Ali Abukar (He/Him)

Ali Abukar (He, Him) joined the Saskatoon Open Door Society in November 2013 as a frontline staff member. Shortly afterwards, in early 2014, he was promoted to team leader in programming for newcomer school-aged children and youth. After just under two years as team leader, Ali was entrusted to lead SODS and stepped up to become its Chief Executive Officer in November 2015.

Ali is a community leader and refugee advocate. His personal experience as a former refugee, along with his education and work experience, serve him well in the various roles he plays in the community. Ali is a lifelong learner, with a Master's of Social Work, two postgraduate degrees in Migration and Refugee Studies and in Psychosocial Interventions for Forced Migrants and Refugees, as well as an undergraduate degree in Business Administration. In addition, he has completed courses of leadership training and obtained professional certificates both here in Canada and overseas.

Ali fosters relationships between newcomers to Saskatoon and employers, community partners and members of the Indigenous community. He is passionate about social justice and addressing inequity through engagement in courageous conversations, collective action and support for social justice movements. He is engaged in community building for a global community where everyone matters, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable in our communities. Ali sits on various local and national advisory committees and working groups that support the work of immigrant service agencies, provide advocacy for refugees and immigrants, and promote diversity, equity and inclusion.