Community Overview & Why This Matters

Who We Are

The East African Youth Leadership Institute is a community-driven organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders. We provide young people with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to grow in leadership, emotional intelligence, academic success, and community engagement. Rooted in East African values and traditions, we help youth build confidence, break barriers, and create pathways toward becoming change-makers in their schools, communities, and beyond.

Why This Matters

  • Estimated population range expanded to 40,000–100,000
  • Stronger comparison with Hmong and Somali communities in terms of resources and visibility
  • Clearer rationale for launching the American Youth Leadership Institute
  • Polished call to action that addresses existing organizational gaps and inspires involvement

Why This Program?

To bridge the generational gap and build a space where:

  • Leadership is cultivated
  • Cultural identity is honored
  • Mentorship connects past, present, and future Oromo leaders

The Challenge

  • A growing disconnect between elders and youth.
  • Young people struggle with identity, guidance, and purpose.
  • Elders face barriers relating to youth in a U.S. cultural context, complicated by tribal divisions

Rising Leaders. United Voices. Real Impact.

A transformative space where African Diaspora build identity, leadership, and civic power. We fill the gap where school and home may not-through mentorship, skills, and purposeful community practice.

We welcome youth and young adults who are ready to grow and serve.

  • Priority Deadline: June 15, 2025
  • Program Dates: July-September 2025
  • Hybrid format (Minneapolis + online)

Why this institute exists

Minnesota is home to a vibrant and growing African Youth community. Yet visibility and access to civic, academic, and professional leadership pathways have not kept pace. Our institute is a partnership between community leaders, educators, and local organizations to build a sustainable leadership pipeline rooted in culture, belonging, and purpose.

Purpose-Driven

We help youth name their values, find their voice, and set a direction.

Identity & Belonging

Rooted in American Youth heritage with a global outlook.

Learning by Doing

Projects, civic practice, and real-world problem solving

Mentorship

Intergenerational guidance from community leaders and professionals.

Program tracks

Targeted pathways with skills, mentorship, and real projects.

Mentors

Intergenerational support from professionals, elders, and civic leaders.

Still have question? Reach out to us!

Fill out the form and ask you questions.

Our Team

Educators, nonprofits, businesses, and civic institutions working together.

Jelani Jillo

Program Director

Abas Regassa

Community Engagement & Partnership Director

Bonni Abdurahman

Chief Administrative Officer

Feneti Mohamed

Youth Outreach Coordinator

Support youth leadership & community power

Become a mentor, host an intern, offer space, or sponsor a cohort scholarship.

Youth Leadership Program Application

Program Selection
Personal Information
Education & Background
Leadership Experience & Interests
Commitment

Become A Mentor