Abdikarim Hagi (Abdi) attends Anoka Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids, currently pursuing a degree in Biology, on a Pre-Med Track. As of Fall 2024, he serves as a member of his campus’ Student Senate on personal recommendation of the college president. Through his work on campus, Abdi became passionate about the topic of advocacy, and how important it truly is. This led him to find out about LeadMN and the advocacy work they do on both a statewide and national level.

After attending his first LeadMN Advocacy Day, Abdi was surprised to see how much personal stories shape policies. This experience and the Student Advocates he found himself surrounded by prompted him to join LeadMN and do more than he thought possible. Now serving as a Regional Representative, he wants to focus on amplifying the voices and stories of students that he has a duty to advocate and represent.

Abdi was born in, and lives, in Minneapolis Minnesota. He grew up in a large family, as the oldest of 8 kids. But when he’s not at home with his family or studying on campus, he works as a Travel CNA. Working shifts at different hospitals across the Twin Cities, broadening his experience and skills. Outside academics and advocacy he is a lifelong fan of fantasy and superhero stories, enjoys tabletop role-playing/video games, and content creation. He draws on those interests to build community, tell compelling stories, and make advocacy more accessible for fellow students.