SOMALI MUSEUM - Key Persons
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".
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Owner of Kalkaal Home Care
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
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.
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Communications Director
Amal Mohamed is a a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota, with a degree in communications and sociology. Born and raised in Minnesota, shes an experienced Director Of Marketing and Communications with a demonstrated history of working in the museums and institutions industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Program Development, Exhibit Curation, Event Planning, Directing Talent, and Public Speaking.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Accountant
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Board Member / Social Worker, Somali Senior Center, Minneapolis
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Manager of Outreach Services, Minnesota Historical Society
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board of Directors
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.
Job Titles:
- Collections Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Program Assistant and Gallery Guide
As an art historian and enthusiast, Ginger stepped into the Collections Management role in April 2019 with a B. A. in Art History and a minor in Museum Studies from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI. In her free time, she performs as a Human Statue, knits and volunteers at the Weisman Museum as a gallery guide. In addition to being in charge of the Somali Museum Collection of art and artifacts, she coordinates volunteers and interns for events and is the contact for programs at the museum including: Travelling Exhibit, Somali 101, Weaving Workshops & Tours.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Development Director
- Artist
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.
Job Titles:
- Secretary of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Founder, the Hmong Museum / Mulki Hussein Community Development Specialist
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- Advisor
- Founder and CEO, Neighborhood Development Center / Nasra Noor Community Organizer, Common Bond Communities
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Program Director - Youth & Performance
Mohamoud Osman Mohamed plans and directs special events including the Somali Museum anniversary celebrations, storytelling events, and developed the Somali Museum Dance Troupe program and the talk show Manta Iyo Mohamoud. Mohamoud is also a licensed school counselor at Roosevelt High School supporting students by addressing their academic, career and social/emotional developmental needs. Mohamoud holds a Master of Science in Education in School Counseling degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Prior to joining the Somali Museum team, he was a philanthropist coordinating and promoting fundraising events for drought victims of Somalia, and children with degenerative diseases. Mohamoud is dedicated to community service and has a history of coordinating events, including the Somali Independence Day festival in Minnesota and more.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Founder, the Hmong Museum / Mulki Hussein Community Development Specialist
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Founder
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.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Teaching Specialist, University of MN Twin Cities - African Studies, Internationally - Acclaimed Poet, Performer, and Cultural Historian