Our Director
Mulki Hussein is the Director of Somali Parent Academy, where she champions the cause of K-12 education performance and advocates for meaningful family engagement in the community. As a single parent who has successfully raised six children in Minnesota, Mulki embodies the values of hard work, resilience, and the importance of education. Her dedication to her children's academic success is matched by her commitment to improving educational outcomes for all students. With a passion for transforming lives through education, Mulki's leadership at Somali Parent Academy is driven by her desire to see every child thrive and reach their full potential. Her journey as a parent and educator is a testament to her strength, determination, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of families in her community.
Our History
The Somali Parent Academy (SPA) was established by a dedicated group of Somali community leaders and professionals who recognized the urgent need for specializedsupport services for Somali immigrants resettling in Minnesota. These founders generously offered their expertise, volunteering time and resources to assist new immigrants in navigating the challenges of their new environment. Their efforts were focused on facilitating access to quality education and health services, providing crucial translation and interpretation services, and helping these newcomers integrate into the community through social welfare support and employment opportunities.
Our Approach
SPA is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the lives of Somali families and other Horn of Africa immigrants through educational, healthcare, and socio-economic empowerment. Our work is rooted in a deep-seated belief in the potential of these communities to thrive, both locally and globally. By providing support and resources, SPA aims to light a path of hope and opportunity for marginalized groups in Minnesota, fostering a sense of belonging and success.
Our Mission
Our mission at SPA is to uplift and empower Somali families by advocating for sustainable development, social justice, and human rights within Minnesota. We engage in community-driven efforts to tackle the underlying issues of poverty, inequality, and conflict, promoting a culture of peace and inclusivity. Our collaborative approach values the voices and needs of the communities we serve, ensuring our initiatives are well-aligned with their aspirations and challenges. We are dedicated to harnessing the collective power of our community to enact meaningful change and provide a foundation for a prosperous future for Somali immigrants and their families in Minnesota.
Our Vision
SPA envisions a harmonious, prosperous, and equitable Minnesota where every individual and community, particularly those from the Horn of Africa, has the opportunity to realize their full potential. We dream of a future where sustainable development guides decision-making, where social justice and human rights are not just upheld but celebrated, and where the rich tapestry of cultural diversity is seen as a unifying strength. Our ultimate aim is to empower Somali families to lead their own development journey, creating a lasting legacy of inclusivity and prosperity for future generations in Minnesota.
Our Goals
1) Ensure Access to Essential Services: We are committed to making sure that Somali families and other marginalized groups in Minnesota have access to vital services, including education, healthcare, and basic utilities.
2) Community Empowerment: By collaborating closely with local Somali and wider Horn of Africa communities in Minnesota, SPA identifies and addresses their unique needs, fostering sustainable, community-led solutions.
3) Combat Poverty and Inequality: SPA supports initiatives that drive economic empowerment, such as entrepreneurial training and financial literacy programs, to uplift individuals and families from poverty.
4) Advocate for Environmental Sustainability: We champion practices that ensure the responsible use of natural resources, promote land conservation, and facilitate climate change adaptation within the local community.
Values & Principles
1) Respect for Cultural Diversity: SPA celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Somali and Horn of Africa communities, embracing and promoting inclusivity and equity in all our endeavors.
2) Transparency and Accountability: We are committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in every aspect of our work, ensuring stakeholders are well-informed and engaged.
3) Empowerment and Participation: At the heart of SPA's mission is the empowerment of Somali families, encouraging active participation and ownership over their developmental journey.
4) Gender Equality: SPA ardently supports gender equality, ensuring that women and girls are empowered to fully participate in all societal aspects, with our programs being consciously designed to be gender-responsive.
Our Board Members
Yasmin Ai
A cornerstone of our board, Yasmin brings a wealth of experience in community engagement and advocacy.
Abdimajid Abdi
Abdimajid's expertise in educational development and policy has been instrumental in shaping our programs.
Najma Ahmed
With a strong background in healthcare and social services, Najma plays a vital role in guiding SPA's health and wellbeing initiatives.
