Meet Our Team

I started Somali Bantu Rising because I saw a gap, something our community needed but didn’t have. I was born into a refugee story that’s bigger than me, and I’ve carried those experiences as a son, a student, an athlete, a police officer, and now as a community leader.

This nonprofit was born from a deep belief that our people deserve more: safe spaces to grow, support systems that understand our struggles, and opportunities that empower us across generations. I’m building the kind of organization I wish existed when I was younger, one that listens, uplifts, and stands proudly in our identity.

My mission is simple: to help our community not just survive, but rise together.

Email: [email protected]

Hello my name is Mustaf Iftin. I am a first-generation Somali Bantu American, born in a refugee camp in Kenya after my parents fled the brutal civil war in Somalia.

At Somali Bantu Rising, I lead with purpose. Everything I do is driven by the belief that when we come together as a people, there is no limit to what we can build together.

The courage and resilience of my people became the foundation of my mission. That history- and the pain it carries fuels my commitment: my goal is to ensure that the next generation grows up with pride in their identity, not confusion or crisis. 

Email: [email protected]

I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Child Psychology, driven by a deep interest in understanding and supporting children's emotional and cognitive development. Alongside my academic journey, I have a strong passion for the arts and a lifelong love for learning and teaching.

My goal is to combine my psychological knowledge and creative strengths to make a positive impact in the community—creating spaces where children can grow, express themselves, and thrive.

My name is Abdi Ali, and I currently serve as the Treasurer of Somali Bantu Rising. I bring years of experience in community development and youth advocacy, grounded in a deep commitment to equity and empowerment. Previously, I served as the Somali Bantu Youth Director, where I had the privilege of leading programs designed to uplift refugee and immigrant youth, build leadership skills, and nurture cultural pride. My work is rooted in the belief that strong, resilient communities are built through inclusion, opportunity, and shared purpose. I’m proud to continue advocating for marginalized communities and helping shape a future where every voice is heard and valued.

Hi! I’m Adey, the eldest daughter of two former immigrants who came to the U.S. in search of a better life. Watching them work hard—yet hold back from fully reaching their dreams—taught me the importance of courage, resilience, and integrity.​
Their journey shaped my sense of responsibility to break generational barriers and build a new path. Like them, I’m driven by passion and purpose, and I’m committed to leading with honesty and ambition as I create a future that honors our shared story. 

My name is Abdikadir Hussein but I go by Kenali, a name that blends Kenya and Somali. I was born in Mombasa, Kenya and my parents are from Somalia. I am a photographer based in Seattle, a craft I first picked up in high school using film cameras. Today I use photography to tell stories, honor identity, and connect with communities.

From a young age, I’ve been driven by a passion to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and supported. I’ve always had a deep commitment to building a community where everyone—especially children—feels welcomed, supported, and empowered. Giving back and pouring into the lives of others, particularly the youth, has been at the heart of my vision to help shape a better tomorrow. I believe that by being a part of Somali Bantu Rising, I can turn this vision into reality. Together, we can uplift the next generation and create a lasting impact through unity, mentorship, and opportunity.

Hi, my name is Hamdi! Being the firstborn child in the U.S. to Somali Bantu immigrant parents meant I had access to opportunities that allowed me to dream big and become whoever I wanted. But despite that privilege, I’ve always felt a deep curiosity and longing to understand the land and life my parents came from. Growing up, there was often a disconnect between kids like me—born and raised in the U.S.—and those who immigrated from back home. We were left trying to piece together our cultural identity, learning fragments of our native language, and trying to connect with our roots without much guidance.

As the Event Manager for Somali Bantu Rising, my goal is to help bridge the divide between those of us born and raised in the U.S. and our brothers, sisters, and parents who grew up back home. I want to create meaningful spaces where we can come together to share our stories, connect through our experiences, and learn from one another. Through intentional, community-centered events, we can begin to heal that disconnect—celebrating our rich heritage, language, and traditions while strengthening the bonds within our community.

Hello, my name is Abdi. I am deeply passionate about preserving my culture, uniting my people, and empowering the next generation. I believe that through SBR (Somali-Bantu Rising) I can achieve the goals that align with my vision. By focusing on the strengths, stories, and resilience within our communities, SBR offers a path forward that uplifts rather than divides.

Through SBR, I aim to inspire pride in our identity, create spaces where our culture is celebrated, and equip our youth with the confidence and tools they need to thrive. It’s not just about looking back—it’s about moving forward together, grounded in who we are and empowered by what we can become. I believe SBR can help us build stronger bonds, foster collective healing, and ignite a future where our people are united, resilient, and proud.

Peace and blessings be upon you all.

My name is Jamal Jeylani, and I serve as the Somali Bantu Heritage & Cultural Research Coordinator for Somali Bantu Rising.

My role in this community is to study, preserve, and elevate Somali Bantu history and innovate culture. I focus on understanding how both biological and cultural factors shape our behavior, health, and adaptation as a people—from our ancestral roots to our journey through displacement and resettlement.

What drives me in this work is personal. I’ve experienced the pain of an identity crisis—not knowing who I truly was, where I came from, or what it truly means to be Somali Bantu. That struggle has become my motivation. Today, I am committed to ensuring that no Somali Bantu youth grows up feeling lost about their heritage or disconnected from their identity.

This work is not just research—it is healing, truth-seeking and cultural survival.