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.

🎓 Education

• Master of Science — Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Rochester
  2012 · Health and Human Service Administration
• Bachelor of Science — Winona State University, Rochester
  2005 · Business Administration
• Associate of Science — Rochester Community and Technical College
  2004 · Business Administration

🏆 Professional Recognitions

• Workforce Development Inclusive Workforce Recognition (2025)
  Recognized for leadership in advancing inclusive workforce strategies through partnerships with CareerForce and Workforce Development, Inc., helping expand equitable employment pathways.
• Presidents’ Community Partner Award (2021)
  Awarded by Iowa & Minnesota Campus Compact and the University of Minnesota Rochester for excellence in community-engaged partnerships and public impact.
• Mayor’s Medal of Honor (2020)
  Recognized by the City of Rochester as a Champion of Diversity for advancing inclusion and uplifting diverse communities.
• U.S. Census 2020 Recognition
  Recognized for outreach and translation efforts that increased Census participation among Somali and underrepresented populations.

🏛️ 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 — Former Board Member
• Coalition of Somali American Leaders — Former Chair
• United Way of Olmsted County — Former Board Member
• Family Service Rochester — Former Board Member
• Rochester Public Library — Former Board Member

🏛️ 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.

Mohamed Adani, PhD — Vice Chair
As Vice Chair, Mohamed Adani leverages his background as a Mayo Clinic researcher to bring data-driven insights, health equity expertise, and strategic governance to SASSA’s community programming and organizational growth.

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.

Omar Dahir
Strategic leader utilizing entrepreneurial experience and strong community engagement to support leadership development, civic participation, and self-sufficiency among immigrant families.

Abdulaziz Ragow
Operational and logistical leader supporting program accessibility and efficiency through transportation and workforce planning expertise.

Abdinasir Aden
STEM educator strengthening youth academic programming and future career readiness.

Fatuma Omar
Leader in women’s empowerment and community development through health, education, and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Abdirashid Ture
Scholar providing research insight and evidence-based program development guidance.

Abdikhadir Aden
Interpreter strengthening communication, outreach, and cultural responsiveness across programs.

Muse Mohamed
Dedicated social worker providing guidance on human services, community support, and family advocacy systems.