The Somaliland Professionals Association of America (SLPA), a prominent organization dedicated to uniting and empowering Somaliland-connected professionals in the United States, recently hosted a landmark event, the “Empowering Tomorrow: Somaliland Professionals in Unity” summit. Held from May 24th to 26th, 2024, the conference brought together a diverse array of professionals, fostering cultural celebration, professional development, and networking opportunities.
“The SLPA conference in Atlanta was an unforgettable experience! Connecting with the brightest minds of the Somaliland diaspora, we celebrated our heritage and explored future opportunities. Visionary leaders like Dr. Edna Adan and Dr. Osman Sheikh Ahmed inspired us, while other discussions such as civic engagement, technology, and education highlighted urgent priorities. Thank you, SLPA, for a remarkable event and a brighter future for Somaliland!” said Sayidcali Ahmed, an attendee of the SLPA Unity Summit.
The SLPA, which comprises medical professionals, engineers, educators, lawyers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and students, organized this three-day event to promote unity, cultural identity, and professional growth among its members while discussing Somaliland’s development.
The summit commenced with a vibrant cultural mixer, featuring a keynote address by Dr. Jama Muse Jama, founder of the Red Sea Cultural Foundation. Dr. Jama emphasized the critical role of cultural preservation in shaping Somaliland’s national identity, setting an inspiring tone for the conference.
Saturday’s main conference showcased eleven concurrent panels, covering a wide range of topics crucial to Somaliland’s future. The “State of the Nation” panel, featuring Dr. Edna Adan Ismail and Dr. Osman Sheikh Ahmed, provided a comprehensive overview of Somaliland’s current socio-economic landscape and future prospects.
Healthcare was a prominent focus, with panels discussing the challenges and opportunities in Somaliland’s medical sector. The Somalilander American Health Association (SAHA) presented their ongoing initiatives to strengthen healthcare systems in the region.
Technology and entrepreneurship took center stage in several sessions. Somali-American tech professionals shared their journeys and insights, while a business panel explored investment opportunities and strategies for economic growth in Somaliland.
The summit also addressed critical social issues. A panel on “Women in the Professional World” examined the unique challenges faced by Somali, Black women in their careers. Another session focused on civic engagement, featuring prominent figures like State Senator Kayse Jama, who offered guidance on public service and community leadership.
Education was another key theme, with discussions on fostering student success in both Somaliland and North American contexts. Jonathan Starr, founder of Abaarso School in Somaliland, shared exciting educational opportunities during the closing remarks. The Abaarso School has been a transformative force in Somaliland’s educational landscape, offering world-class education to Somali youth and preparing them for global opportunities. Mr. Starr’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the school’s success, fostering a generation of future leaders committed to Somaliland’s progress.
Jonathan Starr is the founder of Abaarso School in Somaliland, an institution that has achieved remarkable success in educating students from a region often overlooked. Starr, a former hedge fund manager, was inspired to make a difference after traveling to Somaliland and witnessing the potential of its youth. He faced numerous challenges, including skepticism from the local community and navigating cultural differences. Despite this, the school has produced students who have gone on to attend prestigious universities globally, demonstrating the transformative power of education.
The conference wasn’t all business – a gala dinner on Saturday night recognized outstanding SLPA members and sponsors, featuring performances by notable Somali artists. This awards ceremony highlighted SLPA’s commitment to recognizing and encouraging member participation. The event concluded with a relaxed BBQ on Sunday, allowing attendees to network and build lasting connections.
Reflections from key attendees, including Dr. Edna Adan and Liiban Yusuf Gaaxnuug, Deputy Minister of Health, highlighted the conference’s success in showcasing Somaliland’s potential and fostering a spirit of unity and progress among its professionals.
The success of this summit underscores SLPA’s role as a vital platform for Somaliland-connected professionals in America to connect, share knowledge, and contribute to both their professional growth and Somaliland’s development. With its well-organized structure, including committees for programming, finance, social media & marketing, logistics, and entertainment, SLPA demonstrated its capacity to host impactful events that bridge professional development with cultural celebration.
“The Somaliland Professionals Association of America (SLPA) has expanded to over 600 members across 41 states, forming strategic partnerships with similar organizations globally. We are unwavering in our commitment to providing specialized expertise across various industries to uplift our community and Somaliland. We invite you to check out the recap report about the event and reach out to collaborate with us on projects and initiatives where we can leverage our skills, including mentorship and volunteer programs. Join us in our mission to drive positive change and foster development for our ancestral homeland,” stated the organization’s executive summary.
The SLPA stands out as a beacon of progress by uniting a vast array of subject matter experts dedicated to contributing to Somaliland’s development. By facilitating collaboration between the public and private sectors, SLPA is injecting cutting-edge ideas and innovative solutions into Somaliland’s socio-economic landscape. This proactive approach contrasts sharply with the often-criticized NGO industrial complex, which can perpetuate aid dependency. Instead, SLPA’s efforts are focused on sustainable growth and self-reliance, empowering Somaliland to leverage its own professional diaspora to build a brighter future.
This groundbreaking summit marks a significant step in harnessing the collective expertise of Somaliland professionals worldwide. As the SLPA looks to the future, the energy and commitments fostered during this conference are poised to make a lasting impact on Somaliland’s development and its global standing, while strengthening the bonds within the Somaliland professional community in America.
The SLPA demonstrated meticulous organization with dedicated committees for programming, finance, social media & marketing, logistics, and entertainment, ensuring the event’s success and impact.
By hosting such an influential and well-attended event, SLPA has established itself as a central hub for professional development and cultural celebration, uniting Somaliland professionals in America and contributing significantly to Somaliland’s progress and global presence.
