The Somaliland Professionals Association (SLPA) was represented across a series of policy, civic, and community engagements during President @Abdirahmanirro and his delegation’s September 2026 visit to the United States. In Washington, D.C., SLPA members joined members of the broader DMV Somaliland community at a private dinner with members of the President’s cabinet. Members also attended President Irro’s September 14 appearance at Hudson Institute and participated in the community gathering in Crystal City, where three SLPA members served on the organizing committee and two served as masters of ceremonies. In New York, SLPA members were also invited to a separate private dinner with the President, cabinet members, presidential advisors, and Somaliland parliamentary leadership, alongside members of the Abaarso network, donors, professionals, and other community stakeholders. The visit underscored Somaliland’s growing engagement with U.S. policy, business, and diaspora communities and provided its leadership with a platform to advance deeper economic, security, and diplomatic engagement with the United States, as well as Somaliland’s longstanding pursuit of broader international recognition. For SLPA, the visit demonstrated the important role that Somaliland’s professional diaspora can play in strengthening relationships, contributing expertise, and supporting the country’s long-term development. With a network of more than 900 members in 42 states spanning a broad range of industries and professions, SLPA remains committed to mobilizing its professional expertise, relationships, and civic leadership in support of Somaliland’s continued progress and international engagement. #Somaliland #SLPA #DiasporaLeadership #ProfessionalNetwork

On Saturday April 18th, SLPA headed to the South for our 7th Regional Event — where everything is bigger in Texas! 🤠 Hosted at the Embassy Suites in Dallas, we welcomed 140+ attendees from DFW, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Oklahoma, and Louisiana for one of our largest and most impactful regional gatherings yet. Some members even drove over 7 hours to attend. Many attendees shared that this was the first event of this scale and caliber for the Somaliland community in the region and encouraged SLPA to continue expanding across the South. Our first keynote speaker, Mohamoud Egal, Founder of Amoud Foundation, spoke on the importance of unity and education in transforming our communities and future generations. He also commended SLPA’s work and expressed excitement to continue the strong 7-year partnership between SLPA and Amoud Foundation. We also hosted roundtable discussions focused on strengthening engagement across the region, expanding mentorship efforts, and identifying ways professionals can use their skills to contribute toward Somaliland’s development. Discussions also explored opportunities within the oil & gas industry and how diaspora professionals can support future resource exploration efforts. Our second keynote speaker, petroleum engineer Abdisamad Arten, PE, shared his journey from Hargeysa to studying petroleum engineering and later earning a master’s degree in energy economics from Rice University. He also gave a deep dive into Somaliland’s oil & gas exploration journey from the 1960s through today, discussing opportunities, challenges, and lessons from other resource-rich countries across Sub-Saharan Africa. We also held a panel discussion featuring professionals across AI & Engineering, Technology, and Medicine who shared valuable career insights and experiences. Attendees enjoyed a catered lunch from Somalilander owned Cafe Madina and later continued networking at Nehemiah Coffee House in Dallas. Many thanks to our Dallas chapter organizers, volunteers, speakers, and attendees for helping make this one of our best regional events yet. Where to next? ✈️ #Somaliland #BuildingCommunity #SLPA #SouthernRegion – at Dallas, TX

Another successful fundraiser. Thank you to all our donors, members, and supporters. We’re humbled to close out our 7th Ramadan Fundraiser and officially reach all 6 regions of Somaliland! We surpassed our goal once again with your support. May you all be rewarded for your generosity. Special thanks to the Ainabo International Hospital Board for the partnership, and to our hardworking SLPA Ramadan Fundraising Team for their dedication. Looking forward to our 8th Annual Ramadan Fundraiser next year! Which region will be next? 👀 #SLPA #RamadanFundraiser #Somaliland #Sool #GivingBack

April 18th in Dallas Texas, join us for our 7th regional event. DM us to receive a link to register. This event is for our members and supporters in the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and broader Southern Belt. #Somaliland

Jummah Mubarak! We invite you to support our 7th Annual Ramadan Fundraiser. Each year, we focus on a new region of Somaliland, funding sustainable projects that directly benefit communities and families on the ground. Your contribution — no matter the amount — helps create lasting impact. Please donate using the link below. We offer multiple donation options for members in the U.S. and supporters worldwide. linko.page/slpadonation May Allah reward you for your generosity. #Somaliland #RamadanGiving

SLPA’s 6th Regional Event returned to Fairfax, Virginia — where it all began. Hosted at Merten Hall at George Mason University, this year’s DMV convening centered on one theme: Building Bridges — connecting Somaliland-American professionals, advancing development, and empowering diaspora action. As SLPA’s founding hub, the DMV holds special significance in our journey. What began here has grown into a national network spanning six regional cities and connecting hundreds of professionals across the country. Bringing the community back to this foundation felt intentional. Nearly 100 attendees from across the DMV — spanning healthcare, education, engineering, technology, finance, public service, and beyond, gathered alongside students, early-career professionals, and seasoned leaders. The room reflected both experience and ambition. Discussions moved beyond inspiration into strategy: • Strengthening education and workforce development through mentorship and technical training • Investing in agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and local industry • Creating clearer legal and regulatory pathways to support diaspora investment • Expanding civic engagement and structured advocacy • Advancing conversations around recognition, dignity, and long-term economic opportunity Through small-group dialogue and keynote insights, one message remained clear: diaspora engagement must be organized and strategic; it must be sustainable and rooted in mentorship, investment, advocacy, and collaboration. What began in the DMV continues to grow far beyond it; building bridges across borders and creating long-term pathways for Somaliland’s development. Where to next? ✈️ 🌎 #Somaliland #SomalilandProfessionals #SomalilandAmericans #DMV