The People Behind the Mission
Our Leadership & Board
Guiding the foundation with fierce dedication towards a more inclusive, accessible, and supportive world.
Board of Directors
Voices of Change
Meet our dedicated board members who steer the strategic and operational helm of the We Are Special Foundation.
Shamsiyyah Umar
Founder & Executive Director
Inspired to help others after experiencing disability at age 11, focusing on rights and inclusion.
Dr Idris Saminu
Board Chairman
Advising and guiding the foundation's strategic humanitarian interventions and governance.
Shamsideen Umar
Board Secretary / Deputy Coordinator
Coordinating operational activities and maintaining internal board administration.
Our Philosophy
Core Leadership Values
The fundamental principles guiding our board's decisions and interventions.
Unwavering Integrity
Maintaining total transparency and accountability internally and towards all external stakeholders.
Empathetic Inclusion
Recognizing that true community grows when absolutely everyone is equally valued despite circumstances.
Collaborative Synergy
Amplifying impact by heavily engaging alongside partners, local governments, and international NGOs.
Connect With Our Leadership
We actively seek sponsorship and synergistic partnerships with state governments, structural agencies, and international NGOs to magnify our operational outreach.