# Hagir S. Elsheikh

Hagir S. Elsheikh is a Sudanese-American Human Rights/Woman's Rights activist, Serial Entrepreneur, Talk show Host, Producer Author & Philanthropist. She is the Chairwoman/CEO of Hagir Network, Owner/CEO of HSE Staffing Agency LLC, Founder/President of Kareem's Mission organization, and KMission TV LLC . Founder/CEO Tomorrow Smiles Organization, motivational speaker and political analyst.

## Early life

Hagir Elsheikh was born in 1977 in the small Sudanese village of Tandalti, where her father was a physician's assistant. Her father's job meant the family would often travel and share their resources with others, and they eventually relocated to the Sudanese capital Khartoum.
Growing up Elsheikh's rights were restricted from a very young age and as she neared adulthood she became one of the few female activists who spoke publicly for the Democratic Forefront. Because of her vocal opinions, Elsheikh was often detained and beaten. Security forces once hung her from a tree and beat her for 10 hours, then left her bloodied body in front of her home. Years later, the government militia detained and tortured her further and cracked her head open with a metal bar.
Hagir Elsheikh is a torture survivor, domestic violence, Gender-Based Violence survivor, and an FGM Victim. She experienced first-hand the brutal reality faced by many women in Sudan and Globally.
After repeated political violence and torture and finding she was wanted by the military junta of Omar Hassan al-Bashir, Elsheikh fled Sudan. Newly married and pregnant, she arrived in Egypt where she applied for refugee status.
These experiences have fueled her commitment to fight against these injustices, to support other survivors and become a passionate advocate for women's rights. She recently became a mother of an autistic child, which inspired her to create a non-profit Organization named after her son, Kareem, that is committed to building an inclusive world for individuals with autism across their lifespan.

## Education & career

Hagir received her first degree from Sudan University of science and technology in Electrical Engineering. Due to her political activities, she faced severe repercussions, including arrest, torture, and death threats from the regime's security apparatus. These experiences ultimately led her to seek refuge in the United States. Soon after settling in Harrisburg she attended HACC while working at a daycare and earned her CNA certificate, then continued her education to become an LPN, then a Registered Nurse and pursued higher education with a focus on healthcare and social advocacy. She earned a degree from Grand Canyon University, which laid the foundation for her future roles in clinical instruction and social justice advocacy.
In 2013, she founded HSE Staffing Agency, LLC, a healthcare staffing agency serving all of Pennsylvania. HSE provides nursing, allied healthcare, and advanced practice with many of the Commonwealth's top hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Hagir is the founder and CEO of several organizations, including:
- Kareem's Mission: A nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families.
- KMission TV LLC: An educational channel aimed at helping children with autism through fun and educational content created by early childhood experts and therapists.
Hagir also founded the nonprofit organization Tomorrow's Smile, Inc. which is aimed at combatting domestic violence. Where she serves as a domestic violence counselor and advocates for women's rights, human rights, and gender equality.
In her role as a Domestic Violence Counselor at Tomorrow's Smile Inc., Her work involves direct action, training, and support for survivors of domestic violence, law enforcement, government officials, and the community at large.
Hagir passionately supports survivors and promotes gender equality. Her work encompasses sexual assault prevention and helping victims transition to survivors, demonstrating her commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.
Hagir's advocacy extends to various humanitarian causes. She serves on the boards of several notable organizations, including HACC, Central Penn Community College, Church World Service, Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness, the YWCA, Pennsylvania Alliance Against Human Trafficking, TASSC, and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition (TASSC), and the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg (WACOH), Kareem's Mission Org. (KMO).

## Peace Building and Democratic Empowerment

Hagir's work in peacebuilding and democratic empowerment is globally recognized. She collaborates with organizations such as the United Nations, Grand Canyon University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Pennsylvania to promote dialogue and initiatives that foster peace and democratic governance. Her efforts have been instrumental in promoting peace in conflict-affected regions, especially in Sudan.
From her early struggles in Sudan to her impactful work in the United States, Elsheikh has dedicated herself to making a difference in the lives of others. Her work spans multiple organizations and platforms, through which she continues to advocate for the marginalized and inspire others to join the fight for justice and equality.

## Keynote Speaker

Hagir Elsheikh a seasoned professional motivational keynote speaker, TV/Radio commentator that draws inspiration from her journey—from overcoming domestic violence to owning her business and triumphing over early-life challenges. She skillfully connects with your audience, delivering a powerful message that inspires action. Book Hagir today for motivational speaking services that uplift, inspire, and enhance your event.
Her expertises and experiences ranging from human rights, women's rights, immigration advocacy, domestic violence, violence prevention, diversity equity and inclusion, social justice, and beyond.
* Inspiration and Motivation [https://theburgnews.com/sports-health/never-settled-hagir-elsheikh-may-have-finally-found-a-home-but-that-doesnt-mean-shes-stopped-moving]
* Autism Awareness and Support
* Women's Rights/ Human Rights [https://www.witf.org/2023/05/05/sudan-native-living-in-central-pennsylvania-talks-about-conflict-in-her-home-country/]
* Gender Equality [https://global.upenn.edu/perryworldhouse/event/women-transforming-societies-global-fight-human-rights]
* Diversity, Equity & Inclusion [https://www.clarkeforum.org/thursday-march-7-2024/]
* Cultural Sensitivity [https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/phrc/programs-and-services/education-and-outreach/phrc-events-.html]
* Immigration and Refugees [https://globalpi.org/event/webinar-case-study-sudan-internally-displaced-people-and-refugees/]
* Peace Building & Policies
* Domestic Violence
* Violence Prevention
* Gender-Based-Violence [https://wacharrisburg.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Purple-Banner-International-Womens-Day-Phone-Wallpaper.pdf]
* Women in Business [https://wordsandwins.wordpress.com/2018/12/03/meet-the-remarkable-hagir-elsheikh-a-woman-with-an-unbreakable-spirit/]
* Women's Health
* Bullying and Suicide Prevention
And Beyondis
Her ability to connect with and inspire audiences makes her an invaluable asset to any initiative.
Her engaging delivery, paired with a wealth of knowledge, makes her an ideal choice for sparking meaningful conversations and inspiring audiences.
With rich experiences as a keynote speaker, author, serial entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Hagir embodies the relentless pursuit of human rights and women's rights activism and a deep understanding and expertise in Women's Health, domestic violence, Gender-based violence, immigration, and refugees, Bullying, and suicidal prevention, Systemic racism, cultural sensitivities, Diversity Equity and inclusion, Autism, Minority women in business, Hagir's advocacy extends beyond speeches to direct action, training, and support for survivors, law enforcement, government officials and the community at large and beyond. With rich experiences as a keynote speaker, author, serial entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Hagir embodies the relentless pursuit of human rights and women's rights activism.
Through her leadership at Hagir Network, HSE Staffing Agency, KMission TV, and her foundational work with Tomorrow's Smile, Inc., Kareem's Mission, she has cemented her role as a catalyst for global change.
Through appearances on many TV and radio stations and panels, including BBC, France 24, MBN, TRT, ART, ABC, and WITF, she collaborated with many organizations, such as universities, colleges, schools, newspapers, hospitals, and clubs. Her direct counseling and mentoring roles underscore her influence in shaping perspectives and fostering a community of informed, engaged, and empowered individuals.

## Media, Articles & TV Appearances

[https://nashranews.com/?p=213]
[https://portal.clubrunner.ca/6522/bulletin/View/0af7508d-bbcf-41f6-ab04-ec7c23d828ec]
[https://global.upenn.edu/perryworldhouse/news/watch-now-women-transforming-societies-global-fight-human-rights]
[https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/phrc/programs-and-services/education-and-outreach/phrc-events-.html]
[https://x.com/WCHR_DC/status/1797322749657968677]
[https://www.washingtoncentre.org/2024/06/02/report-on-uae-intervention-in-sudan-war-crimes-and-arms-export-conference-by-amina-khan/]
[https://www.clarkeforum.org/thursday-march-7-2024/]
[https://wordsandwins.wordpress.com/2018/12/03/meet-the-remarkable-hagir-elsheikh-a-woman-with-an-unbreakable-spirit/]
[https://www.rbas-knowledgeplatform.org/Docs/10133/Doc10228.pdf]
[https://www.kaiciid.org/stories/news/inter-religious-dialogue-diversity-tolerance-and-social-cohesion-addresses-role]
[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2017&sessInd=0&billbody=H&billtyp=R&billnbr=1091&pn=4059]
[https://www.cpbj.com/2017-women-of-influence-a-g/]
[https://wacharrisburg.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Purple-Banner-International-Womens-Day-Phone-Wallpaper.pdf]

## Mentorship

Hagir Elsheikh's influence extends to the next generation through her mentorship of middle school, high school, and college students. She shapes the minds of future leaders, instilling in them the values of justice, equality, and active civic engagement.

## Publications

Hagir authored a memoir titled "Through Tragedy and Triumph: A Life Well Traveled," which details her personal and professional journey. The memoir is available on Amazon.

## Awards & Notable Achievements

* Central Penn Business Journal Woman of Influence, 2017.
* Pennsylvania Distinguished Woman, 2018
* GCU Hall of Fame, 2019
* PennLive Tribute to Black Leaders
* Founder/CEO of HSE Staffing Agency LLC and Tomorrow's Smile, Inc
* Host of "The Hagir Show" and Co-Host of "TSO Live Talk Show" [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7307324/]
* Domestic Violence Counselor and mentor [https://tomorrowssmile.org/]
* Women's Rights Advocate and keynote speaker
* Member, Board of Trustees – TSI, HACC, TASSC, CWS and WACH
* Former Clinical Instructor/Faculty – HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College [https://www.hacc.edu/AboutHACC/CollegeLeadership/Board-of-Trustees.cfm]
* Former Board member – Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness
* Former CPR/First Aid/AED Instructor – American Red Cross
* Neighbors Speaker's Bureau-CWS, Church World Services [https://cwslancaster.org/new-neighbors-speakers-bureau/]
* Recognized as a "Woman of Influence" by CPBJ in 2017 [https://www.cpbj.com/2017-women-of-influence-a-g/]
* Health Care Hero Award recipient in 2017
* Simply the Best Staffing Agency in Central Pennsylvania in 2017 and 2018
* Honored by the state of Pennsylvania in 2018 for Year of the Woman Recognition [https://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2017&sessInd=0&billbody=H&billtyp=R&billnbr=1091&pn=4059]
* Inducted into the GCU Hall of Fame in 2019 [https://news.gcu.edu/gcu-news/gcu-hall-of-famer-survived-and-then-thrived/]
* Simply the Best Community Activist in Central PA in 2019
* HACC Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient in 2019
* Featured on the cover of Business Women's Magazine in March 2020 [https://www.businesswomanpa.com/tag/hagir-elsheikh/]
* Author of "Through Tragedy and Triumph: A Life Well Traveled" [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PXZX6PT?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_ZHN7TS7MBKZTVJWNPZ1X]
* HSE Staffing nominated for the 2021 Best Place to Work
* Honored for Black History Month 2022 by PennLive and the Patriot-News
* ALC Black Excellence Community Service Award recipient in 2023
* Recognized in the Women's History Garden by WACOH and the Civic Club of Harrisburg in 2023 [https://wacharrisburg.org/womens-history-garden-induction-celebration/]
* Testimonials & other Appearances [https://hagirnetwork.com/testimonials-other-appearances/]