Building Impact Leaders

Shiemaa Ahmed
Independent Impact consultant
Director, CAFIID

September 2025

How have you engaged with CAFIID and how has it supported your professional journey and growth?
I joined CAFIID in June 2023 after attending the CAFIID conference "Advancing SDGs through Canadian Impact Investing in Emerging Markets". Since then, I’ve had the chance to engage with CAFIID in several ways. I first joined the Thought Leadership Committee and the Gender Lens Investing Community of Practice, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every meeting, webinar, and activity. In early 2024, I applied to the CAFIID Mentorship Program and was fortunate to be paired with Katie Turner, who was truly the best mentor I could ask for! In May 2024, I published my first CAFIID Thought Leadership article on the new Impact Frontiers framework, which deepened my involvement in the committee. When the CAFIID board later announced it was seeking new members, I initially dismissed the idea, I was thinking I didn’t have enough experience to be on the board. But during a mentorship call, Katie encouraged me to apply, and explained that the board is looking for different perspectives and lived experiences, and I’m so glad I did! In June 2024, I was elected to the CAFIID board, while remaining actively engaged in the Thought Leadership Committee and the Gender Lens Investing CoP.

Can you share a meaningful connection or key lesson learned through CAFIID?
I deeply value the relationships I’ve built through CAFIID. For example, during my onboarding call, Emiko suggested I connect with Carolyn, who had also moved to the UK at the time. That introduction turned into a genuine friendship, and coincidentally, we both relocated to Nairobi around the same time. We now meet regularly and often meet in person to login to CAFIID webinars and board meetings.
The key lesson I’ve learned through CAFIID is the power of community. This is a network where people are both knowledgeable and generous with their time, always willing to share insights and support each other. 

What motivates you to stay involved with CAFIID?
I stay involved because CAFIID embodies a unique blend of professionalism and community values. It’s not just about expanding my network, but the drive to contribute to advancing the impact investing practice runs in the DNA of CAFIID, it’s also about being part of a community that genuinely cares about making a difference. I am always inspired by the spirit of CAFIID members to volunteer their time to establish and institutionalise an organisation that can make a real difference in the sector in Canada and beyond.

What advice would you give others to support their professional growth in impact investing?

Be proactive, share your perspective, and take initiative. Impact investing is still a relatively young and niche field, and needs different perspectives and points of view. Don’t be afraid to reach out to peers, mentors, or CAFIID members, they are always willing to help. The more you expose yourself to different perspectives and experiences, the stronger and more resilient your own journey will be.

Connect with Shiemaa on LinkedIn