Raehanna Ahmed believes that the most effective way to make a difference is empowering others and amplifying the voices of the voiceless.

To help do this, she conducts research, tutors students, volunteers at the animal shelter and instructs a female-only martial arts self defense class in her community.

Ahmed, who plans to go to medical school and later work with Doctors Without Borders, said it is important to find ways to help people heal — mind, body and spirit.

Seeing the improvement in physical strength and confidence with the women in her martial arts classes, she began the UM-Dearborn Martial Arts Club. Every session is free and taught by experts and black belts, like Ahmed.

She also is focused on providing people with opportunities to better themselves because her parents gave that to her, and she realizes the impact their choices have made on her life.

“As a first generation American, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in the United States and I’d love to use my [future] medical education to help improve healthcare quality,” Ahmed said, adding that she especially would like to work in Yemen, where many of her family still reside, and help fight the current famine.

She realizes that getting to that goal will take time. In the meantime, Ahmed looks for ways to make a difference wherever she is.

“One of my inspirations is [friend and colleague] Dhyana Guntur, who once told me, ‘Every small change can make a ripple effect in someone else’s life.’ I live by that quote.”