Fathia Absie is a Somali American writer, filmmaker and a public speaker. Ms. Absie's first film is "Broken Dreams", a documentary that explores the collective outcry against the recruitment of the Somali youth in Minnesota by religious fanatics. It follows the disappearances of the young Somali men, after the FBI launched the largest US counter-terrorism investigation since the 9/11 tragedy.

Her second film is a narrative called "The Lobby". It is a story about friendship and cultural differences. In 2014, Absie also published the graphic novel The Imperceptible Peacemaker. A story about an allegory on vigilante justice, where its superhero protagonist and a tech billionaire team up to create a suit that gives the ability to become an invisible force for good, fighting tyranny and injustice around the world. Ms. Absie also worked with Twin Cities PBS where she hosted countless programs including the documentary,  "Giving Thanks"!  

Ilays Aden is a Somali American activist who has lived in Washington D.C. and Seattle. She attended University of Washington, where she studied Economics and African Studies, and American University for law school. She has been an advocate for immigrants and asylum seekers from all different backgrounds.

As she continues her fight for social justice and equality, she focuses on building relationships among communities around the Puget Sound. Ilays is also fighting against displacement of vulnerable groups in the current housing crisis around Seattle.  She is passionate about bringing people to the table, whether it is to eat or to engage in important dialogue that supports a healthy community.

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