Dr. Ahmed's career is marked by a commitment to fostering equity, empowering students and educators, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure every learner thrives. He is the assistant superintendent of secondary education for Portland Public Schools in Maine with over twenty years of experience in public education. Prior to his current position, he was an administrator at Deering High School in Portland from 2015 to 2022. Before stepping into leadership roles, Dr. Ahmed taught physical science at Deering High School starting in 2005 and became Maine's first certified public school teacher of Arabic Language in 2013.

Dr. Abdullahi M. Ahmed has a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Maine, where he conducted his dissertation research on refugee parental involvement in schools. Born and raised in Somalia, Dr. Ahmed is a multilingual educator who speaks Somali, Arabic, English, and Urdu. His diverse background and expertise have been pivotal in fostering equitable learning environments, increasing access to advanced academic opportunities for marginalized students and developing inclusive practices within schools. His leadership has emphasized the creation of inclusive school cultures, diversifying staff recruitment, and strengthening community partnerships to enhance student success.

In addition to his public education leadership, Dr. Ahmed was an adjunct professor at the University of Southern Maine, where he taught research methods, instructional strategies, and Arabic language courses. His publications, including research on immigrant parent involvement and global partnerships in education, reflect his dedication to promoting inclusive educational practices.