Speakers: Mohamed Abdi & Josh Binda
Time: 1:30PM – 3:00PM
Where: Building 8 – Mt.Constance/Olympus
As the youngest elected officials in Washington State history Mohamed Abdi and Josh Binda know the importance of having the youth be civically engaged. In this panel, Mohamed Abdi and Josh Binda will explore breaking barriers to unlock your full potential. Topics include how you can stay unapologetically yourself in the work industry, challenging the status quo and societal norms, youth as strength, and using unique gifts for a purpose-driven life. Expect an inspiring, interactive panel from a young person’s perspective, empowering you to create positive change and become your best self.
Mohamed Abdi is a proud Muslim, Somali, African American leader, born in a Kenyan refugee camp and raised in Tukwila and Seattle, Washington. He has been an advocate for racial and social justice since high school, where he served as a board representative for the Tukwila School District at the age of 16. As an intentional servant leader, his approach to community work is through a solid social justice and racial equity lens. Throughout his leadership experiences, he prioritizes youth mentorship at the Somali Health Board. Mohamed has received numerous accolades for his work, including the Mental Health America 2021 media award for his documentary, “Surviving The Movement,” which explores the connection between global, national, and local events and personal mental health. He has also served as an organizer with the City of Seattle’s Immigrant Family Institute Advisory Board and has been actively involved in lobbying bills on homelessness, immigration, and education since the age of 14. As the eldest of 8 children and a first-generation college graduate from the University of Washington at Seattle with a major in AES and a minor in diversity, Mohamed embodies resilience and determination. Currently, at 24, he holds the distinction of being the youngest councilman in Tukwila’s history. He takes great pride in serving the city that has shaped him into the man he is today.
SALAXLEY TV. (n.d.). Daawo: Inspiring Interview with Mohamed Abdi, Tukwila’s Youngest City Council Member. YouTube. Retrieved April 11, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEaSItHs-iM
Josh Binda is a first-generation African American who was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island. His family is originally from the West African country of Liberia, from which they escaped a civil war as refugees after winning an international lottery that brought them to the United States. Josh later moved to Lynnwood in 2012 and has been a resident ever since. As a newly elected Council Member in 2022, at age 21, Josh became the youngest African American ever elected in Washington state history and one of the youngest politicians in the nation currently. Josh’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for public speaking led him to establish his own business, Josh Binda Speaks LLC. Through this venture, he has been able to inspire and empower individuals from all backgrounds. He has completed two speaking tours, speaking to more than 30,000 students, to inspire the next generation of leaders. In addition to his success as a public speaker, Josh is also a self-published author of his debut book “Breaking Barriers”, which is a self-help book meant to help others break through barriers in their own lives to achieve success. His work has been widely recognized and acknowledged, earning him prestigious awards such as the 425 Business 30 Under 30 Top Business Professionals of 2022 and a Forbes Magazine 30 Under 30 nomination in 2023. Beyond his professional achievements, Josh is known for his unwavering commitment to social and racial justice as a renowned activist. He was previously the Chair of the diversity, equity, and inclusion commission for the city of Lynnwood. He continues to use his unique lenses and personal experiences to advocate for those who need voice and representation.
Breaking Barriers: Unlocking Your Inner Potential to Achieve Success
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