Friday November 1, 2024
Hamse Wara is the highest-ranking Somali American to ever serve in a presidential appointment, an impressive achievement given his upbringing as a refugee. However, public service is just one aspect of this Minnesota native’s global impact. Politics has been a significant part of Wara's life. Although his appointment under President Biden has concluded, the 45-year-old now serves as a surrogate for the Harris-Walls campaign. Remarkably, Wara is unique in having worked for both Harris and Walls, as noted in a recent conversation.
In his new book, Wara expresses clear political preferences but emphasizes that his work has always maintained a nonpartisan mission centered on serving the American people. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “At no point in my life did I think I would be appointed by an American president to help advance democracy and human rights. As incomparable as it is to be tapped by the president, in no way is it the only time my life changed.”
Wara’s life took a dramatic turn when, as a 10-year-old boy, he and his family fled Somalia due to the outbreak of war. “My parents were very successful business entrepreneurs, but unfortunately, that business success did not guarantee safety and security for my family,” he shared. This personal history is what fuels his dedication: “This is really why I do what I do, because I want to make sure that my children are not displaced by violence and that we create a sense of belonging for everyone.”
In 2019, Wara became the highest-ranking African official in the Minnesota state government, where he advocated for workforce equity. Three years later, he continued his public service on a global scale as President Biden’s senior adviser in the State Department. When asked about the future of America’s stance on welcoming refugees, Wara pointed out that the next president holds significant influence over the number of refugees admitted to the country, highlighting the life-or-death implications for those fleeing persecution.
Wara’s new book, A Transformational Leader, arrives at a critical time with the upcoming election. On the leadership needed in the White House, he stated, “We need leadership that represents an inclusive America, the true America that is diverse and lives up to its ideals—an America that leads the world, not dominates it.”
In addition to public service, Wara has embraced entrepreneurship. He aims to ensure that 100 million people gain access to the global economy. The software company he co-founded has been recognized for its innovation by the Obama Administration and MIT. “It gives us the power to provide individuals access to their data, whether for an employer or within a supply chain,” he explained. For Wara, the intersection of different sectors is essential. “No single sector can develop solutions uniquely on their own,” he said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.