At the Center of Excellence, our story begins not with strategy, but with lived experience. Our founder, Abdul Qadir Ali — known affectionately as AQ — arrived in the UK as a Somali refugee fleeing civil war. Like many in our community, he carried the weight of displacement, silence, and the struggle to belong.
AQ’s journey shaped our mission. Having faced the challenges of starting over in a new country, his goal was simple but profound: to build a place where no one would feel unseen, unheard, or left behind. From government institutions to community spaces in the UK, Africa, and the Middle East, AQ’s work has always focused on helping people reclaim their voice and purpose.
In 2022, AQ co-founded the Centre of Excellence with Hawa Abdi — a powerhouse in youth empowerment and social care. Hawa brings over a decade of experience leading programs that connect young people with education, mental health support, and opportunity. Her work is rooted in lived experience and a deep belief in the strength of community-led change.
Together, they built a centre rooted in compassion, healing, and dignity. A space for Barnet’s Somali and minority communities to gather, grow, and thrive. Their leadership continues to inspire everything we do — from one-on-one coaching to community-wide initiatives.
Because healing starts with being heard. And growth begins with being seen.