Meet Ahmed Jama

Ahmed Jama is a community builder, social innovator, and advocate for justice and inclusion with over a decade of experience advancing equity for East African and immigrant communities in Minnesota and the Horn of Africa. As Program Director at the East African Integration Center, he leads programs that empower immigrants and refugees through culturally grounded outreach, employment and entrepreneurship support, and youth mentorship. Rooted in the vibrancy of East African communities and guided by a deep sense of purpose, Ahmed is known for his ability to foster trust, build partnerships, and mobilize collective action to address community challenges. His bilingual and cross-cultural leadership bridges faith-based, civic, state agencies and cultural institutions to drive systemic change and create pathways for belonging and opportunity Ahmed’s vision of inclusive and equitable communities fuels his collaborative leadership, transforming obstacles into opportunities that strengthen connection, foster growth, and advance social impact.