Leadership
Founder & Executive DirectorOmar 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 that strengthen immigrant communities in Rochester and beyond.
Omar’s professional background includes eight years at the Mayo Clinic’s Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, where he supported critical research and clinical operations in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. He also served as a translator for the U.S. Census Bureau, bridging communication gaps for Arabic, Somali, and English-speaking immigrants.
A respected civic leader, Omar has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Downtown Alliance, Cradle to Career Leadership Table, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. His past service includes leadership roles with United Way of Olmsted County, Family Service Rochester, Rochester Public Library, and the Coalition of Somali American Leaders, where he served as Chair.
Omar holds a Master of Science in Health and Human Service Administration from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Winona State University, and an Associate of Science in Business Administration from Rochester Community and Technical College.
His commitment to community service has earned him recognition including the Mayor’s Medal of Honor – Champion of Diversity, the U.S. Census 2020 Recognition Award, and the 2021 Iowa & Minnesota Campus Compact Award.
Driven by a passion for service, collaboration, and innovation, Omar continues to champion initiatives that create lasting impact and opportunity for immigrant and refugee families in Minnesota.
I’m committed to continuing this momentum, ensuring our city remains strong and united. Let’s work together to shape a future full of opportunity, safety, and pride for generations to come.
