Aisha AlMaadeed is a young Qatari woman on a mission to spread awareness about the environment. She is the founder of Greener Future, a youth initiative started in 2018 with the goal to promote the importance of the environment through innovative projects and by teaching people how to live sustainably.

You will often see her working hand-in-hand with different organizations to raise awareness about reducing the use of plastic and teaching the youth what environmentally friendly materials can be used as an alternative.

The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team is bringing you an exclusive Q&A with Aisha who is also a University student so you can get to know more about this inspirational young woman.

1. Do tell us about Greener Future. How did you get involved in a project like this?

Aisha: Greener Future is a youth initiative, we started in 2018. I participated in a leadership programme under ROTA (Reach Out To Asia). The main idea was to create an initiative by youth that encourages the community to change their habits and lifestyle. Greener Future is driven by Qatari youth to protect the environment from the effects of harmful materials and provide safer alternatives. I do believe that everyone can make a change for a better environment.

2. Do tell us about your childhood.

Aisha: I am the eldest in the house. I had a great childhood. Childhood is the best part of one's life because there are no responsibilities and this helps in living life with complete ease and comfort.

3. Who inspires you?

Aisha: Believe you can and you’re halfway there. My inspirations in Qatar are my mother and my aunt, Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser and Amna AlMuhannadi. Overseas, it's Oprah Winfrey, Nick Vujicic, Tony Robbins, Walt Disney and Louise Hay.

4. Who are your favourite environmentalists?

Aisha: Ghanim Al-Sulaiti, Winona Laduke, Jane Goodall and David Attenborough.

5. What are you most passionate about?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Greener Future 💚مستقبل أخضر (@greener.qa)

Aisha: Discovering and learning new things, being an environmental warrior, and making a better society. I also love volunteering because it helps me learn new skills. I am passionate about sports (yoga), reading, travelling and photography.

6. What was the hardest decision you ever had to make?

Aisha: I do believe there are always hard decisions to make. In the end, most of the decisions deserve the risk that we have taken and it’s meant to be for us.

7. If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?

Aisha: I will not do anything differently because I do believe that everything happens for a purpose. Everything will come to you at the perfect time.

8. How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

Aisha: Happy. Friendly. Motivated, Creative. Sociable.

9. What's the best thing about what you do?

Aisha: That I love what I do and believe in myself to give more. And, the most important thing is that people trust me.

Also, Greener Future helped to reduce the use of plastic in different eating places in Qatar and this is a big achievement. They were able to get recycling bins put in important places in Doha so people could recycle plastic straws and use reusable products instead.

10. What advice do you have for someone new in your field?

Aisha: Discover and learn from each other. Hold hands with other people to spread the awareness together as one team.

11. What would you like to be remembered for?

Aisha: I want to be remembered as a person who was funny, kind, caring, compassionate and a good listener. I want to have made a positive difference to others.

12. What do you think are the secrets behind getting to where you are?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aisha S. AlMaadeed (@almaadeed.a)

Aisha: I will say it again and again: believing in yourself and what you do is the most important thing.

13. What are your future plans?

Aisha: To start new projects, to develop my skills and learn new ones, to read more books and to find new passions.

14. What skills should someone in your field have?

Aisha: You should be able to learn from each other. And, also read, because it all depends on knowledge.

15. What are your hobbies?

Aisha: Reading, photography, public speaking, yoga and walking in nature.

16. What is your favourite travel destination?

Aisha: My last travel destination was Moscow and I am in love with the place. The thing that attracts me the most in the country is the green space and nature in general.

17. What are your favourite foods?

Aisha: I have been a vegetarian for the last three and a half years, and my favourite foods are poke bowls and avocado toasts.

20. Where would you like to see Qatar in the next five years?

Aisha: Qatar has been developing in the past few years. I would like to see more opportunities for the youth.

21. Is there any message you’d like to give the people in Qatar?

Aisha: Always believe in yourself and if you feel you need help, ask for help; don’t be shy. Take care of your environment and keep Qatar clean. I do believe everyone can make a huge difference towards sustainability and green living.

You can reach out to Aisha AlMaadeed here:

• Instagram: @almaadeed.a
  

Cover image provided by Aisha AlMaadeed

Did you enjoy this Who's Who in Qatar? Who would you like us to feature next? Do let us know in our comments section. Like and share the article - it keeps us going!

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar

Nabeela

Content Writer

Start a discussion