Abdirizak Diis

Educator | Ethnic Studies Advocate | Community Development Consultant | Translator

Professional Overview
Abdirizak Diis is an educator and advocate dedicated to community development through education and civic engagement. With extensive experience across educational and community-focused organizations, Mr. Diis is currently engaged in Somali curriculum development and teacher coaching in Minneapolis Public Schools. Previously, he created the first Somali Ethnic Studies curriculum in the U.S. and has developed innovative programs for youth and adults. He specializes in uncovering the stories of minority communities, advocating for equity and equality through education and journalism, and fostering inclusivity in all aspects of his work.

Drawing upon a robust knowledge base of world politics, culture, geography, economy, and current events, Mr. Diis engages students meaningfully, preparing them to navigate and contribute to a diverse world. Beyond teaching, he plans and executes enrichment programs for youth and adults in the Twin Cities, advancing educational opportunities and promoting cultural awareness.

Key Achievements and Roles

  • Somali Ethnic Studies Curriculum: Developed the first-ever Somali Ethnic Studies curriculum in the United States, filling a critical gap in resources and cultural representation.
  • Somali Language Curriculum: Designed and implemented a Somali Language curriculum, empowering students to connect with their cultural heritage.
  • Community Engagement: Invites minority leaders as guest speakers to provide students with real-world perspectives and role models.
  • Policy Advocacy: Actively participates in school and district-level policy discussions, ensuring the needs of a diverse student population are met.
  • Journalism and Media: Volunteers as an anchor and producer for Somali TV of Minnesota, producing programs on community issues such as COVID-19 guidelines, voting rights, and social service resources.

Past Experience

  • ESL/Arabic Teacher, Harvest Network of Schools (2017–2019): Planned and taught ELL lessons tailored to multilingual learners, assessed student proficiency, and fostered family-school connections.
  • Social Studies Teacher, Ansaru-Sunnah Group of Schools, Kenya: Taught topics such as culture, geography, and politics, creating a positive classroom culture that balanced high expectations with support.
  • Graduate Assistant, Western Illinois University: Tutored undergraduate students, assisted with research design, and contributed to curriculum development.

Academic Credentials

  • Master of Arts in Political Science, Western Illinois University.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honors in Islamic Studies, University of South Africa.
  • Bachelor of Education in Social Science, International University of Africa, Khartoum, Sudan.
  • Minnesota Teaching License, Social Studies (K5–12).

Language Proficiency
Fluent in English, Somali, Arabic, and Swahili, Mr. Diis leverages his multilingual skills to foster connections with diverse student populations and promote inclusivity.

Consultancy Services

  • Cultural Competency Training: For businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations.
  • Language Translation: Expertise in Somali, Oromo, Arabic, and Swahili.
  • Leadership Development Training: Focused on empowering individuals and teams.
  • Compliance and Certification Guidance: Helping organizations navigate regulatory and certification processes.

Commitment
Abdirizak Diis’s career is defined by a passion for education, social justice, and community development. His work reflects an unwavering commitment to empowering students and communities, ensuring equity, and fostering cultural appreciation.

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