Our guest this episod Dr. Hagir Elsheikh, whose personal story is a shining example of how much personal power we all truly possess. Dr. Elsheikh shares the story of the trauma of her childhood in oppressive Sudan, and how she's been able to find peace through purpose through her experience as the activist mother of Kareem, her autistic son. Here is a partial bio:

Dr. Hagir Elsheikh, Chairwoman and CEO of Hagir Network, Founder & CEO of Tomorrow’s Smile INC, Kareem’s Mission Org. HSE Staffing Agency LLC, KMission TV LLC. She is an Advocate, Activist, Motivational Speaker, political analyst, Talk show host, Producer, Author, poet, and philanthropist.

Hagir Elsheikh is an advocate, leader, and survivor whose life’s work embodies resilience, justice, and dedication to peace-building and human rights. Her journey from a survivor of torture, gender-based violence, harassment, female genital mutilation (FGM), and domestic violence to a global human rights champion is a testament to her spirit and lifelong commitment to making the world a better place.

Early Life and Political Activism

Born in Sudan, Hagir's early years were marked by her vocal opposition to the oppressive Al-Bashir regime. From the age of 11, she used her voice to protest against tyranny and advocate for democratic reforms. As one of the few female spokespersons for the Sudanese Democratic Front, her courageous activism led to her arrest, torture, and eventual asylum in the United States. These experiences only strengthened her resolve to fight for justice and human dignity.

Advocacy for Human Rights and Women's Rights

Hagir Elsheikh’s advocacy is deeply personal and wide-reaching. As a survivor of torture, Gender-Based violence, domestic violence, harassment, and FGM, she channels her experiences into powerful campaigns against gender-based violence, human trafficking, and the exploitation of minors. Her efforts include raising awareness, advocating for legislative changes, and supporting victims through counseling and empowerment programs.

Hagir’s commitment to combating FGM is particularly noteworthy. She has tirelessly worked to raise awareness and implement preventive measures to stop this crime, drawing from her own painful experiences to drive change. Her advocacy extends to supporting survivors and promoting gender equality, demonstrating her commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.

Peace Building and Democratic Empowerment

Hagir’s work in peacebuilding and democratic empowerment is globally recognized. She collaborates with organizations such as the United Nations, UNDP, TASSC, CWS, Amnesty International, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), the civic club, World Affair Council of Harrisburg, and several colleges and organizations such as Grand Canyon University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Pennsylvania to promote dialogue and initiatives that foster peace and democratic governance. Her efforts have been instrumental in promoting peace in conflict-affected regions, especially in Sudan.

In the United States, Hagir is an active member of Sudan's working advocacy group for Congress and the State Department, providing crucial advice, briefings, and support for humanitarian causes. She serves on the boards of Trustees of several humanitarian organizations, including the organization that she founded Tomorrow’s Smile INC (TSI), TASSC, Church World Services (CWS), and the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg. Her work with CWS, in particular, involves using her experiences as a refugee and immigrant to raise awareness about the challenges refugees face and to assist in providing them with training and cultural orientation when they settle in Pennsylvania. She is also a member of the board of trustees at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), Kareem’s Mission organization.

As a mother of a child with autism, Hagir has a personal and profound commitment to supporting individuals with autism and their famil