Inspiring others to conquer adversity, Khadija Glba received a Pride of Australia award in 2009

KHADIJA Glba draws on her experience as a refugee to inspire others.

KHADIJA Glba draws on her experience as a refugee to inspire others.

Ms Glba, 26, of Fullarton, is a leader in her community of African migrants.

In 2009, her contribution was recognised with a Pride of Australia Young Leader Award.

Pride of Australia, a News Corp SA campaign celebrating local heroes, is in its 10th year.

Ms Glba, who came to Adelaide from Gambia when she was 12, runs her own cultural consultancy where she liaises with government agencies to develop multicultural programs.

She is also a motivational speaker, provides cultural training for organisations and mentors young people.

Although she is proud of her achievements, she says the real joy comes from sharing her story and helping others learn from it.

“It is nice to have recognition but I always say this whole journey started because I was just a kid that came to Australia as a refugee,” Ms Glba said.

“I was the only black kid at my school, settling in wasn’t easy, English wasn’t my first language, I was constantly sick, I was depressed and I really had it tough.

“I wanted to escape, so I found volunteering as a release and it has changed my life so much.”

She wants others to realise their journey is what they make it and to look at the positives.

“In Africa, I always wondered whether I would live to see the next hour,” Ms Glba said.

“Or whether I was going to be sold to some guy who had five wives or whether I would be made to have kids when I turned 15.

“So after all these years of Australia helping me and giving me amazing opportunities, I want to just give back to the country that has given me so much.”

Ms Glba has also won Young African Australian and Young South Australian of the Year 2011, an Amnesty International Human Rights award in 2013 and she was also on the Multicultural Human Rights Honour Roll in 2012.

Her dream is to travel the world speaking and inspiring people to conquer adversity.

“It’s not what happens to us — because everyone has bad things happen to them — it’s about what we choose to do with that situation that’s going to inspire our lives,” she said.

“I want to make the world a better place so advocating is always going to be a big part of my life.”