We are connecting Somali communities in the UK and worldwide. Empowering identity, unity, and impact.
The Somali Diaspora Foundation (SDF) is a hub bringing together Somali individuals, youth, professionals, businesses, and community organisations across the diaspora.
We create a trusted space where connection replaces fragmentation, strengthening Somali communities socially, culturally, and economically under one umbrella.
To connect Somali communities worldwide by creating trusted spaces for collaboration, cultural pride, and youth empowerment, strengthening identity and collective impact across the global diaspora.
A globally connected Somali diaspora that is confident in its identity, united in purpose, and empowered to create lasting social, cultural, and economic impact for generations to come.
Rooda is a community leader, social entrepreneur, and mother of three young adults, with over 15 years’ experience in community mobilisation. With a background in Biomedical Science, she is passionate about empowering underrepresented communities, particularly within the African diaspora. Her work has been nationally recognised, including receiving a British Empire award for community service. Rooda is the Chair and co-founder of the Somali Diaspora Foundation, where she leads initiatives promoting youth empowerment, cultural pride, and community cohesion.
Amina is a community builder, entrepreneur, and event curator dedicated to supporting and elevating underrepresented businesses. She is the founder of the Somali Business Show and two platforms created to connect entrepreneurs, promote collaboration, and open doors for small businesses. Alongside her community work, Amina has built a successful Dirac business, giving her first-hand experience of the challenges and realities business owners face. Her work is grounded in fairness, transparency, and impact, with a strong focus on creating accessible opportunities and long-term value for businesses, families, and the wider community.
Zahra is a UK-based Somali cosmetic formulator, analytical chemist, and Head of Finance at Somali Diaspora Foundation. She is the founder of Qasil Beauty and Latifa Naturals, purpose-driven skincare brands that combine scientific research with East African botanical ingredients while creating opportunities across diaspora supply chains. Through her work, Zahra actively bridges the UK and East Africa, promoting Somali entrepreneurship, ethical manufacturing, and women-led enterprise. She also leads the Friends of Latifa Foundation, supporting children with cancer and their families through care packages and community initiatives, reflecting her commitment to social impact alongside business excellence.
Hodan is a public health professional with a background in healthcare data, clinical coding, and informatics. With experience across both the NHS and local authority settings, she is passionate about using data-driven, evidence-informed approaches to reduce health inequalities. She supports SDF through IT, research, and data analysis. Witnessing the challenges faced by Somalis in the UK inspired her to become a founding member of SDF. Hodan is committed to creating healthier, more connected Somali communities supported by inclusive services that help individuals and families thrive.
Maryam is a dedicated professional, community advocate, and mother of two daughters, with nearly 20 years’ experience in business. She brings strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a people-centred approach to her work. Passionate about lifelong learning, Maryam believes education is a continuous journey. She is deeply committed to voluntary service, inspired by values rooted in her upbringing. As a founder of the Somali Diaspora Foundation, she is driven to give back to her community and create positive change, while raising her daughters to become confident, compassionate, and empowered women.
Rooda is a community leader, social entrepreneur, and mother of three young adults, with over 15 years’ experience in community mobilisation. With a background in Biomedical Science, she is passionate about empowering underrepresented communities, particularly within the African diaspora. Her work has been nationally recognised, including receiving a British Empire award for community service. Rooda is the Chair and co-founder of the Somali Diaspora Foundation, where she leads initiatives promoting youth empowerment, cultural pride, and community cohesion.
Amina is a UK-based community builder, entrepreneur, and event curator dedicated to supporting and elevating underrepresented businesses. She is the founder of the Somali Business Show and two platforms created to connect entrepreneurs, promote collaboration, and open doors for small businesses. Alongside her community work, Amina has built a successful Dirac business, giving her first-hand experience of the challenges and realities business owners face. Her work is grounded in fairness, transparency, and impact, with a strong focus on creating accessible opportunities and long-term value for businesses, families, and the wider community.
Zahra is a UK-based Somali cosmetic formulator, analytical chemist, and Head of Finance at Somali Diaspora Foundation. She is the founder of Qasil Beauty and Latifa Naturals, purpose-driven skincare brands that combine scientific research with East African botanical ingredients while creating opportunities across diaspora supply chains. Through her work, Zahra actively bridges the UK and East Africa, promoting Somali entrepreneurship, ethical manufacturing, and women-led enterprise. She also leads the Friends of Latifa Foundation, supporting children with cancer and their families through care packages and community initiatives, reflecting her commitment to social impact alongside business excellence.
