Our Board members
WHO WE ARE
Empower Community Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Recovery Community Organization (RCO), is dedicated to providing culturally responsive services that restore hope and empower individuals navigating recovery from substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Serving the South Minneapolis community and neighboring communities, we emphasize a peer-led, peer-driven approach, supporting everyone through their unique journey—one step, one day, one life at a time.
Executive Director
Faisal Aideed, founder of the Empower Community Initiative, brings extensive experience from the nonprofit and mental health sectors, having served with organizations such as Pillsbury United Communities, Seward Neighborhood Group, Minnesota Council of Churches, and Priomh Healing and Service. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the College of St. Scholastica, Faisal is currently pursuing his Master of Social Work. His commitment is fueled by firsthand understanding of the stigma and recovery challenges faced by minority communities, as well as the journey of a close friend in addiction recovery. Faisal’s vision is to empower and bridge support systems that promote addiction-free lifestyles.
Board members & their titles:
Mohamed Jama – Chairperson (Board President):, a board member of Empower Community Initiative, brings a deeply personal perspective to his role. As a local business owner and community advocate, Mohamed’s dedication to recovery support is rooted in his recent experience of losing a close friend to substance use. His commitment reflects both his understanding of the challenges within the recovery journey and his desire to help foster a supportive, peer-driven community for others in need.
Ambiyo Dakane – Vice-Chairperson (Vice President):, a devoted mother of five, joined the Empower Community Initiative after experiencing the profound loss of her son. Her commitment to the organization reflects her passion for helping others find strength and hope in their recovery journeys, as she brings her compassion and resilience to support the community.
Farah Mohamed – Treasurer, a board member of Empower Community Initiative, brings a deeply personal perspective to his role. As a local business owner and community advocate, Mohamed’s dedication to recovery support is rooted in his recent experience of losing a close friend to substance use. His commitment reflects both his understanding of the challenges within the recovery journey and his desire to help foster a supportive, peer-driven community for others in need.
Anab Elmi – Secretary, a valued member of the Empower Community Initiative, is in active recovery from addiction and currently works in the security industry. Driven by a desire to inspire others within minority communities, Ali joined the organization to encourage individuals to seek support, embrace recovery, and empower themselves for a brighter future.
Ali Mohamed – Board Member, a valued member of the Empower Community Initiative, is in active recovery from addiction and currently works in the security industry. Driven by a desire to inspire others within minority communities, Ali joined the organization to encourage individuals to seek support, embrace recovery, and empower themselves for a brighter future.