The Board of Trustees at UAC is composed of dedicated community leaders, educators, and professionals who provide strategic direction and oversight to ensure the school's continued excellence and growth.
Abdikani Diini, MBA
Abdikani is a University of Phoenix graduate with over 25 years of experience in home health care and childcare. He has successfully led teams, streamlined operations, and developed strategic business plans that improved service quality and customer satisfaction. Abdikani is recognized for building high-performing teams, fostering community development, and creating systems that deliver measurable results. His expertise spans organizational leadership, budget management, and policy development, making him a trusted professional in driving growth and operational excellence.
Abdi Mohamed Abdille
Imam & Principal of Qur'an and Arabic Education
Abdi Mohamed Abdille is a teacher, imam, and education leader with more than 15 years of experience. A graduate of the Islamic University and holder of a master's degree from Al-Neelain University, he has dedicated his career to teaching Qur'an and Arabic studies and guiding students in faith-based education.
Currently residing in Columbus, Ohio, Abdille serves as an imam and principal, where he focuses on nurturing spiritual growth, academic excellence, and strong moral values among students.
Farxaan Jeyte
State Commissioner, New African Immigrants Commission
Farxaan Jeyte is a respected community leader and child advocate with over two decades of experience in governance, organizational leadership, and policy development. He has played a pivotal role in bridging communities, advancing minority representation, and shaping initiatives that expand opportunities at the state, national, and international levels.
For more than 17 years, Jeyte has been deeply involved in child development programs—strengthening families, empowering youth, and fostering inclusive growth. As a board member of the Universal Academy of Columbus, he brings expertise in coalition-building, grassroots mobilization, and community advocacy to support the school's mission. Jeyte is particularly committed to expanding access to quality education for underserved communities and developing leadership opportunities for students.
Liiban Gurhan
IT Professional & Director, Alliance Home Care, LLC
Liiban Gurhan brings over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, having worked across private sector companies and government contracts. In addition to his work in technology, he serves as Director of Alliance Home Care, LLC in Columbus, Ohio, where he leads efforts to provide quality in-home care services for elderly individuals and their families.
A dedicated community servant, Gurhan is passionate about education, youth development, and creating pathways for student success. His work reflects a strong commitment to improving opportunities for the next generation.
Nadiif Buraale, MPH, MLS (ASCP)
Public Health Advocacy Leader
Nadiif Buraale is a public health advocacy leader dedicated to advancing health equity, infection prevention, and culturally responsive healthcare. Born and raised in Somalia, he is a graduate of The Ohio State University and brings more than 20 years of experience in healthcare delivery and community health advocacy—specializing in reducing disparities among immigrant and refugee populations.
His expertise spans health literacy, community education, and program development. Buraale has led initiatives focused on disease prevention, vaccine education, and cancer screening accessibility. As an independent public health consultant, medical microbiologist, and former cancer health equity program manager, he collaborates with healthcare institutions, policymakers, and diverse communities to design impactful public health solutions.
Fluent in Somali, English, and Arabic, Buraale combines technical expertise with culturally tailored engagement strategies, empowering individuals and communities through workshops, outreach campaigns, and multilingual resources.