Mahat Abdullahi

28 | Prevention Network Manager, United Way of Northwest Vermont
Residence: Chittenden

Career highlight you are most proud of:
A recent deployment where an airman I was supervising was recognized as the Airman of the Month by our squadron.

Community involvement:
Includes coaching at Nordic Soccer Club, Burlington High School and mentoring.

Motivation for living and working in Vermont:
My family and my career in the Vermont National Guard.

Favorite part of your job:
Working closely with community partners that deliver programs and services intended for the wellbeing of the community and future generations.

Most inspiring mentor:
David Scibek, a former teacher at Burlington Technical Center. He instilled great values and leadership qualities in all his students.

Best career advice you have received:
Ask yourself three questions related to communications: What do I know, who needs to know and have I told them.

Three words that best describe you:
Observant, passionate and approachable.

Favorite Vermont season:
Fall, because of Thanksgiving and having the chance to watch “Fantastic Mr. Fox.“

Favorite downtime activities:
Playing soccer and gaming.

Favorite smell:
That earthy spring smell after the snow melts.

Cause you would support if you had unlimited access to funds:
Supporting my family from Somalia and Kenya.

Song on your playlist you are embarrassed to disclose to your best friend:
If they don’t know this particular song, are they really a best friend?

Where you see yourself professionally in the next five to 10 years:
Being a head coach at a soccer academy.

Career goals you would like to accomplish in the next five to 10 years:
Coaching academy-level soccer and serving my community in a leadership role.