Friday, September 16, 2016
Ibrahim Hussein, founder of the Somali American Cultural Society of Owatonna
OWATONNA — The Cultural Diversity Network is pleased to announce that Ibrahim Hussein has been named as the first recipient of the CulturFest Ambassador Award. Hussein is the Founder and Executive Director of the Somali American Cultural Society of Owatonna, a non-profit organization that works with K through 12 students providing tutoring and homework assistance. He is a business owner, full time student at Winona State University, and is a Commissioner on the Human Rights Commission of Owatonna. His dream is to become an elementary teacher with a special fondness for math.
Recipients of this award must promote goodwill within the community, positively represent the mission and beliefs of the Cultural Diversity Network, be an advocate for their own culture and a student of others, celebrate our unique cultural diversity and foster strong cross cultural relationships.
The award will be presented to Hussein at CulturFest immediately after the Opening Ceremony.
Cultural Diversity Society President, Sue Schroeder had this to say about Hussein, “Ibrahim is a true servant within our community. He works in so many capacities: as an immigrant settlement guide, teacher, bridge builder, advocate, business mentor and employer. Ibrahim makes things happen to help people reach their goals. Always a hard worker, he is supportive and persistent in his efforts. Owatonna is very fortunate that he calls our City home.”
This year, CulturFest will take place on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Wilson Elementary School, 325 Meadow Lane. CulturFest is a free event for the public and featuring music and dance talents, ethnic foods, authentic merchandise and activities for all ages to enrich its visitors with a multi-cultural experience. Superior performers from around the region will gather to share their music and dance in celebration of their heritage. The festival also invites food vendors to sell their tantalizing ethnic cuisine from around the world. For more information about CulturFest, please visit the website at: culturfest.org.