Today we’d like to introduce you to Abdi Mohamoud.
Hi Abdi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I arrived in San Diego in 1982 as a refugee and have lived in San Diego County ever since. I was fortunate to receive a great education, beginning in elementary school and continuing through graduate studies, ultimately earning a master’s degree in management from the University of Redlands School of Business.
In 1995, I was part of a small group of community activists who founded the Horn of Africa Community. I initially served as a board member before becoming Executive Director in 1999. Over the past 30 years, the organization has grown into one of San Diego’s most respected and effective nonprofits serving refugees and immigrants.
In addition to my work with the Horn of Africa Community, I contribute to several prestigious boards, including The External Advisory Board to the Dean of the College of Education at San Diego State University, the Bank of America Small Advisory Council, Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) and I currently chair the Minnesota Institute for Horn of Africa Studies.
I currently live in Rancho San Diego with my wife and our three sons.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Coming into a new environment and unfamiliar surroundings was always a challenge. When I arrived in San Diego, I did not speak English and had to adapt quickly because everything around me was in English. Since I was young, I was able to learn the language through elementary school and by watching television shows.
Another challenge was adjusting to the cultural norms in the United States. I remember being a young boy in the fifth grade and not participating in many school activities because I did not understand what was going on. Over time, however, I learned to adapt, became more confident, and found ways to connect with my classmates and community.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the Horn of Africa Community
, we provide culturally and linguistically responsive programs that promote economic mobility, education, health, family stability, and community empowerment. Every year, we support thousands of individuals and families through initiatives focused on early childhood education, youth and family services, workforce development, microenterprise and small business support, refugee integration, housing navigation, and access to health and social services.
My leadership is rooted in both professional experience and lived experience. As someone who arrived in San Diego as a refugee, I understand firsthand many of the barriers immigrant and refugee families face, including language access, cultural adjustment, educational inequities, and economic hardship. Those experiences continue to shape and guide the work we do every day at the Horn of Africa Community. I strongly believe that community-centered solutions, trusted relationships, and culturally informed services are essential to helping families build stable, healthy, and successful futures.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I truly enjoy reading and make it a priority in my daily life. Because of my busy schedule, I often listen to audiobooks and try to complete at least the summary of one book each day. I see reading to continue learning, growing, and gaining new perspectives.
I especially enjoy motivational, political, and sports books because they often contain valuable life lessons about leadership, perseverance, discipline, and overcoming adversity. Many of these stories remind me that success is rarely easy and that resilience and determination are essential to achieving meaningful goals.
I am also deeply interested in reading about great historical figures and the challenges they faced throughout their lives. I find inspiration in learning how leaders, activists, and influential individuals overcame hardship, uncertainty, and failure while remaining committed to their vision and purpose. Their experiences provide important lessons about courage, sacrifice, and the importance of serving others. You can also learn a lot about the dark side of humanity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hornafrica.org/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdi-mohamoud-5690772b/
