FBI Director Recognizes Local Somali Community Leader

March 22, 2010 - In a Washington D.C. ceremony today at FBI Headquarters, Director Robert S. Mueller, III recognized the recipients of the 2010 Director’s Community Leadership Award. These leaders, selected by their area FBI field office, have demonstrated outstanding contributions to their local communities through service. Included among the awardees was Dr. Saeed Fahia of Minneapolis for his work as executive director of the Confederation of the Somali Community in Minnesota (CSCM). Under Dr Fahia’s leadership, the CSCM, a non-profit organization established in 1994, has prospered as a multi-service organization aimed at providing services and advocating for the growing number of Somali immigrants and refugees in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. He has been instrumental in carrying forth the CSCM mission to enhance the lives of Somali-Americans through a continuum of innovative and effective programs including Youth Services, Refugee Settlement Services, Health and Wellness Services, Employment Services, Elder Services, and Women’s Services. His efforts have fostered critical bridges between the Minnesota Somali community and area state and local agencies in areas such as law enforcement, health and social services, and education. Dr. Fahia’s selfless service and tireless advocacy for a wide range of issues pertinent to the Somali community has helped to set the stage for the success and happiness of Somali immigrants and for Minnesota Somalis for generations to come.

“Those honored here today represent people from different backgrounds and beliefs, from different corners of America, but share some things in common: a willingness to lead, a commitment to improving the lives of their neighbors, and a desire to make the nation safer for their fellow citizens,” said Director Mueller.

Ralph S. Boelter, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis office attended the ceremony. “The Somali-American community in Minnesota is a proud one and Dr. Fahia has dedicated his life to bringing dreams of freedom and prosperity within the reach of countless members of this community. He is a role model for youngsters and others in the community who may find themselves at a critical crossroads in their American journey.”