Khadija Ali's journey from war-torn Somalia to the United States in 1996 was just the beginning of her remarkable story. As a young interpreter for her family, she went on to build and lead two successful language companies.
At Global Language Connections, her Minneapolis-based company, creativity and innovation thrive through listening and cultural expertise. Ali believes that every client has unique needs, and her team of interpreters, translators, and consultants are encouraged to share ideas shaped by their experiences.
I believe innovation grows when people feel seen and trusted. That means creating an environment where my team can test approaches, ask questions, and share solutions rooted in their lived experiences.
For Ali, language access is not just about words, but about building systems that adapt to diverse communities in real time. Her work is changing the lives of other immigrants, providing access, opportunity, and dignity.
Author's summary: Khadija Ali's language companies empower immigrants through access and opportunity.