Hagir S. Elsheikh is a Sudanese-American Human Rights/Woman's Rights activist, Serial Entrepreneur, Talk show Host, Producer Author & Philanthropist. She is the Chairwoman/CEO of Hagir Network, Owner/CEO of HSE Staffing Agency LLC, Founder/President of Kareem's Mission organization, and KMission TV LLC . Founder/CEO Tomorrow Smiles Organization, motivational speaker and political analyst.
Hagir Elsheikh was born in 1977 in the small Sudanese village of Tandalti,[1] where her father was a physician's assistant. Her father's job meant the family would often travel and share their resources with others, and they eventually relocated to the Sudanese capital Khartoum.[citation needed]
Growing up Elsheikh's rights were restricted from a very young age and as she neared adulthood she became one of the few female activists who spoke publicly for the Democratic Forefront. Because of her vocal opinions, Elsheikh was often detained and beaten.[2]Security forces once hung her from a tree and beat her for 10 hours, then left her bloodied body in front of her home. Years later, the government militia detained and tortured her further and cracked her head open with a metal bar.[citation needed]
Hagir Elsheikh is a torture survivor, domestic violence, Gender-Based Violence survivor, and an FGM Victim. She experienced first-hand the brutal reality faced by many women in Sudan and Globally.
After repeated political violence and torture and finding she was wanted by the military junta of Omar Hassan al-Bashir, Elsheikh fled Sudan.[3] Newly married and pregnant, she arrived in Egypt where she applied for refugee status.[citation needed]
These experiences have fueled her commitment to fight against these injustices, to support other survivors and become a passionate advocate for women's rights. She recently became a mother of an autistic child, which inspired her to create a non-profit Organization named after her son, Kareem, that is committed to building an inclusive world for individuals with autism across their lifespan.
Education & career
Hagir received her first degree from Sudan University of science and technology in Electrical Engineering. Due to her political activities, she faced severe repercussions, including arrest, torture, and death threats from the regime's security apparatus. These experiences ultimately led her to seek refuge in the United States. Soon after settling in Harrisburg she attended HACC while working at a daycare and earned her CNA certificate, then continued her education to become an LPN, then a Registered Nurse and pursued higher education with a focus on healthcare and social advocacy. She earned a degree from Grand Canyon University, which laid the foundation for her future roles in clinical instruction and social justice advocacy.
In 2013, she founded HSE Staffing Agency, LLC, a healthcare staffing agency serving all of Pennsylvania. HSE provides nursing, allied healthcare, and advanced practice with many of the Commonwealth's top hospitals and healthcare facilities.[4]
Hagir is the founder and CEO of several organizations, including:
- Kareem's Mission: A nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families.
- KMission TV LLC: An educational channel aimed at helping children with autism through fun and educational content created by early childhood experts and therapists.
Hagir also founded the nonprofit organization Tomorrow's Smile, Inc. which is aimed at combatting domestic violence.[5] Where she serves as a domestic violence counselor and advocates for women's rights, human rights, and gender equality.
In her role as a Domestic Violence Counselor at Tomorrow's Smile Inc., Her work involves direct action, training, and support for survivors of domestic violence, law enforcement, government officials, and the community at large.
Hagir passionately supports survivors and promotes gender equality. Her work encompasses sexual assault prevention and helping victims transition to survivors, demonstrating her commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.
Hagir's advocacy extends to various humanitarian causes. She serves on the boards of several notable organizations, including HACC,[6]Central Penn Community College, Church World Service,[7] Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness, the YWCA, Pennsylvania Alliance Against Human Trafficking, TASSC,[8] and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence.[9] Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition (TASSC), and the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg (WACOH), Kareem's Mission Org. (KMO).
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, 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.
From her early struggles in Sudan to her impactful work in the United States, Elsheikh has dedicated herself to making a difference in the lives of others. Her work spans multiple organizations and platforms, through which she continues to advocate for the marginalized and inspire others to join the fight for justice and equality.
Keynote Speaker
Hagir Elsheikh a seasoned professional motivational keynote speaker, TV/Radio commentator that draws inspiration from her journey—from overcoming domestic violence to owning her business and triumphing over early-life challenges. She skillfully connects with your audience, delivering a powerful message that inspires action. Book Hagir today for motivational speaking services that uplift, inspire, and enhance your event.
Her expertises and experiences ranging from human rights, women's rights, immigration advocacy, domestic violence, violence prevention, diversity equity and inclusion, social justice, and beyond.
Her ability to connect with and inspire audiences makes her an invaluable asset to any initiative.
Her engaging delivery, paired with a wealth of knowledge, makes her an ideal choice for sparking meaningful conversations and inspiring audiences.
With rich experiences as a keynote speaker, author, serial entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Hagir embodies the relentless pursuit of human rights and women's rights activism and a deep understanding and expertise in Women's Health, domestic violence, Gender-based violence, immigration, and refugees, Bullying, and suicidal prevention, Systemic racism, cultural sensitivities, Diversity Equity and inclusion, Autism, Minority women in business, Hagir's advocacy extends beyond speeches to direct action, training, and support for survivors, law enforcement, government officials and the community at large and beyond. With rich experiences as a keynote speaker, author, serial entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Hagir embodies the relentless pursuit of human rights and women's rights activism.
Through her leadership at Hagir Network, HSE Staffing Agency, KMission TV, and her foundational work with Tomorrow's Smile, Inc., Kareem's Mission, she has cemented her role as a catalyst for global change.
Through appearances on many TV and radio stations and panels, including BBC, France 24, MBN, TRT, ART, ABC, and WITF, she collaborated with many organizations, such as universities, colleges, schools, newspapers, hospitals, and clubs. Her direct counseling and mentoring roles underscore her influence in shaping perspectives and fostering a community of informed, engaged, and empowered individuals.
Hagir Elsheikh's influence extends to the next generation through her mentorship of middle school, high school, and college students. She shapes the minds of future leaders, instilling in them the values of justice, equality, and active civic engagement.
Publications
Hagir authored a memoir titled "Through Tragedy and Triumph: A Life Well Traveled," which details her personal and professional journey. The memoir is available on Amazon.
Elizabeth Odio Benito is a lawyer and politician from Costa Rica. She served as President in the Inter-American Court of Human Rights from 2018 to 2020. She was a Vice-President of the International Criminal Court and of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. She was twice appointed Justice Minister in her home country of Costa Rica, later becoming Vice-President of the Republic. Her background is as an academic lawyer, specialising in the administration of justice and human rights, in particular the rights of women.
Dorchen A. Leidholdt is an activist and leader in the feminist movement against violence against women. Since the mid-1970s, she has counseled and advocated for rape victims, organized against "the media's promotion of violence against women", served on the legal team for the plaintiff in a precedent-setting sexual harassment case, founded an international non-governmental organization fighting prostitution and trafficking in women and children, directed the nation's largest legal services program for victims of domestic violence, advocated for the enactment and implementation of laws that further the rights of abused women, and represented hundreds of women victimized by intimate partner violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, the threat of honor killing, female genital mutilation, forced and child marriage, and the internet bride trade.
The Save Darfur Coalition was an advocacy group that attempted "to raise public awareness and mobilize a massive response to the atrocities in Sudan's western region of Darfur." Headquartered in Washington, D.C., it was a coalition of more than 190 religious, political, and human rights organizations organized to campaign for a response to the atrocities of the War in Darfur, which culminated in a humanitarian crisis. By 2013, reports indicated that the conflict had claimed approximately 300,000 lives and had displaced over 2.5 million people.
The Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) is Cambodia's oldest human rights organization. It was founded by a group of former political prisoners, led by Thun Saray in December 1991, shortly after the signing of the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements, which put an end to the long-running Cambodian Civil War.
The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA (GHRC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, humanitarian organization that monitors, documents, and reports on the human rights situation in Guatemala. GHRC advocates for survivors of human rights abuses in Guatemala, and works toward systemic change.
Dianna Mae Ortiz was an American Roman Catholic sister of the Ursuline order. While serving as a missionary in Guatemala, during its civil war, she was abducted on November 2, 1989 by members of the Guatemalan military, detained, raped, and tortured for 24 hours before being released. After her release, Ortiz reported that an American was among her captors. This part of her account could not be confirmed.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of being the voice of victims and survivors of domestic violence. Based in Denver, Colorado. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence's objective is to create a society that holds domestic abusers responsible for their activity.
Richard Zarou is a contemporary composer of concert and film music and the host of the new music podcast "No Extra Notes". Zarou is from Centreville, VA and completed his undergraduate studies at Shenandoah University in Virginia. He completed his Master of Music degree in music composition at Florida State University in 2006 and completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in music composition, again at Florida State University, in December 2008.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence in the United States. It is observed in April.
The Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International (TASSC) is a non-governmental, nonprofit organization based in the United States that works to end the practice of torture internationally and to support the survivors of torture and their families. TASSC is concerned not only with the prevention of torture but also addresses its aftermath, the individual survivor, family, community, and society. In addition to creating a worldwide network of International Communities of Healing for torture survivors and their families, TASSC also seeks to influence domestic and international policy through advocacy, social action, public testimony, and targeted media campaigns. The organization monitors human rights violations in nations where TASSC members may be at risk, operates Helping Hands, a direct assistance program for survivors, and coordinates the annual United Nations International Day in Support of Torture Victims and Survivors. TASSC was founded in 1998 by Sister Dianna Ortiz, an American survivor of torture while a missionary in Guatemala. The office of TASSC is located in Washington, D.C.
Celia Williamson is an American University of Toledo Distinguished Professor of Social Work and Executive Director of the Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute, as well as researcher and community advocate who seeks to combat domestic human trafficking and prostitution. She was named the 26th most influential social worker alive today.
Susan Kelly-Dreiss is an American women's rights and anti-violence activist. She co-founded and served as the first Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV). She helped pass the Pennsylvania Protection from Abuse Act, that state's first domestic violence law.
Women in South Sudan are women who live in and are from South Sudan. Since the Independence of South Sudan on 9 July 2011, these women have gained more power but still face issues of inequality. Many women in this area do not have adequate access to health resources and education. While these women often face inequality, there has been progress since South Sudan's official declaration of independence. In recent years, this inequality has gained national attention and people have become more interested in the issue of child marriage that this area faces. Along with this, there has started to be a focus on the very high level of maternal mortality in South Sudan. With a maternal mortality rate of 789 deaths per 100,000 live births, South Sudan has one of the highest rates in the world.
Meri Toksave is a youth-led, non-profit, non-governmental organisation that designs and delivers programmes and partnerships for the promotion and protection of human rights, the empowerment of women and girls, the advancement of gender equality, and the prevention and elimination of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in Papua New Guinea.
Vrinda Grover is a lawyer, researcher, and human rights and women's rights activist based in New Delhi, India. As a lawyer, she has appeared in prominent human rights cases and represented women and child survivors of domestic and sexual violence; victims and survivors of communal massacre, extrajudicial killings and custodial torture; sexual minorities; trade unions; and political activists.
Lois Galgay Reckitt was an American feminist and activist. Called "one of the most prominent advocates in Maine for abused women", she served as executive director of Family Crisis Services in Portland, Maine, for more than three decades.
Julienne Lusenge is a Congolese human rights activist recognized for advocating for survivors of wartime sexual violence. She is co-founder and President of Female Solidarity for Integrated Peace and Development (SOFEPADI) and director of the Congolese Women's Fund (FFC).
Rita Mahato is a Nepali women's rights activist. She works for the Women's Rehabilitation Centre (WOREC) and received the Per Anger Prize in 2014.
Emi Koyama is a Japanese-American activist, artist, and independent scholar. Koyama's work discusses issues of feminism, intersex human rights, domestic violence, and sex work among many others. Koyama is best known for her 2000 essay "The Transfeminist Manifesto", which has been republished in many anthologies and journals for transgender studies. She is a founder of the advocacy group Intersex Initiative.
Lesley McMillan, FRSE, professor of Criminology and Sociology at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), associate director of the Scottish Institute for Policing Research, and associate director of the Centre for Research in Families and Relationships based at the University of Edinburgh, researches gender-based violence and criminal justice systems. She influenced reforms in police training for best practice when dealing with traumatised rape or sexual violence survivors, and was behind a multimedia campaign "Erase the Grey" which challenges traditional views on gender-based violence.
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