Conversations with Fihmiya Hamdan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fihmiya Hamdan

Hi Fihmiya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story is anything but linear, a dynamic journey layered with growth, exploration, and reinvention. It all began in the classroom, where I found my passion for teaching. At the time, I believed I had found my life’s work, dedicating myself to shaping young minds. But as the years passed, I felt an undeniable pull to step beyond the traditional classroom walls. I realized that my diverse skill set could take me further, and I became eager to discover where else my talents could flourish.

That curiosity led me to one of the most fulfilling projects of my career: working as a Business English Coach for adult learners in Italy. Stepping into this new role, I was driven by a desire to bridge cultural and language gaps, helping professionals communicate with confidence in the global marketplace. It was an eye-opening experience that expanded my understanding of education and its impact beyond academia.

Soon after, I made another leap—this time into the Real Estate industry as a Document Specialist. While the transition may seem unconventional, it was a testament to my ability to transfer skills across industries. I had no formal background in Real Estate, but I leveraged my organizational expertise, attention to detail, and communication skills to thrive in this new environment.

Fast forward to today, and my path has led me into the world of Community Management and Social Impact. In this space, I work alongside human care providers, facilitating crucial conversations and supporting them as they share knowledge and experiences. My role allows me to create immersive, collaborative environments where learning is mutual, and personal and professional growth flourish.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been anything but smooth—it’s been a true rollercoaster, full of highs and lows, moments of triumph, but also periods of doubt and overthinking. There were times when I questioned whether I was on the right path, and whether the choices I made were leading me where I truly wanted to go. And it wasn’t just my own inner voice that fueled these doubts—others questioned my decisions, too. People I thought would stand by me, and who I believed in, second-guessed my choices and underestimated my abilities.

It was painful to face that kind of skepticism, especially from those I thought would be my biggest supporters. Their doubts added weight to my own, making me question if I was truly doing what was best for my future. But even in those moments of uncertainty, there was a deeper conviction within me—a voice that reminded me I was on the right path. I knew that the decisions I made were aligned with my values, and, ultimately, I had to trust myself.

The path I chose wasn’t easy, but it was authentic. It allowed me to pursue what was not only right for my growth but also true to my core. Despite the external doubts and the internal challenges, I stuck with what felt right to me—and that, in itself, has given me a profound sense of peace. Looking back, I know I made the right choices because I honored what was best for me, not what others expected.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a Community Manager and Social Impact Advisor, I work at the intersection of Health and Wellness, Education, and Technology, collaborating with human care providers to create environments rooted in empathy and understanding. My work focuses on guiding professionals in practicing human-centered decision-making and trauma-informed care, all through a trauma-informed lens. This approach enables me to create safe, inclusive spaces where people feel heard, supported, and valued.

I’m proud to be known as a community builder, someone who deeply values the power of authentic connections. Whether personally or professionally, I thrive on building relationships that go beyond surface-level interactions, fostering trust, collaboration, and shared growth. My approach is always people-centric, prioritizing the well-being and experiences of those I work with to ensure that the communities I build are sustainable and impactful.

What sets me apart is my innate ability to connect with others. I have a natural talent for bringing people together and creating meaningful bonds that encourage collaboration and mutual understanding. My passion for community runs deep, and it’s evident in how I show up in every conversation and interaction. I am driven by the belief that by nurturing relationships and leading with compassion, we can create lasting, positive change.

What I’m most proud of is the difference I’ve made in the lives of the people I’ve worked with—the trust built, the support provided, and the communities that have flourished under my guidance. My goal is to continue using my skills and passion to create a positive social impact, ensuring that the work I do helps others thrive and makes a lasting difference for the greater good.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
In full transparency, I used to be afraid of taking risks. I would come up with countless excuses to avoid moving forward or trying something new, ultimately falling into self-sabotage. For a long time, I stayed within the safety of my comfort zone, but deep down, I knew that if I wanted to grow, I had to push past that fear. Over time, I realized that stepping out of that comfort zone was the only way to stretch myself and truly expand.

These days, I’ve become far bolder in embracing new opportunities, especially those that align with who I am and the values I hold. Being bold isn’t just about taking huge, dramatic steps—it’s about showing up, taking those small, consistent actions, and giving your best effort every single day.

One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was leaving a stable 15-year career in Education to completely shift into a different field. I took that leap even while being scared, and to say it was easy would be far from the truth. It came with many challenges, doubts, and even failures. But throughout it all, one thing remained constant: I never gave up on myself. I leaned on my faith and my trusted supporters for encouragement, knowing that I’d get through it, no matter how tough it felt in the moment.

If you were to ask me today why I do what I do, beyond wanting to make a difference, I’d simply say, “Why not?” Taking risks has allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined, and now, I’m driven by the belief that life’s greatest opportunities often lie on the other side of fear.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.notion.so/fihmiyahamdan/Community-Management-Social-Impact-Portfolio-b234357e7a344f9fbecab8e20d94492e?pvs=4
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAwmVCEo9bX6lyXZG55nD7A
• Other: https://busy-wind-8b6.notion.site/f9d0aacca0b048adb340a707c590b8c8?v=76d5eabd768a446eada3b87a106f41b9