Welcome to Maryan Ali, our new Somali Instructor

A Word from Professor Maryan Ali

I am a former refugee from Somaliland. My educational journey started in the late 90s in the US and I completed my Bachelor in Computer Information Systems in Minnesota and moved to the Washington Metropolitan area at the end of 2006, where I taught, developed, and tested the Somali language for the last ten years. I have completed my Masters of Career Technical Education online at Concordia University.

How do I come to know Howard University? Howard University found me through my Kenyan friends two years ago, which led me to be a faculty member at the University. I have never had the experience to study at any of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Though Covid-19 limited my opportunity to experience Howard University physically, my experience is awe- inspiring because of predominately young, highly educated African-Americans leading and instructing the entire University. My students are enjoying their first Somali course. I have nothing but gratitude for everyone who made my appointment possible, particularly Dr. Leonard Mauka, who is the current Interim Chairman and Associate Professor of the Department of World Languages and Culture, for his hard work and education. Finally, I humbly say that I am privileged to be one of the junior scholars at Howard, where academic success is the norm.