Meet Ikran

Ikran Ahmed is a RISE AmeriCorps Member serving her second term with EMBARC in Des Moines.

Born in Minnesota, Ikran grew up in small-town Iowa. Ikran’s parents fled war in Somalia and came to the United States as refugees. 

Ikran later moved to Des Moines and connected with the Somali community. She studied human services at DMACC and pursued a bachelor’s degree at the University of Iowa. Ikran also interned at the Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Center. As an intern, Ikran enjoyed advocating for and learning about resources for the community, especially for people with little experience speaking English.

She joined RISE because she was interested in EMBARC’s work assisting and advocating for the immigrant and refugee community.

“I really like the work that I do as a member. I think it’s very meaningful.”