Ayaan Dahir is a Somali refugee and youth activist based in Minneapolis. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota where she studied psychology as well as African and African American Studies. Ayaan is an avid writer and storyteller. She curates a blog, is a novelist, contributes to the Twin Cities Daily Planet, and is working on her second book.

Ayaan centers an Islamic-based activism approach as she advocates for mental health, women’s rights, Black liberation, economic equity, and youth empowerment. Ayaan is a Youth Development Coordinator at the Council of American Islamic Relations of Minnesota. She is also a nature photographer and outdoors enthusiast.