Aminath Ali is an Entrepreneurship and Business Coach, Founder of HaliAli Coaching and Consultancy Services, Co-Founder and Vice President of the Southern Community Empowerment Association of Maldives (SCEAM), Co-Founder and President of the Association for Women Empowerment Maldives, and Campus Manager at The Maldives National University, Kulhudhuffushi Campus. Her passion for women empowerment ignited during her tenure at Business Center Corporation, a government entity providing business support services to MSMEs. In this role, she closely collaborated with the business community, particularly women entrepreneurs and home-based workers. She observed that over 80% of women entrepreneurs in the Maldives do not have registered businesses, rendering their contributions invisible and unaccounted for in the nation's growth. She identified access to markets and finance as major challenges, with many home-based workers lacking financial and business literacy. Driven by the belief in creating opportunities even when it seems impossible, she is committed to addressing these issues and fostering women's economic empowerment.

Project Idea: Her project idea aims to train and build the capacity of youth (ages 18 to 35) from across the Maldives, who will lead initiatives related to SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth in their respective islands. The main purpose is to increase youth involvement and engagement in community empowerment and development. These trained youth leaders will act as agents of change, empowering others in their communities to promote gender equality and foster economic growth. By focusing on these Sustainable Development Goals, the project seeks to create a ripple effect of positive change throughout the Maldives.

Experience with OMLAS : “Participating in the OMLAS Fellowship has been a transformative experience so far, that has significantly shaped my personal and professional growth. The fellowship provided me with unparalleled opportunities to develop my leadership skills, network with like-minded individuals, and gain insights from industry leaders. Throughout the program, I was able to engage in intensive training sessions and workshops, which equipped me with the tools and knowledge to drive positive change in my community. One of the most impactful aspects of the fellowship is the emphasis on real-world applications of leadership principles. The diverse cohort of fellows from across 24 nations enriched my perspective, fostering a deeper understanding of different cultures and global challenges. Overall, this fellowship has been an invaluable journey, empowering me to lead with purpose and confidence, and to contribute meaningfully to my society.”