ASSOCIATED FOUNDERS

Said is the Founder and CEO of SBAOA, and completed his Bachelors in Business Administration from California College, San Diego in 2005 soon after arriving in the US as a Bantu refugee. He went on to receive certificates in Cognitive Physiology from San Diego Urban League Pacific Institute; Certificate of Excellence from San Diego City College; and Certificate of Achievement from City Heights Youth and Family Outreach. Before founding the SBAOA, Mr. Abiyow worked in several refugee-serving nonprofits in Texas, and San Diego between 2004 and 2011.

Patricia is a Co-founder at the SBAOA, and completed her 4-year degree in English Composition and Journalism from Indiana University Bloomington. Ms. Moore has a demonstrated history of working with nonprofits as well as in staffing and recruiting. She is highly skilled in Analytical Skills, Team Building, Public Speaking, Management, and Leadership. Some of the trainings she has received include Anti-Harassment Training for Supervisors, and Continuing Education in Mideastern and South Asian Cultures and Languages.

Omar is the Vice Chairman on the SBAOA’s Board of Directors, and came to the US as a refugee in 2005. Omar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Nairobi University. He worked as an adult education teacher with the International Rescue Committee, and a social services facilitator with another local nonprofit in Nairobi before coming to the US. After his arrival in the US, Mr. Abdi worked with the Nile Sisters Development Initiative (NSDI), a refugee serving organization, as a Case Worker and Social Services Facilitator. After his tenure at NSDI, Omar joined the SBAOA’s microenterprise training program. Mr. Abdi is currently the Founder and CEO of Brother’s Market, a retail Store in San Diego County, California.

Garrett is a Co-founder at the SBAOA, and completed his Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the San Diego State University in 2006. By profession, Garrett is a front end developer and graphic designer that specializes in custom WordPress themes.

Molly is the SBAOA’s Secretary. She completed her Masters in Engineering from Indiana in 2005. Ms. Molly currently works as an artist, with a focus on child development.

Abdi Mwechiwa came to the US as a refugee in 2003 and became a beneficiary of the SBAOA’s services soon after his arrival. He represents the community on the Board of Directors. Mr. Mwechiwa holds an Associate degree in Social Services, and currently works at Walmart.