Check Out DEF's Newest Angel, Rahma M. (PHOTOS)

Since its founding in 2007, The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) has sought to improve the lives of Africans who live in diamond producing countries by funding educational opportunities for underserved citizens. It’s a type of compassionate capitalism where the flow of wealth and resources travel in both directions, not just one way: out. 

To create outreach and visibility of the program, DEF has established an ambassadorship program championed by influential models and world citizens who seek to spread information and awareness of DEF’s mission. Dubbed "Africa Angels" their ranks include American model Selita Ebanks, Tanzanian model Flaviana Matata, American celebrity Kim Kardashian, and South African model Nicola Breytenbach-Steiner.

Recently a new African Angel was added to DEF, Rahma M., a Saudia Arabian-born Norway-raised Somali model. 

GlobalGrind spoke to Rahma M. earlier this week about her work with DEF and her time in Norway, on the eve of the DEF's latest Text to Give campaign, an initiative that allows folks to donate to DEF via text messaging.    

Here’s some of what was said.

You were raised in Norway?

I was! My family is actually from Somalia. My dad is actually three-quarters Kenyan and I was born in Saudi Arabia because my dad was working there at the time. By the time we were supposed to go back to Somalia the war started and we couldn’t really stay, so we immigrated to Norway, out of all places. I did my schooling in there and really feel lucky to have been afforded a great education. I’ve been in London since, just studying. I recently finished my degree so I’m quite happy.   

Congratulations!

Thank you! 

Can you talk a little bit about your parents? Your father worked for the Red Cross. 

He used to work for the Red Cross, I guess that's why I am so compelled to help others.  

And your altruistic spirit comes from watching him work?

Yes, from watching him work and just watching what he does and the type of people he worked with. My dad was really accomplished, he spoke about seven languages and he helped us come to Norway. He made it his priority to help other people while working for the Red Cross. When we were in Norway, I would sometimes go work with him and just see what he does. I’ve always felt like I’m morally responsible to do something because I’ve been given that opportunity. I wanted to get a degree within Peace and Conflict and try to change things around rather than just send money to solve a solveable issue. 

So your early education is in Norway and you moved to London to study Peace and Conflict at what University?

Metropolitan University.  There’s two universities in London that does Peace and Conflict studies so I went to one of them which was in London.