Omar Mohamed

Omar Mohamed was born in Somalia, fled to Kenya with his parents, then sought refuge in the United States in 2004. Omar pursued a degree in Social Work at Marquette University. His personal connection to the refugee experience fueled his passion for making a positive impact on the lives of those undergoing resettlement. After completing his education, Omar joined Lutheran Social Service—Refugee Department. His initial roles involved assisting newly arrived refugees with essential tasks such as finding housing, enrolling in ESL/ELL, and navigating the complex process of adjusting to life in a new country.

Omar, being bilingual and bicultural, played a crucial role as a bridge between refugees and the various systems they encountered. He provided language interpretation and cultural mediation to ensure effective communication in areas such as healthcare, education and legal matters. Having seen the impact of trauma on refugee populations, Omar underwent specialized training in trauma-informed care. He integrated these principles into the resettlement process, recognizing the need for sensitivity and understanding when working with individuals who had experienced significant hardships. Omar’s dedication and leadership skills earned him a promotion to Resettlement Program Manager. In this role, he oversaw a team of case workers, ensuring that the resettlement process was efficient, comprehensive, and tailored to the unique needs of each family.