By Okon Ekpenyong

Mohamed Ali, a former alumnus of the prestigious Ohio State College of Engineering, has been a prominent figure in the Columbus community for quite some time. Recently, the Columbus City Schools Board of Education invited him to join the esteemed Academic and Facility Alignment Committee.

Despite not winning his bid for the school board, Ali’s dedication to serving his community has remained strong. His commitment to education and improving the lives of those around him is apparent through his involvement in the Columbus Somali cultural festival. He has recently accepted a position on the Academic & Facility Alignment Committee. Ali is motivated by his desire to serve rather than solely to be elected. He received an impressive 10,579 votes in the 2021 election.

Having previously run for a position on the Columbus school board, he is also a driving force behind the Columbus Somali cultural festival, which honors the country’s Independence Day.

Ali is proud to be a member of this essential committee, which provides him with a platform to shape the future of education in Columbus. His role in this committee is critical in ensuring that all voices are heard and represented equally, and that students’ academic and facility requirements are met with utmost effectiveness and efficiency.

The committee will endeavor to address a broad spectrum of issues, including the Align curriculum, staff, facilities safety and security measures, and technology alignment with district goals. In addition, the committee will provide oversight for construction project fund appropriations, ensuring academic excellence and effective facility management. It will be the committee’s responsibility to ensure that all operations are carried out professionally, efficiently, and effectively while adhering to best practices and standards in the academic and business arenas.

Ali is an esteemed member of the thriving Somalian community in the United States. The community boasts the second-largest population in the country, surpassed only by the state of Minnesota. Many Somalian students attend the school district, encompassing public and privately run chartered schools. Ali’s voice is integral to effectively communicating with the community and disseminating information regarding the board’s tireless efforts to enhance the quality of education for all students.

To Ali, this isn’t merely a position or title but an opportunity to truly impact his community. “I am wholeheartedly dedicated to promoting education in our region,” he affirmed.

Also, Ali’s participation in the first Rise Up CBUS event of the season, which took place at the Feddersen Community Center in Columbus, was an opportunity for him to engage with the community he will be advocating for. This event, known as the “One Columbus Culture Day Festival,” aims to celebrate the city’s diverse cultural heritage through music, dance, food, and art.

By attending this festival, Ali was able to experience and appreciate the rich traditions of Columbus’ diverse communities and understand the importance of promoting cross-cultural understanding. This event serves as a reminder to the Columbus schools board of education that they should strive to represent and celebrate the diversity of their community.

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