Leadership

Founder & Executive Director

Omar Nur

Visionary nonprofit leader with 25+ years advancing equity, opportunity, and culturally responsive services for Somali and immigrant families in Minnesota.

Omar Nur is the Founder and Executive Director of the Somali American Social Service Association (SASSA). With over 25 years of public service and nonprofit leadership, Omar is recognized as a visionary community leader dedicated to advancing equity, opportunity, and empowerment for Somali and immigrant families in Minnesota.

Since establishing SASSA in 2012, Omar has led the development of sustainable programs in education, health, housing advocacy, women’s empowerment, youth mentorship, and small business development. His leadership has transformed SASSA into a trusted hub for culturally responsive services.

Omar’s background includes work at Mayo Clinic and the U.S. Census Bureau, where he supported research operations and bridged communication gaps for Arabic, Somali, and English-speaking communities.

Driven by service, collaboration, and innovation, Omar continues to champion initiatives that create lasting impact.

🏆 Professional Recognitions

• Workforce Development Inclusive Workforce Recognition (2025)
• Presidents’ Community Partner Award (2021)
• Mayor’s Medal of Honor (2020)
• U.S. Census 2020 Recognition

🏛️ Civic Leadership (External Board Service)

• Police Policy Oversight Commission — Current Board Member
• Rochester Chamber of Commerce — Current Board Member
• Rochester Downtown Alliance — Former Board Member
• Cradle to Career Leadership Table — Former Board Member
• Association of Fundraising Professionals SE MN — Member
• Coalition of Somali American Leaders — Former Chair
• United Way of Olmsted County — Former Leadership
• Family Service Rochester — Former Leadership
• Rochester Public Library — Former Leadership

🏛️ SASSA Board of Directors

Fanah Adam — President
Fanah Adam brings deep expertise in educational access, having served as an Access and Opportunity Advisor at South Central College. She has guided students across Mankato and Faribault campuses, providing academic and career support while advancing initiatives to increase equity in higher education. At SASSA, she plays a central role in shaping education and workforce development strategies that empower immigrant and refugee families to achieve long-term success.

Omar Dahir — Vice Chair
As Vice Chair, Omar Dahir leverages his entrepreneurial experience to support SASSA’s strategic planning and governance. With a strong background in business ownership and community engagement, he helps guide organizational growth while promoting initiatives that foster leadership, self-sufficiency, and civic participation among immigrant families. His vision and practical insights ensure that SASSA’s programs remain impactful and community-driven.

Xuseen Mohamed — Secretary
Xuseen Mohamed serves as Secretary and brings his professional expertise as a Business Intelligence Analyst at General Mills. He ensures strong organizational oversight through accurate record-keeping, effective documentation, and data-driven decision-making. His ability to analyze and interpret complex information strengthens SASSA’s capacity to evaluate programs, improve operations, and achieve measurable community outcomes.

Abdulaziz Ragow
Abdulaziz Ragow contributes valuable operational and logistical expertise through his role as a Supervisor with Rochester Public Transport. His insights into transportation, workforce scheduling, and organizational planning support SASSA’s program development and strategic initiatives. He plays an important role in ensuring programs are accessible, efficient, and responsive to community needs.

Abdinasir Aden
As a teacher at Rochester Math and Science, Abdinasir Aden brings specialized knowledge in STEM education. His passion for math and science instruction strengthens SASSA’s youth programming and academic support services, helping students build strong foundations for future careers. His commitment ensures that young people in immigrant families have access to quality educational opportunities.

Fatuma Omar
Fatuma Omar is a dynamic community leader and business owner who also serves as an interpreter and program director at Mayo Clinic. She is the Director of the Women Empowerment Program at SASSA, where she champions initiatives that uplift women, promote leadership, and foster social and economic development. Her work has empowered countless women to pursue opportunities in education, health, and entrepreneurship.

Abdisalam Sabriye
As a business owner and program director at Sun Home Health Care Inc., Abdisalam Sabriye brings experience in small business development and healthcare. He leads SASSA’s Small Business Program, mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and empowering immigrant-owned businesses to thrive. His guidance ensures that SASSA continues to foster financial independence and sustainable economic growth within the community.

Abdirashid Ture
A respected local scholar, Abdirashid Ture contributes research expertise and scholarly insight to SASSA’s initiatives. He ensures that programs are evidence-based, culturally grounded, and aligned with community needs. His academic perspective strengthens SASSA’s ability to design initiatives that are both impactful and sustainable, advancing the organization’s mission of empowerment and opportunity.

Abdikhadir Aden
As an interpreter with St. Paul Public Schools, Abdikhadir Aden plays a vital role in strengthening communication and outreach. He helps ensure that SASSA’s programs remain accessible and culturally responsive to diverse immigrant communities. His contributions enhance engagement, trust, and understanding between families, schools, and community organizations.