Learn more about Nadia Mohamed, the new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist for the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy.

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Nadia is a Metropolitan State University graduate who earned her undergrad in HR management. During her college years, she worked as a community organizer and advocate working on issues such as housing and equity in St. Louis Park. After graduating, she worked as an equity specialist at Robbinsdale Area Schools. She specializes in developing and facilitating DEI training. During her time at Robbinsdale Area School, she and her team worked towards closing the opportunity gaps in school. Nadia also serves as a City Council Member in St. Louis Park and as the first and youngest Somali American elected to the city. Her hobbies include traveling, painting, and learning new skills.

What is your job title, and what will you be doing? I am the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist. As part of my role here, I will be training Classroom 1 of Foundations. I will also be conducting one of the debriefs for the Intercultural Development Inventory.

Tell us about your education and/or work experience prior to joining the MNCWTA. I graduated from Metropolitan State University with a degree in HR management. I have worked as an HR coordinator for a couple of years. I then worked as an equity specialist at Robbinsdale Area Schools advocating for students of color and those with different abilities.

How long have you been working in your field? I have been working in this field for more than 4 years.

What do you enjoy most about your work? Whenever I facilitate training with social workers from the different counties and tribes. Hearing their stories and challenges, talking through implicit bias and the history of child welfare are my favorite parts.

What are you most passionate about professionally? Equity. As a Black, Muslim woman this work is personal for me which drives my passion. I have seen when equitable policies and practices are in place. 

What are you most passionate about personally? Traveling! I love to travel and explore different countries and cultures with friends and family.

What are you surprisingly good at? Yoga. I have been doing it for years and have gotten surprisingly good at it. I am always saying that if I wasn't working here, I would probably become a yoga instructor.

What do you like to do outside of work? I am a City Council Member in St. Louis Park and I like to connect with community members about issues that matter to them. I like going to neighborhood meetings. I also love spending time with my family and friends.