Adam Hummel is a lawyer and founder of Youth Ambassadors for Peace. YAP is a grassroots peace-building project and youth group based in the rural village of Matongo in Western Kenya. The project was born in the aftermath of Kenya’s 2008 post-election violence, and is designed to both empower and bring together youths affected by that civil conflict. In the last five years, those Kenyans involved with YAP have helped initiate ten high school peace clubs, a drama troupe, annual soccer tournaments and peace workshops, peace caravans, and a chicken farm dedicated to helping those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.

Adam graduated from York University with a degree in history and political science, and studied law at the University of Windsor. He is currently a practicing lawyer in Toronto. Much of his down time is spent corresponding with those who maintain YAP and its various projects, and reading and writing about Africa. Last year Adam published a book about his project entitled Amani Haki Yetu: Peace Is Our Right, the proceeds of which go directly to YAP. In 2013 he was recognized as one of the top 20 under 40 in Toronto’s Jewish community, and in 2012 was awarded the Tikkun Olam (fixing the world) Award for Young Leadership by Ve’ahavta, a Toronto based charity.

Prior to becoming a lawyer, Adam worked as a tour guide for the Big Bus Company in London, England for a year. He enjoys scuba diving, skiing, traveling, and finding Toronto’s best fish tacos.