Dr. Ismahan Abdullahi is a visionary strategist, political organizer, and transformational trainer with extensive expertise in leadership development, civic engagement, political advocacy, human and civil rights, and faith-based organizing. As the National Director of the Muslim American Society’s Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (MAS-PACE), she leads with a faith-centered approach to cultivate principled leaders, build accountable organizations, and address systemic injustices on both local and global scales.
Dr. Abdullahi is a relentless advocate for justice, deeply committed to advancing refugee and immigrant rights, racial equity, and human rights. Her work bridges leadership development, political advocacy, community organizing, and organizational change, empowering individuals and communities to rise to their fullest potential. Renowned for her ability to inspire hope and action, she leverages a faith-oriented methodology to tackle systemic inequities while fostering transformative change.
Dr. Abdullahi has held numerous leadership and advisory roles across local, state, and national platforms. Her prior roles include serving as Director of Movement and Campaign Strategies at PANA, Power California Strategy Committee, Somali Family Services, the Muslim Leadership Council of San Diego and as an elected State Delegate for California’s 79th Assembly District Democratic Party,. Appointed by the Mayor of San Diego to the San Diego County Water Authority, she currently serves as Chair of the Administrative and Financial Committee after previously serving as Vice Chair, and as a member of the Board Governance Committee. She is a board member of the United States Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) where she plays a critical role in supporting and leading national campaigns, Co-Vice President of Black and African Women Rise, and co-facilitator of the American Muslim 2024 Election Taskforce. As a former Rockwood Leadership Institute Fellow and Sandler Phillips National Fellow, Ismahan has spearheaded many local and national programs that promote civic engagement and leadership training, driving initiatives that develop individuals and organizations while advancing policy reforms.
Ismahan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Biology from UC San Diego, a Master’s in Education and Counseling with a focus on Trauma-Informed Care from San Diego State University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. As a transformational leader and motivational speaker on national and local platforms, Dr. Abdullahi inspires communities with her passion for human rights, youth leadership, and strengthening one’s connection to Allah, Most High. Through her unwavering commitment to faith, justice, and equity, she continues to build a legacy of empowerment, transforming lives and paving the way for a more just and compassionate world.