherited and developed on her own. Growing up in a household where giving back was second nature, she saw early on how stark inequality can be. “Getting all A* back then was my only problem but others around me struggled to find food even once a day”, she shared. This realization became the starting point for her journey.
Nafira started “Amplitude”, a non-profit organization when she was sixteen. It started with a small initiative and today it serves over 98,000 people around Bangladesh. She led programs that provide year-long access to educational resources and menstrual hygiene items, aiming to empower beneficiaries with skill and knowledge, so they become self-sufficient and allow her team to reach more areas.
However her journey was not without obstacles. When a co-founder parted ways with important documents and donor lists, Nafira had to start from scratch again. “It was a blessing in disguise”, she says. “I learned every step of the process myself afterwards.” She was able to restore Amplitude and perform on global stages due to her dedication.
Her commitment to genuine impact earned her the Diana Award and the Legacy Award, two of the most prestigious honors for young humanitarians. Later she became the youngest Bangladeshi to serve as a Diana Award Judge. “When I received the award, I didn’t know I had been nominated”, she explains. “When I met Prince William, I asked why I was chosen. He said our constant progress stood out more than numbers.” As a judge now, Nafira exhibits the same outlook. She says, “You don’t need a significant impact on figures. I look for progress and legitimacy, signs that someone is evolving and staying true to their cause.”
Nafira’s leadership continues to grow through her work as the OSUN Lead Global Engagement Fellow, where she guides others in the same way she was guided once. Her vision for BracU students emphasizes collaboration, empathy and active citizenship. She intends to build areas on campus that encourage discussions and inclusivity; from anonymous comment boards to walls of goodwill. For Nafira, leadership is about responsibility rather than recognition. If something is not right, even saying ‘no’ shows a form of resistance. Change doesn’t start big, it starts with someone choosing to care.
