Balqies Mohamed is a 17-year-old Somali-American living in Portland, Maine. When she is not doodling over her calculus homework, Balqies finds herself engaged in other school-related activities. Besides being Student Body President, Balqies is an active member of her school’s Debate Team, Muslim Student Association, and Environmental Club. Since freshman year, Balqies has been an avid participant with Portland Empowered. As Youth Lead Organizer (YLO), she has been working with Portland Public Schools to eradicate racist and discriminatory practices with the district. Within the past year, Portland Empowered has taken on restorative justice as on way to make our schools a more anti-racist, safe environment.
