Board of Directors
Mahad Dahir
Mahad Dahir was raised in Oregon and Washington by refugee parents from Somalia. Inspired by his own autism diagnosis, Mahad is passionate about advancing accessibility, inclusion, and equity for all. His work is rooted in advocacy, empowerment, and mentorship, with a strong commitment to creating a future where everyone has access to opportunity.
Mahad has helped support efforts that promote inclusive policies and accessibility-centered change. He also made history as the first student from an inclusive neurodiversity program to be elected to student government at Highline College. He now attends the University of Washington, where he studies law, politics, and applied computing, placing him at the growing intersection of technology, accessibility, and public service.
Through his leadership and lived experience, Mahad is committed to ensuring that communities have equitable access to resources, representation, and opportunity today and for future generations.
In his free time, Mahad enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest, participating in community events, and spending time with his family.
Ubax Gardhere
Abdirahman A. Yussuf
Abdi Ahmed
Abdi Ahmed is a Senior Family and Community Advocate at the shoreline school district, a program that specializes in early education and development.
Abdi has a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in International Community Development. He is the founder of the Ethio-Eritrean parent support Group and is a member of the King County House eviction Advisory committee, He is also the director of Capacity Building at the Ethiopian Muslim Association in Seattle. Abdi is multilingual speaking 5 languages and dialects and enjoys outdoor activities
including hiking and long walks in his free time.
Fatima Abdinasir
Fatima Abdinasir has a passion for community work and continually works to advocate for children and families in our community.
Fatima works with Somali Health Board as a home visitor working with pregnant mothers and our youngest children and is a consultant with DCYF providing coaching and technical assistance to family home childcare providers. Fatima has a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
Amina Elmi
Amina is the board president. A mother of three active and joyful boys, Amina Elmi is an advocate for early education and aspires to become a school counselor. She has a bachelor’s degree in human development and a Minor in Psychology.
Serving as the Family support specialist for the Highline School District Early Learning, Amina works with families to ensure barrier-free access and support for families enrolled in the Highline School District Early Learning Program. Amina is passionate about children and believes that when children succeed in school and life, the benefits for the broader community are great.