Our Staff

HABON ABDULLE

Executive Director & Founder

Habon has over 25 years of experience in gender and politics. She is a respected voice on building a platform that celebrates women’s civic leadership efforts and successes. Her research on minority women and political participation, as well as the cultural and structural barriers women face in each stage of leadership careers, gives her a unique understanding of the importance of adopting woman-centered approach. Her perspective allows New American women to act from their innate strengths, and build an identity that helps them develop and practice civic leadership skills - this is the key impact that progressive networks have on getting women elected, and shaping their policies and effectiveness once in office. 

Habon holds a Ph.D from the University of Sussex, UK, an M.A. from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota , and a M.A. and B.A. from the University of Padua, IT. Habon is also a 2013 Bush Foundation Fellow.

EBYAN ABDULLE

Education & development Director

Ebyan is the Education and Development Director of Ayada Leads. Education advocacy as part of the broader movement toward educational equity has been an underlying theme throughout her professional life.  Ebyan has 16 + years of experiences in education and development. She is a mentor and fervent advocate for children and families. Ebyan is passionate about social justice and women’s issues and interested in politics. Ebyan is an active community volunteer, serving on the boards of the People’s Center Clinics and Services and LINKs Public Schools.

Ebyan earned her Master’s degree and Graduate certificate for gifted program in education from Saint Mary’s University and her Bachelor’s degree in languages from Somali National University. Outside of work, Ebyan enjoys reading, going to movies and listening to music. 

SAGAL ALI

Program Coordinator and Support Intern

Sagal is a proud first generation Somali-American immigrant and who has had the honor and privilege to grow up in the Minneapolis community for most of her life.

In her professional career, she manages program initiatives that advance health equity efforts across the country, working towards building a health care system that works for everyone. 

She loves learning about ways we can continuously improve a system that supports all communities of color. More particularly, she seeks to equip women with the tools they need to become contributing members of society and leaders in our communities.

Her passion for community leadership and enabling women to drive change through their lived experience is the very reason why she is so happy to be part of Ayada Leads.