Turning Personal Experience Into Global Impact

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Ahmed Hajj. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light. 

Ahmed Hajj channels his passion for service into leadership with the Perception Foundation, where he serves on the executive board overseeing partnerships and fundraising efforts. Over the past several years, he has helped expand the organization’s reach through sensory rooms, classroom reading programs and donations of sensory items that support children with neurodivergence and families. Inspired by his cousin’s experience navigating limited autism resources as part of an immigrant family, Ahmed became determined to make support more accessible for others. He is helping drive the foundation toward its goal of reaching 1 million people impacted.

For Ahmed, volunteering is about proving that young people belong at the center of change. He encourages students to reject the idea that they are “too young” to lead and instead use voices and energy to strengthen their communities. Whether joining an existing nonprofit or starting something entirely new, Ahmed believes action begins when people stop waiting for someone else to solve a problem. Through his leadership, he is showing a new generation that service is not defined by age, but by commitment, compassion and persistence.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Ahmed? Find local volunteer opportunities.