Today we’d like to introduce you to Mohamed Jama.
Hi Mohamed , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Mohamed Jama
Executive Director & Founder – Youth Legacy
Mohamed Jama is a Minneapolis-based community leader and founder of Youth Legacy, dedicated to youth violence prevention, cultural education, and community engagement. Born in Somalia and raised in the Twin Cities suburbs during the early 1990s, Mohamed navigated the challenges of an identity crisis as a young Somali in America, balancing cultural expectations with the realities of growing up in a new environment. Sports became a lifeline, teaching him discipline, teamwork, and resilience—qualities he now instills in the youth he serves.
Drawing on his lived experience and a background in business management, Mohamed partners with schools, government agencies, and community organizations to address gang prevention, youth homelessness, and cultural understanding. He has trained public agencies, including the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, on Somali culture, restorative practices, and community safety. Through Youth Legacy, he continues to build partnerships and programs that empower young people to embrace their identity, pursue their potential, and lead positive change.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Born in Somalia and raised in the Twin Cities suburbs during the early 1990s, Mohamed’s childhood was marked by unstable housing, mental and physical abuse, verbal mistreatment from family and coaches, and struggles with individuality. He also faced mental and social gaps that brought him into contact with the justice system. Sports became a lifeline—building discipline, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Drawing on his lived experience and business management background, Mohamed now works with schools, government agencies, and community partners to create safe spaces, strengthen cultural understanding, and empower young people to lead positive change.
We’ve been impressed with Youthlegacy , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Youth Legacy is a Minneapolis-based organization dedicated to empowering youth, preventing violence, and building bridges between cultures. We specialize in culturally responsive programming for East African, immigrant, and underserved youth—addressing challenges like identity crisis, gang recruitment, and youth homelessness. Our work blends prevention, mentorship, and advocacy, with a focus on creating safe spaces where young people can see their potential and chart a positive path forward.
What sets us apart is our deep community trust and lived experience. I founded Youth Legacy not from a textbook but from my own journey—navigating unstable housing, abuse, identity struggles, and contact with the justice system as a child growing up in the suburbs. Those experiences allow us to connect with youth on a real, human level and to design programs that meet them where they are.
We’re known for hands-on engagement—whether that’s running violence prevention programs in schools, leading Somali cultural trainings for public agencies, or organizing community sports and restorative circles that bring people together. Our partnerships with schools, government agencies, and community leaders mean we can address the needs of youth across multiple fronts: safety, cultural identity, mental health, and career pathways.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Youth Legacy is recognized as more than a service provider—we’re a trusted community partner and a voice for young people who often go unheard. Our brand stands for empowerment, authenticity, and lasting impact. We want people to know that when they work with Youth Legacy, they’re not just getting a program—they’re joining a movement to create safer, stronger, and more connected communities.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Community rooted direction
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youthlegacymn.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youth_legacymn?igsh=MTdqN3N5NDQ5ajZu&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19jmUwqfwU/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youth-legacy-36734685
