Meet the Team
Our strength lies in our diverse and highly skilled team of professionals who bring a wealth of expertise and passion to every project. Each member of our team is dedicated to delivering impactful results, offering innovative solutions, and ensuring the highest standards of quality in all our services.
Mohamed Abdi
FOUNDER & executive director
Mohamed Abdi is an accomplished political scientist, advocate for good governance, and national security expert with a deep commitment to community development. He has extensive experience working across diverse cultural and international settings, particularly in the USA and Eastern Africa, engaging with non-governmental organizations, civil society, and the private sector. Abdi’s expertise includes leadership, team building, stakeholder engagement, and promoting gender, youth, and social protection within various programs. In 2018, Abdi founded the Resourceful International Organization (RIO), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered with the federal government and the state of Colorado. Under his leadership, RIO has focused on youth programs and health initiatives in both the USA, Somalia and Kenya. As the founder and executive director of Resourceful International Organization (RIO), he leads transformative development programs focused on youth and health in the USA and Somalia.
Mohamed earned his master’s degree in political science at the University of Colorado Denver, where his thesis explored the impact of Al-Shabaab on Somalia and its neighbors. He also holds a Bachelor of Science with a double major In Political Science & International Studies at the University of Colorado Denver. Mohamed received human rights certification training from the U.S Institute of Diplomacy & Human Rights. His academic focus has extended to political theory, comparative politics, and national security.
With fluency in Somali, English, Swahili, and Arabic, Mohamed is an adept communicator and multilingual professional. His career includes significant roles in refugee resettlement and community advocacy, notably through Lutheran Family Services and the East Africa Community Center in Colorado, where he supported immigrant communities and facilitated integration efforts.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Abdi has received various awards, including an Outstanding Community Award from the Global Africa Immigrant Refugee Association (GAIRA) in 2022, recognizing his effective and efficient work with the Colorado, USA, and Jubaland, Somalia communities for over a decade. He was also honored by an honor society on May 18, 2019, for his academic excellence and contributions. On May 31, 2019, Abdi was awarded a scholarship from the Center for New Directions in Politics and Public Policy at the University of Colorado Denver, further enhancing his expertise in political science and public service.
In October 2013, Abdi became a certified language interpreter, qualified for federal contracts. Later, on March 28, 2023, Abdi received Human Rights Certification Training from the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, deepening his commitment to advocating for human rights globally.
Abdi’s work in advocacy and leadership continues to make a positive impact on both local and international levels.
Alex Mukungu Nasiyo
m & e and social research
Alex Mukungu Nasiyo is an accomplished social research consultant, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) specialist, and project coordinator with over 15 years of experience. His expertise spans multiple sectors, including private, non-profit, and government organizations, where he has contributed to sustainable development initiatives focused on poverty alleviation, governance, environmental sustainability, and renewable energy.
Alex has a strong track record in designing and conducting social research, data analysis, and developing comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems. His professional skill set includes writing high-quality reports and proposals, crafting data collection tools, and executing both qualitative and quantitative analysis. He is proficient in SPSS, R, Nvivo, and Microsoft Office, with a deep understanding of the M&E frameworks and methodologies.
Having worked with diverse stakeholders, from UN agencies to private sector firms and civil society organizations, Alex excels in stakeholder engagement, project management, and securing funding for projects. His work in renewable energy projects and his role as a Solar Project Coordinator demonstrate his commitment to sustainable energy solutions and his ability to drive impactful change in the sector.
Alex holds a Master of Arts in Population Studies and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Project Monitoring and Evaluation at Kenyatta University. Throughout his career, he has contributed to a variety of research publications and has actively participated in numerous international conferences.
Known for his strong analytical skills, leadership, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team, Alex continues to seek opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the field of development. His multilingual abilities (English, Swahili, and Luhya) further enhance his effectiveness in diverse cultural and professional settings.
Abukar K. Abdullahi
Policy Officer (PO)
Abukar K. Abdullahi is a distinguished civic leader, policy advocate, and strategist with a strong academic foundation in governance and international affairs. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in International Studies and Political Science from the University of Colorado Denver. His education has been instrumental in shaping his vision for inclusive policymaking, global engagement, and equitable community development. With a deep understanding of international relations and domestic governance, Abukar has consistently used his expertise to influence public policy and promote the representation of immigrant and refugee communities.
His political involvement reflects a career deeply rooted in public service and civic responsibility.
Abukar previously served as a Commissioner on the City of Aurora Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Commission, where he advocated for inclusive municipal policies that supported immigrant integration and access to essential services. He ran for the Colorado House of Representatives in District 41, campaigning on a platform grounded in healthcare reform, immigrant justice, and economic opportunity. In his role as District Manager for Colorado People’s Action, he led major initiatives focused on community mobilization, affordable housing, and equitable healthcare. His contributions to state politics also include serving as a member of the Colorado Democratic Party Central Committee, where he supported party leadership and strategic planning efforts across the state.
Beyond his contributions to public policy, Abukar is the founder of Sunlight Inc., a successful multimillion-dollar healthcare organization dedicated to delivering high-quality in-home services to underserved populations. His leadership in both public and private sectors demonstrates a rare ability to bridge business acumen with social impact. Whether shaping public policy, mentoring youth, or expanding access to healthcare, Abukar brings a legacy of visionary leadership grounded in academic excellence, community dedication, and a commitment to justice and progress.