Amina Shale

Amina Shale is a dedicated advocate for refugee, immigrant, and low-income communities in Kentucky, working to dismantle systemic barriers and promote equity. As the founder and Executive Director of the More Than a Smile Foundation, she empowers minority communities through mentorship, women’s empowerment, and community engagement. She is also the co-founder of Giving Smiles LLC and serves as Secretary for the Somali Advocacy for Justice and Equality Movement. A Ford Philanthropy Alumna, Amina earned her second master’s degree in Human Resources and Organization Development from the University of Louisville and is currently conducting independent research in Social Work, focusing on refugee resettlement. Through initiatives like Digital Smiles, she bridges generational gaps, preserves cultural heritage, and inspires youth leadership, reflecting her commitment to fostering inclusive communities.