A New Chapter of Leadership: Celebrating the Transition of Presidency at the Somali Society of Engineers

As the Somali Society of Engineers steps into a new year filled with promise, innovation, and continued impact, we are proud to mark an important moment in our journey: the transition of leadership that reflects both our growth and our enduring commitment to empowering Somali engineers across the globe.

We are excited to announce that Yusuf Abdi, EIT will assume the role of President, becoming the third president in SSE’s history.

Yusuf brings with him a strong technical background and a forward-thinking mindset. As a Senior Transmission Planning Consultant at Siemens, he specializes in transmission system planning and grid reliability, areas that are critical to the infrastructure of tomorrow. With both a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Electrical Engineering, Yusuf exemplifies the excellence and dedication that SSE strives to promote. His leadership comes at a time when the role of engineers is more vital than ever, and we are confident that under his guidance, SSE will continue to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and create meaningful opportunities for Somali engineers worldwide.

At the same time, this moment would not be complete without honoring the remarkable contributions of our outgoing President, Ayan Osman, MS, the second president of SSE, under whose leadership the organization experienced a true renaissance.

Ayan’s tenure marked a pivotal period of renewal and growth. Through her leadership, SSE was revitalized and strengthened after many years, reestablishing itself as a vibrant and impactful network. With over 13 years of experience as a multifaceted Electrical and Software Engineer and Program Manager at Seagate Technology, Ayan brought not only technical expertise but also a deep commitment to mentorship and community building.

In her own words, Ayan shared a vision that has resonated throughout the organization:

“I personally felt that we were missing a connection between the Somali engineers that have been in the industry for a very long time like me and the ones that are just graduating and entering the industry… these new upcoming engineers need mentors to guide them through how to make it in the corporate world and be successful.”

This belief became a driving force behind her presidency. She championed initiatives that bridged the gap between experienced professionals and emerging engineers, creating a culture of mentorship, collaboration, and shared growth. Her leadership reminded us that SSE is not just a professional network, but a community built on shared purpose and mutual support.

At its core, SSE exists to provide Somali engineers with the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their communities and to the engineering profession, while showcasing Somali excellence on a global stage. Each president of SSE, much like its members, brings a unique combination of excellence, experience, and ambition that continues to elevate the organization and the community it serves.

As we look ahead, we carry forward both Ayan’s legacy and Yusuf’s vision. With a strong foundation and a dynamic new chapter underway, the possibilities before us are limitless.

To Ayan Osman, we extend our deepest gratitude for your service, leadership, and unwavering commitment.

To Yusuf Abdi, we welcome you into this role with excitement and confidence.

And to our community, this is your moment as well. The future of Somali engineering is being built together, and the best is yet to come.