Board of Directors
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Mohamoud Abdullahi Mohamed, Chair
Teacher, Ubah Medical Academy Dr. Abdulfatah Mohamed, Secretary Public Health Professional, Minnesota Department of Health Bashir Sheikh, Accountant Manager, Baz Accounting Busad Ali Kheyr, Board Member Social Worker, Somali Senior Center, Minneapolis Asha Hibad, Board Member Director, Somali Senior Center, Minneapolis Mohamed Ahmed Salad, Board Member Former Chair, Confederation of Somali Community Abdullahi Samater, Board Member School Security Officer, Ubah Medical Academy Kate Roberts (Ph D, Art History) , Board Member Senior Exhibit Developer, Minnesota Historical Society Lisa Friedlander, Board Member Project Specialist, Minnesota Historical Society |
Somali Museum Board members visit the Minnesota Historical Society. Pictured: Busad Kheyre, Osman Ali, Daniel Spock (not a board member), Asha Hibad
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Advisors
Said Salah Ahmed, Teaching Specialist, University of MN Twin Cities – African Studies, Internationally-acclaimed poet, performer, and cultural historian
Scott Pollock Director of Exhibitions, Collections, and Programs, American Swedish Institute
Jan-Lodewijk Grootaers Curator of African Art, Minneapolis Institute of Arts
David Grabitske Manager of Outreach Services, Minnesota Historical Society
Mihailo Temali Founder and CEO, Neighborhood Development Center
Nasra Noor Community Organizer, CommonBond Communities
Mai Vang Founder, The Hmong Museum
Mulki Hussein Community Development Specialist
Abdiwabi Hussien Entrepreneur, Home Care Owner
Scott Pollock Director of Exhibitions, Collections, and Programs, American Swedish Institute
Jan-Lodewijk Grootaers Curator of African Art, Minneapolis Institute of Arts
David Grabitske Manager of Outreach Services, Minnesota Historical Society
Mihailo Temali Founder and CEO, Neighborhood Development Center
Nasra Noor Community Organizer, CommonBond Communities
Mai Vang Founder, The Hmong Museum
Mulki Hussein Community Development Specialist
Abdiwabi Hussien Entrepreneur, Home Care Owner
Staff
Osman Mohamed Ali Founder and Executive Director A recognized cultural expert and Somali community leader, Osman has carried out research in Somali cultural history in Somalia, Yemen, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States for over 30 years. Osman manages the Somali Museum's independent financial activities, oversees gallery operations, runs staff meetings, directs program initiatives, and builds strategic partnerships worldwide. Osman is an experienced businessman and manager, having started and operated three successful businesses since moving to the Twin Cities 22 years ago. Osman is recognized worldwide for his role preserving and advancing Somali traditional culture, with appearances at Somali Week London, the Mogadishu Book Fair, Somali Week / Bristol UK, Somali Students Association National Conference, International Somali Awards, and more. Osman has worked in collaboration with governments and national museums in 4 countries. |
Khadijah Muse Development Director Khadijah (Zahra) Muse is a contemporary artist and organizer based in Minneapolis, MN. Khadijah holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from University of Minnesota, and has an extensive background in community and economic development, working previously as an organizer with West Bank Business Association and as an advocate on many community arts advisory boards. Khadijah is also a founding member of the arts collective Soomaal House of Art. Khadijah previously coordinated the Somali Museum's exhibition Somalis + Minnesota in partnership with Minnesota History Center. Khadijah is a visual artist who works in several media, including photography, woodworking, sculpture, and installation; understanding the power of art, Khadijah creates opportunities for other Somali artists. As Development Director, Zahra is leading the Somali Museum in expanding partnership, building a network of supporters, and cultivating a sustainable base for the Museum to live long into the future. |
Adan Dirie Program Director - Public Programs Adan Dirie has lived in Saint Paul, MN since 2006. He has a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Metropolitan State University, and is active in the Twin Cities' Somali language and literary community. An organizer of the annual Afka Hooyo/Mother Tongue Day event at the University of Minnesota, Adan is committed to culture and language preservation in the diaspora. Adan also writes and performs Somali poetry. At the Somali Museum, Adan oversees program scheduling, partner relationships, and public programs. |
Mohamoud Osman Mohamed
Program Director - Youth & Performance Mohamoud Osman Mohamed plans and directs special events including the Somali Museum Anniversary, storytelling events, and the Somali Museum Dance Troupe. Mohamoud holds a B.S. in Business and a specialization in healthcare management. Prior to joining the team, he was a philanthropist coordinating and promoting fundraising events for drought victims of Somalia, and children with degenerative diseases. Mohamoud has a history of coordinating events, including assisting with the Somali Independence Day festivals, award ceremonies, and stage plays. |
Abdirahman Hassan
Gallery Guide & Accessibility Coordinator Abdirahman Hassan is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a Master's in Nursing and a B.A. in Biology, Society and Environment / History of Medicine. He moved to Minnesota in 2004 after leaving his hometown of Mombasa, Kenya. In Kenya, Abdirahman lived between languages, and never had the chance to learn the Somali language. He learned Arabic to read the Quran, and he learned Swahili to do well in school. In the U.S, he had to learn English. After taking Somali at the University of Minnesota, he gained appreciation for his language and culture. Abdirahman says, "I enjoy working at the museum because I learn about my ancestors, their crafts, their history and the culture of my people. It is pleasing to know one's self and this is what the museum allows me to do". |
Gabriel Drummond
Gallery Guide & Office and Collections Manager Gabriel (Gabby) Drummond is a sophomore at the University of Minnesota, majoring in Animal Science with a Pre-Vet Emphasis. Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gabby's background is in conservation education and youth education. Before coming to Minnesota she worked at the Philadelphia Zoo for 5 years in the education department and was assistant head counselor at a community summer camp. At the Somali Museum she gives tours to guests, manages the collection catalogue, and is studying artifact care. When not giving tours she has taken a special liking to inventorying the museums hundreds of artifacts. |
Amal Mohamed
Communications and Outreach Manager Amal Mohamed is a Junior at the University of Minnesota, double majoring in communications and sociology. Born and raised in Minnesota, she has a passion for public speaking, marketing, and mentoring diverse youth. At the Somali Museum, Amal is head of managing and marketing for all merchandise and books, including original publications. When she isn’t giving a tour, she is working behind the scenes in creating multiple connections with the community through advertisements and social media. |
Sarah Larsson
Outreach and Development Director (emeritus) An anthropologist and community advocate, Sarah has studied and served in community development in East Africa, Eastern Europe, and the United States. Sarah earned a B.A. and M.A. in Anthropology from Yale University, where she conducted research in the cultural anthropology of Africa. Sarah oversees publicity activities and fundraising, manages the Somali Museum’s social media presence, designs press materials, initiates strategic partnerships for the Somali Museum, and conducts outreach to non-Somali Minnesotans. |