Insights from Bismah Ahmed’s Panel Session at The John Hopkins Urban Health Institutes Bunting Neighborhood Leadership Program
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The John Hopkins Urban Health Institutes Bunting Neighborhood Leadership Program recently hosted a captivating panel session, featuring the accomplished Bismah Ahmed, who is not only Miss DC America 2022 but also serves as the Vice President of Virginia Government Affairs for AOBA (Apartment and Office Building Association). Kadmiel van der Puije, the distinguished Founder of Dervan Solutions and CEO of The Voice of Africa, expertly moderated this engaging discussion.
Bismah Ahmed, a remarkable woman with a diverse portfolio of achievements, shared valuable insights during the panel. Her role as Vice President of Virginia Government Affairs at AOBA involves serving as one of AOBA’s registered lobbyists before the Virginia General Assembly, executive agencies, and local governments in Northern Virginia. Her experiences as both a beauty queen and a professional lobbyist gave rise to an intriguing and insightful discussion.
One of the standout points Bismah Ahmed shared during the session was her unique approach to interview preparation. She revealed that, contrary to the common practice of rehearsing answers meticulously, she takes short breaks in between answering questions, especially when faced with inquiries she didn’t anticipate. These breaks allow her to think through her responses effectively, ensuring she projects confidence and authenticity during interviews.
In her role as a lobbyist, Ahmed deals with high-pressure situations regularly, making her an expert in maintaining composure under stress. She generously shared her tips and techniques for staying calm and collected during interviews, even when faced with challenging or unexpected questions. Her advice proved invaluable for all aspiring leaders and interviewees in the audience.
Additionally, Bismah Ahmed stressed the significance of body language and non-verbal cues in effective communication. During the panel, she offered valuable advice for conveying confidence and professionalism through one’s body language, an essential aspect of making a lasting impression during interviews.
Bismah Ahmed’s journey from being Miss DC America 2022 to her influential role as a lobbyist opened doors to various media platforms, including appearances on Fox 5 DC, NBC, and ABC. Her experiences as a beauty queen and lobbyist underscored the importance of projecting confidence and authenticity, whether on a beauty pageant stage or in a corporate setting.
In conclusion, Bismah Ahmed’s panel session at The John Hopkins Urban Health Institutes Bunting Neighborhood Leadership Program was a tremendous success, providing the audience with practical and insightful advice on interview preparation, composure under pressure, and effective communication through body language. Her experiences and expertise served as a source of inspiration and guidance for all, reaffirming the idea that projecting confidence and authenticity can truly open doors to success in diverse fields.
