Meet the 2024 ATLANTA CONFERENCE Civic and Public Leadership
Ahmed Mahdi Hussein
Ahmed Mahdi Hussein is an experienced and accomplished leader in the United States (U.S.) Federal government. He served in senior leadership, including strategic planning, finance and budgeting, risk and asset management. Currently, he is serving as a Program Director in the Information Security and Privacy Service at the FAA. He has over 20 years of experience in homeland and national security challenges, developing innovations and solutions, as well as leading teams. Recently, Ahmed ran for the school board in Fairfax County, Virginia, emphasizing his dedication to civic leadership.
Lula Dualeh
Lula Dualeh is a first generation Somali-American Muslim woman who currently lives in Charlotte, NC. Lula is a communication strategist that works at the intersection of digital, political and organizing campaigns. She was the first Muslim woman to run for public office in the state of North Carolina and currently serves as the 2nd Vice-President of the first Muslim Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party. As a lifelong Democrat, she prioritizes all marginalized groups to help push for a more progressive North Carolina and United States. Lula is also the founder of SIYAA, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement, education and leadership of immigrants and Muslims within the American political process in North America.
Ayan Warsame
Ayan Warsame has an extensive background in managing nonprofit organizations. Currently, she serves as an executive director at a nonprofit organization dedicated to housing legislation and policies for marginalized communities. Ayan has a background as a campaign strategist and manager, securing wins in two city council elections and a mayoral campaign. Ayan specializes in coordinating campaign staff, fundraising, arranging events, and managing public appearances to advocate for candidates' policies and causes.
Senator Kayse Jama
Senator Kayse Jama is a State Senator Representing District 24 in Oregon. As the first former refugee, Black Muslim, and Somali-American in the Oregon State Senate, Senator Jama represents one of Oregon’s most diverse districts. Currently, he chairs the Senate Housing and Development Committee and holds positions on several other influential committees. With a rich background in nonprofit leadership and advocacy, Senator Jama is committed to empowering the diverse populations within his district. erica (SLPA) was founded in 1995 by a group of community members who recognized the need for a local organization dedicated to helping homeless individuals. Since then, we have grown into a thriving nonprofit, serving hundreds of individuals each year.
Moderated By:
Mohamed Gulaid, UX Researcher