My immigrant parents' dream has come true: introducing Dr. Salma Hussein. The journey to improve education and foster community through restorative practices continues. I am who I am because of the love, support, and prayers of my hooyo and aabo.
Happy first day of school! Salma Hussein, Elementary Principal! Today marks the beginning of my second year as an elementary school principal. The work of honoring the humanity of students, staff, and families, and improving the system, continues. Let's go!
#RepresentationMatters
My parents, who gave up so much for me to be who I am, deserve my gratitude. If you notice that I'm emotional, it's because this moment means so much more to me than just a title. 1/
When we arrived in America in 1996, my parents had a vision and a dream to provide a better future for us. Twenty-seven years later, I am proud to introduce you to our youngest, Dr. Musse Hussein. He is the realization of my parents' dreams.
#UMNProud
#medicalschool
My first year as principal is complete! Stronger and more prepared than ever, I'm committed to being the leader our students, families, and staff deserve. I have listened, led authentically, & collaborated for a positive impact. My leadership reflects who I am.
#StrongerTogether
My 1st day as a school principal was AMAZING. I'm leaving with a grateful ❤️. Thankful for the staff, students, & families who make Gideon Pond the special school that it is. Everywhere I looked, I felt & witnessed love, joy, connection, and dedication.📸
@StarTribune
Liz Flores.
Our copy of
@DrIbram
Antiracist Baby arrived. The kids love it. Antiracist babies are bred and not born. Let's all do our part in raising kind, loving and connected little humans.
When we arrived in America in 1996, my parents had a vision and a dream to provide a better future for us. Twenty-seven years later, I am proud to introduce you to our youngest, Dr. Musse Hussein. He is the realization of my parents' dreams.
#UMNProud
#medicalschool
Society attempted to tell me I couldn’t, so I did. I am my parents' hopes & dreams. My father's first trip to my school will be on Friday. He doesn't know it, but I will honor him during the school assembly. I ❤️ my parents. I am because of them.
#Firstgen
#thriveonpurpose
Serving as the principal at a school where 40% of the student population is Somali, I am now the voice & the role model that I yearned for as a young girl. By staying true to who I am in all circumstances & settings, I am paving the path for others to follow.
#InspireChange
I love my Somali people and language. I'm determined to re-learn my mother tongue since I now recognize and value the benefits of being bilingual. I am fortunate to have the chance to instill confidence in my students so that they can be equally proud of their multilingualism.
Interview with
@inspiretheyouth
who became the first Somali-American female school principal in Minnesota.
"I want to be a role model for my students & all Somali children" she tells
@HBNOnline
TV.
Over 40% of her students are Somali &...
Full interview👇
Happy Birthday to me. I am grateful for the life I live. I'm recommitting to family, rest, sharing love & growing with a network of people who share my passion for doing good in the world. My life reflects who I am. I am Black, Somali, & Muslim. Today & always, I am ❤️ & loved.
My aabo visited my school TODAY. I moved through being a refugee, a first-gen, low-income, & an EL learner to being the principal of a thriving school. I was told by society that being low income meant poor outcomes, yet thanks to my parents' dedication, I have been able to fly.
Today is Safiya’s first day of wearing a hijab. Safiya is very happy to be a Muslim girl and likes wearing her hijab. So proud of my kid, who is strong-willed, kind, and a leader.
Today, it's Dress Like Your Teacher or Career Day, and Safiya chose to dress like me, her mom. Representation is powerful; it shows kids they can aim higher. Let's inspire dreams and spark a wave of positive change! ✨
#SpiritWeek
#RepresentationMatters
#PrincipalMom
While this mans view do not represent the entire Somali community, anti blackness is alive and well. We need to intentionally hold space to talk about anti-blackness especially among our men. So many of the hate messages I receive are from Somali men.
#HateSpeech
#antiblack
Healing circle organized and led by young Somali sisters to tak about sexual violence. As a mother and educator i showed up. I showed to offer support and prioritize my sisters healing. Healing is happening. Thank you
@munaism
for lighting the fire.
#sisterhood
#somalimetoo
For the past 2 years, I've been working on my superintendent license, & today I presented & passed. Leadership is no longer limited to a few communities. I'm glad that more communities are now represented in school & district leadership.
#Representation
#leadingwithloveandstrength
I have the immense honor of being named the
#principal
of
@gideon_pond
. I can't wait to be a part of a wonderful community of loving adults who look out for each other & each & every student. We ARE, therefore I AM!
I asked my 3 year old," what do you want to be when you grow up?" Her answer, "ME!" May we always remember being ourselves is and has always been enough.
Today, as I celebrate my birthday, I'm filled with gratitude for the wonderful community & family that surrounds me, and for the opportunity to live in alignment with my values. Here's to the year ahead, brimming with growth, positivity, and new beginnings!
#SelfLove
#ThisIs35
Day one! I set out with the goal of starting with myself and reimagining what school leadership looks like in the K–12 sector. My dedication to removing obstacles so that others can lead remains unchanged. Representation matters so much.
My 3 year old daughter asked me to take her to the neighbors house. I told her we didn't know them. Her response, " I will ask them what's your name. I do that to all of them." I was blown away by her straightforward plan to get to know our new neighbors.
#KindredSpirits
Yesterday, I received a call confirming what I had always believed that I am enough, and allowing me to fulfill my intention. My intention of serving families, students, teachers, and communities. I am happy to say I have accepted an assistant principal position with
@SPPS_News
I have found belonging at Central. After a number of rejections from districts that weren’t yet ready for a Muslim woman school leader, I was interviewed by two women of color. My own experience has shown me that spaces need to be intentionally created to support future leaders.
I'm so appreciative of my community & my power to be the change. Transformational change to open doors for everyone. When I was a child, I did not have school principals who resembled me. Thanks to the ❤️ & support of many, I am now the principal I needed when I was a student.
Tonight is the first night of Ramadan. May this blessed month bring healing, justice, and love for all of us. Ramadan Mubarak friends. ❤️
#Ramadan
#BlackLivesMatter
It's graduation day, but first, let's discuss the importance of ensuring that black boys experience joy, love, and support as they navigate school and learn from their experiences.
#BecomingDrHussein
Accepting the community champion award 2022 from the Somali Museum of Minnesota made today extra special. I ❤️ giving back to my community.
#Community
#CommunityStrong
#Minnesota
Day 5: Today wraps up my 1st official week as principal! Key takeaways: Identify & celebrate each person's strengths. Inspire learning & growth by leading by example. Affirm everyone—including children & families—that their contributions to the school are welcomed & valued.
#one91
As a first generation college student I almost flunked out of college. Ten years later, I am delivering the keynote address at my alma mater. Walk in courage and purpose. Send good vibes and positive energy my way. ❤️
#CCAPS
#graduation2021
#somalisuccess
This morning, I am joining some incredible Muslim women leaders, such as
@hooyoanisa
, at the Reviving Sisterhood 2023 Muslim Women's Leadership Conference. Sisterhood is powerful, beautiful, and inspiring.
My Safiya, is kind , brave, and fierce. Can you feel her joy? She is special and so are you. This weekend take time to do the things that bring you comfort and joy. You deserve it. ❤️
An IEP should be written to highlight both the child's strengths & opportunity for improvement. It is never ok to use deficit-based language in an IEP. Students, particularly SOC, are bombarded with negative messages from society; they don't need to find it in their IEPS as well.
@JGunlock
@ACPSk12
The political agenda you are referring to is Human Rights. The rights and dignity of others should be learned and studied in every grade level.
After school, I had the opportunity to talk with a group of Somali parents in cedar riverside about the importance of saying I love you. My dad was there to support me. We shared a recent personal practice of ending every conversation with I love you. Vulnerability is power!
Today, my second year as an elementary principal began, made extra special with my son at the same school. Hearing him say "hi mom" brought joy.
@gideon_pond
, with its loving atmosphere, supports my children and all students, thanks to our dedicated staff and volunteers.
#One91
I read the article on the left 2 days ago about a wonderful family moving to Brooklyn Park. Today I had the opportunity to meet Kate and drop off a cup of warm coffee. We are the change the world needs. Reach out and be in community.
#communitymatters
#CommunityTogether
#mprnews
I am passionate about having true sisterhood with other women. To me sisterhood is healing. I invite other women who are committed to healing, building authentic connection and support, to build sisterhood that centers love, connection, and healing. Love my abaayos.
Incredibly proud of our Central High students. They spoke passionately about justice and the need for all systems to change. Mayor Carter and superintendent
@JoeGothard
were both in attendance. They listened. We need more leaders to listen.
#LeadershipMatters
I ❤️ her. After a full day of
#MESPA2024
learning, I'm spending time with my daughter. Balancing work and family is achievable through intentional efforts.
Reading coaching for equity and struggling with the possible responses to racist comments section on pg. 165. If I hear a racist comment my first reaction isn’t to ask “tell me more about how you came to hold that belief.”
I love the act of paying it forward. There are no expectations but to bring joy. Pay it forward today, we all can use an act of kindness.
#PayItForward
I do my best to remind my babies that I love them throughout the day. Today my 5 year said "I love you mommy." I responded with "I love you too." He smiled and said " we say I love you a lot every day." Our home is one where we acknowledge our love for one another. Love heals. ❤️
@mochamomma
Ignore the haters sis. They are trying to take your joy. Keep leading. Keep truthtelling. I follow you because I recognize your brilliance and so do all the other folks. Keep walking in your purpose. Your community loves and appreciates you.
Tonight's a special one – Open House at our school, and I'm doubly thrilled to welcome my own two kids as students. Being both principal and mom fills me with joy! 🏫
#ProudPrincipal
#HappyMom
#PondPride
#One91
My baby brother is about to graduate from the
@umnmedschool
! My immigrant parents wished for all of their children to become doctors, but life had other plans for the rest of us. I'm happy Musse can realize my parents' dreams.
#UMNProud
#MedTwitter
Please join me in wishing a happy 62nd birthday to my wonderful mom. Her love and care have made me who I am. She is kind, loving, and generous. Her heart is huge, and she has taught me a lot about love. Hooyo, I love you so much and wish you a wonderful birthday!
I tweet about healing because EVERYBODY needs healing. Healing does not mean you are broken it means you are human. As an educator I have the privilege of holding space for so many people & to continue doing so requires taking time to understand the imprints I carry.
#LeadForward
Spending this evening with my mom and aunts. There's nothing like being surrounded by strong, loving women who lift each other up. Feeling grateful for these amazing ladies in my life.
#familytime
#grateful
As head principal, I just survived my first workshop week. We approached everything with ❤️, respect, relationship, & a desire to grow as a team. I have the best team of building leaders, school secretary, PTO, teachers, support staff, & district leadership on my side.
#One91
I love who I have become. I had little trouble coming up with examples for the class activity for tonight, which was to respond to the statement "I used to and now I." My favorite I used to be quiet and timid, but now I speak up and use my voice.