Ms. Nimao Ali is a powerhouse and inspirational leader working as an educator for both adults and children for almost 20 years and currently serves as a principal at MAC’s Abraar Secondary School. Ms. Ali completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Mathematics at Carleton University and later received an Adult Education Teaching Certificate from Algonquin College and her Principal Qualifications from York University.

Ms. Ali’s past local volunteer involvements include: working as a Muslim cultural sensitivity trainer in the Diversity & Race Relations Department of the Ottawa Police Service, sitting on the RCMP National Adviser Committee as a member, serving as a member on the OCISO None-Profit Housing board and holding key positions in the Ottawa chapter of the Muslim Association of Canada. In 2017, Nimao served as an external adviser to the Minister of Children and Youth Services of Ontario, she is a current board member of Somerset West Community Health Centre and serving Chaplaincy services for Carleton University students.

Ms. Ali fled civil war in her native Somalia and came to Canada as a teenager to start a new life, like many immigrant families. She spends many summers working on aid projects in East Africa with the Somali Canadian Education and Rural Development Organization. She has also co-founded local organizations undertaking key projects in girls’ education and empowerment in Canada.

A tireless mother of three, Ms. Ali is also a sought-after inspirational speaker both at home and abroad. She was nominated for the 2017 Governor General Awards for her outstanding leadership. To learn more about MAC Spotlight, you can visit this link.