About the author

Amirah Houry (she) is head of philanthropy and partnerships at Mary’s Meals. Originally from Macon, Georgia, Amirah moved to London after serving in the Peace Corps in Moldova. Like many fundraisers, she fell into the profession and began her career at a consultancy advising charities and high-net-worth individuals on fundraising and giving strategies. Since then, Amirah has worked with international development organisations, setting up high-net-worth philanthropy programmes. Coming from a Caribbean and Arab background, Amirah is passionate about fundraising for causes that prioritise localised approaches to development, decision-making rooted in lived experience, and community-driven change.