Kafia Ahmed
Partner
As an accomplished professional, with nearly a decade of experience, Kafia has a proven track record in events, programming, and project management. From producing intimate concerts to managing 250+ volunteers, her experiences have allowed her to work with the likes of MVD Inc., Life is Beautiful, JSN Studio, Rush Philanthropic, Happy Place TV, and more.
Today, Kafia passionately serves the Somali Diaspora community. Her 2013 TEDx Talk has garnered over 90,000 views and she travels back to the nation often to promote development + creativity. She also serves as an Associate Board Member of City Year Los Angeles, a non-profit "dedicated to helping students and schools succeed by providing high - impact student, classroom, and school - wide support to help students stay in school and on track to graduate".
Kafia graduated with honors from Old Dominion University (BA, International Studies) and New York University (MA, Individualized Studies). She has built a career and life centered around sharing stories, connecting people, and creating experiences.
William Rodriguez
Founder
William is the Founder and Director of RealFriends- overseeing all operations at the organization including but not limited to strategic planning, campaign development, fundraising, strategic partnerships, board development, philanthropic portfolio development and more. Under his leadership, RealFriends is supporting organizations making impacts in education- including educational access, equality, and experience; mental health access & awareness; community development- including social justice initiatives, youth workforce development, financial literacy and more.
William has over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector; is an alum of the American Express Leadership Academy- an annual convening of 72 of the nation’s most promising emerging leaders; and holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from Fordham Law.
“Driven by real life experiences, motivated by authentic relationships, to create real sustainable change.”