We're very proud that the first portrait in our #2018andBeyond series is Ibrahim Musa. Ibrahim and his family arrived in Canada as refugees from Iraq when he was 4 years old. Now, at only 19 years of age, he has received the Mayor’s City Builder Award in recognition of his volunteer work with youth in Ottawa. He's humble, intelligent, hard working and has a determined and positive vision for Ottawa!
Ibrahim has worked with many local youth groups and is currently the Communications and Engagement Coordinator with Youth Ottawa. He is well recognized for founding and running the Cuts for Kids Foundation, an initiative that he says is his way of giving back to a city that has been so helpful to his family. Cuts for Kids offers free haircuts to underprivileged children in marginalized neighbourhoods. Ibrahim believes a professional haircut increases a youth's self-esteem and over all well-being. Along with his team they offer free snacks, fun activities and information for social resources to everyone attending the events.
© Dwayne Brown Studio
We asked Ibrahim what he's most positive about, as Ottawa moves forward into 2018.
"I'm excited to see more young people grow their ideas on how to improve Ottawa, in collaboration with city leaders. Through business, non-profit, arts and academia, the power of youth will shine in 2018!"
Thanks so much to Ibrahim for sitting for us this past weekend and for all he does to help and inspire Ottawa's youth! You can follow him on LinkedIn, Twitter and/or Instagram to learn more about his work.