Assim Salih is an entrepreneur and former humanitarian aid worker specializing in war emergency responses. Currently, Assim is focusing on DeNaio, a hands-on banking app for young people. DeNaio was designed to teach 12-17-year-olds about money and financial literacy. Assim designed the app because he was concerned about the financial future of children.
As an emergency humanitarian responder, Assim led and managed emergency operations on the frontlines and in conflict zones worldwide. Over the last 19 years, he has been on 23 missions. “My team and I saved people in need. We would deliver drinking water to remote villages, treat and evacuate wounded children, and provide food to families.” Part of the work included building air bridges, fixing roads, and driving in convoys for long periods of time. But Assim was up for the challenge of working in life-threatening conditions. “I needed to accept the risks because we were under constant shelling and flying bullets. We would have to deal with wild animals, landmines and other dangerous environments.”
His former role as an aid worker brought him a lot of fullfillment. “Rescuing civilians out of life-threatening situations, saving lives, protecting minors from human predators, ensuring the dignity of vulnerable women, and seeing the smile on children’s faces brought me a lot of satisfaction.”
Extracurriculars
Assim has a passion for travel. He has traveled all over the world learning about new cultures and languages.
He also loves cooking and experimenting with recipes, trying new dishes. Cooking helps him to relieve pressure, and recharge. “I delight in the joy of preparing meals and sharing with others,” he says. “I am lucky that I travel a lot all over the world, which gives me the opportunity to learn many cultural food and recipes.”
In his free time, he also loves reading, as well as playing soccer, volleyball, and chess.
Why we love Assim
Assim is a new addition to the Cowork Frederick family. As we have gotten to know Assim, it’s clear that he is the kind of person who lives out his values. He is humble, kind, and honest. We admire Assim for his contributions to the world of humanitarian aid and his dedication to helping those in need.
Q&A with Assim
What inspires you and keeps you going?
Every morning when I wake up, I remind myself about the difference between me and all the other living animals. Therefore, I refuse just to live and die. I have to make a difference and participate in human development.
Cowork Frederick members tend to be a little unconventional. How does that apply to you?
I always try to maintain a positive attitude and adapt to any situation, no matter how challenging the living conditions are. I am not afraid or hesitant to make a decision, no matter what. However, at any point I felt it was the wrong decision, I admit my mistake and try to fix it, then I’ll face the consequence, if any. As a leader, I’m fully responsible for failures or mistakes, but we share all the success and credit as a team. Finally, I try not to let my emotions and feeling cloud my judgment. I try to remain rational.
Which of the guiding values defined by Cowork Frederick members speaks to you?
Resilience. Life is tough, so be resilient. Be persistent, as nothing is impossible under the sun.
Any tips for running a business?
- Do not build a business that only provides you with a good income and comfortable life. Build a legacy that can be transferred to the next generations.
- Wherever you are, pass your knowledge and skills to others to ensure continuity with or without you.
Why Cowork Frederick?
It is interesting to be in a place with people from all different backgrounds, cultures, and professions to exchange life experience, knowledge and skills. We share laughter and good moments. Frederick Cowork, in particular, is a positive and healthy place where I greatly enjoy it.
For those who want to learn more, how can you be reached?
You can find Assim Salih on LinkedIn.
About the author:
Bethany Good is the founder of Good Writing Co., which provides professional writing, developmental book editing, book coaching, and ghostwriting services. Her writing has appeared in Innovation and Tech Today, Columbia Inspired Magazine, and Frederick Lifestyle Magazine (among others). Bethany works with authors to help guide them through the book-writing process so that they can finally finish their memoirs or nonfiction books. Specializing in eldercare, dementia, and Alzheimer’s, she also works with home health businesses to provide content and resources for their patients and families. Bethany is also a dedicated wife and mother to two active kids. In her limited time, she enjoys gardening, long nature walks, reading, cooking, and snuggling with her Boston Terrier, Scout.
About Cowork Frederick
Cowork Frederick’s mission is to be a catalyst for the success of freelancers, remote workers, and entrepreneurs by creating ways for them to come together to work, share ideas, and support each other. Our diverse coworking community consists of people from many backgrounds and professions. We provide a work-friendly environment, meeting rooms, and the usual office amenities at an affordable price. More important, members of our coworking community benefit from a support infrastructure, a chance to connect with and help others, and a place to belong. For many, it’s just a better way to work.