ABOUT US
Metro Youth Diversion Center (MYDC) was officially established in the Twin Cities in June of 2018; however, our organization’s history far precedes this milestone year. Our story began as far back as early 2013 when we conceptualized it originally as a youth development program tailored to the East African community in San Diego, California. We created and refined it as a culturally responsive youth diversion and prevention program. In 2018, we assessed the needs of the East African community in the Twin Cities area and decided to launch our program with this official name.
1. Help youth identify how involvement in the criminal justice system negatively impacts self-efficacy. This will be done through education, individualized and group therapy, social skills training, tutoring, mentoring and community engagement.
2. Educate families and community leaders about the issues facing the youth in the community, making them prone to delinquent behavior if not intervened.
Rashad Ahmed is the Executive Director of Metro Youth Diversion Center. Rashad has extensive experience working in Program Management and in Educational Leadership roles. He is an advocate for youth and families and has dedicated his career serving the people. Early in his career, Rashad worked in the corporate world before turning to education and nonprofit work in order to enhance and advance the lives of underserved citizens. Rashad’s greatest strengths include his creativity, drive and leadership skills. He thrives on challenges, particularly those that expand the organization’s mission. Some of his past roles included creating Strategic Partnerships, Development, and Community Outreach. Rashad holds a Master’s in Organizational Management & Leadership from Springfield College in Massachusetts, as well as a Bachelors of Arts Sociology from California State University, San Marcos.
Director of Operations and Finance
Rashad Ahmed is the Executive Director of Metro Youth Diversion Center. Rashad has extensive experience working in Program Management and in Educational Leadership roles. He is an advocate for youth and families and has dedicated his career serving the people. Early in his career, Rashad worked in the corporate world before turning to education and nonprofit work in order to enhance and advance the lives of underserved citizens. Rashad’s greatest strengths include his creativity, drive and leadership skills. He thrives on challenges, particularly those that expand the organization’s mission. Some of his past roles included creating Strategic Partnerships, Development, and Community Outreach. Rashad holds a Master’s in Organizational Management & Leadership from Springfield College in Massachusetts, as well as a Bachelors of Arts Sociology from California State University, San Marcos.
BOARD MEMBERS
Arif Bakar – Tawfiq Islamic Center
Zehra Jama – Higher Ground Academy
Yousef Abraham – Community Leader
Saeed Bihi – City of Minneapolis
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