Our Team
Our Story
Hawa Abdi is the dedicated Co-Founder and Director of the Center of Excellence, bringing over a decade of experience in social care and a deep commitment to empowering young people. Hawa has led innovative community programmes that break down barriers to education, mental health support, and employment. Her work is rooted in lived experience and a belief that every young person deserves the tools and opportunities to thrive.
Under her leadership, the Center of Excellence has become a trusted hub for youth-led change, launching projects like Change Makers, which connects young people with vocational training, mentorship, and entrepreneurial resources. Hawa has built strong relationships across communities, local authorities, and families — always centring the voices of young people in shaping meaningful solutions.
In 2023, Hawa was recognised as one of Barnet’s most inspiring women and girls for her contributions to community and culture and was a runner-up in the council-led awards programme. She also spoke at Barnet Wellbeing’s Closing the Care Gap event, championing community-led approaches to make healthcare more inclusive and accessible. Hawa’s leadership continues to inspire a new generation to believe in their potential and lead with purpose.
Our Mission
At the Center of Excellence, we are a passionate, community-rooted team with a shared commitment to empowering young people and families. Together, we bring years of experience in social care, youth work, and community engagement — grounded in lived experience and a deep belief that everyone deserves the chance to thrive, no matter their background.
We’ve developed innovative, youth-led programmes that remove barriers to education, mental health support, and employment. To connect young people with real-world opportunities in vocational training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.
We work hand in hand with local authorities, schools, families, and grassroots organisations to build trust, create safe spaces, and champion solutions that are inclusive and lasting. In 2024, our team’s impact was recognised when Hawa was honoured as one of Barnet’s most inspiring women and girls, and invited to speak at Barnet Wellbeing’s Closing the Care Gap event to advocate for more community-led healthcare.
Trusted hub where change is led by the community, for the community. Our vision is to walk alongside the next generation as they discover their potential, lead with confidence, and create lasting impact.
Center of the community
In 2022, AQ co-founded the Center of Excellence with a simple yet powerful vision: to create a space where people could show up as they are and be met with dignity, compassion, and care. A space that feels like home—especially for those who’ve had to leave theirs behind.
Today, the Center reflects AQ’s journey: a community-led hub that welcomes everyone, meets them where they are, and walks alongside them as they grow. His story continues to shape everything we do—from one-to-one support and community programmes to advocacy and empowerment.
Culture & Heritage
To: Empower individuals and embrace cultural roots
Why: To highlight a source of pride, resilience, and unity and to a create space to honour and celebrate diversity.
Guidance & Advocacy
To: Help Navigate Life’s Challenges
Why: To support through moments of instability with dignity and deep understanding and ensure respect, empowerment, and support
Jobs, Skills and Employability
To: Open Doors to Opportunities
Why: To highlight the need of economic empowerment and how it is essential for a thriving community.
Youth & Family Empowerment
To: Raise Resilient Families, One Program at a Time
Why: To support families at every stage — nurturing early connections and preparing youth for bright futures.
