Biography:
Isra Hirsi, born on February 22, 2003, is an American environmental activist who has made significant contributions to the youth climate change movement. As a co-founder and former co-executive director of the U.S. Youth Climate Strike, Hirsi has played a pivotal role in mobilizing students across the United States to take action against climate change. Her dedication and activism have earned her recognition and highlighted her as a prominent figure in the fight for environmental justice.
Hirsi’s upbringing and early life experiences have shaped her passion for advocacy. She is the daughter of Somali American U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Ahmed Abdisalan Hirsi. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Hirsi witnessed the multicultural vibrancy and the impact of climate change on her own community. These experiences, coupled with the influence of her mother’s political career, fueled her determination to address the pressing environmental issues facing the world.
At the age of 12, Hirsi began her journey as an activist, standing up against gun violence during a protest for justice in the case of Jamar Clark at the Mall of America. This early involvement in social justice movements foreshadowed the path she would later pursue. Hirsi attended Minneapolis South High School, where she further honed her activism skills and developed a keen interest in environmental issues. Joining the school’s environmental club in her freshman year, she became acutely aware of the urgency of climate change and its adverse effects on marginalized communities.
In 2019, Hirsi made significant strides in her activism by coordinating the organization of numerous student-led strikes across the United States. On March 15 and May 3, 2019, hundreds of students participated in these strikes, demanding urgent action from policymakers and raising public awareness about the climate crisis. In January 2019, Hirsi co-founded the U.S. Youth Climate Strike, the American arm of a global youth climate change movement. Assuming the role of co-executive director, she worked tirelessly to mobilize and empower young people in the fight against climate change.
Hirsi’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, and she has received recognition for her impactful work. In 2019, she was awarded the prestigious Brower Youth Award, which celebrates young environmental activists who demonstrate exceptional leadership. The following year, she was named in Fortune’s 40 Under 40 Government and Politics list, solidifying her position as an influential figure in the climate change movement. Hirsi’s dedication to raising awareness about the climate crisis and advocating for environmental justice has made a lasting impact on society, inspiring others to take action.
Continuing her pursuit of higher education, Hirsi enrolled in Barnard College of Columbia University in the fall of 2021. Armed with her passion for activism and a commitment to creating a more sustainable future, she will undoubtedly make further contributions to the fight against climate change.
Awards:
– Brower Youth Award (2019)
– Fortune’s 40 Under 40 Government and Politics list (2020)