Asma Abdille is the Assistant Director and former founding Board Secretary of the Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community (MDMC), where she has played a key role in expanding accessible services, community engagement, and advocacy for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and DeafDisabled individuals. She was also MDMC’s first Board Secretary and continues to help lead the organization’s programs, partnerships, and strategic initiatives.

Prior to joining MDMC, Asma worked as an Adult Education Instructor with ThinkSelf, supporting Deaf adults in achieving their educational and personal goals.

Born in Somalia shortly before the outbreak of the Somali Civil War, Asma spent her early childhood living as a nomad in northern Somalia, helping her family raise livestock with little access to formal education. At the age of 14, she experienced a sudden hearing loss due to illness, a life-changing event that ultimately shaped her passion for disability rights and accessibility.

In 2008, Asma immigrated to the United States to seek medical treatment for her hearing loss and reunited with her family in Minnesota. She graduated from Southwest High School in Minneapolis after completing her diploma in just one year. She later continued her education through post-secondary and adult education programs, developing a strong commitment to lifelong learning and community leadership.

Asma is a dedicated disability advocate, nonprofit leader, writer, and public speaker. She is passionate about improving accessibility, empowering underserved communities, and creating opportunities for Deaf individuals to fully participate in education, employment, healthcare, and civic life. Her work includes community organizing, legislative advocacy, interpreter access, nonprofit development, workforce support, and public education.

Outside of her professional work, Asma enjoys helping job seekers strengthen their careers by improving resumes and crafting compelling, attention-grabbing cover letters. She also writes a personal blog where she shares reflections on her life, disability-related topics, family, relationships, and other issues that inspire meaningful conversation and personal growth.

Asma is an active community volunteer who regularly supports grassroots organizations, community initiatives, and events throughout Minnesota. She also volunteers with Metro Transit’s Adopt-a-Stop Program, helping keep public transit spaces clean and welcoming. Above all, she is passionate about building stronger, more inclusive communities through service, advocacy, and leadership.