Our Founder
Abdulkadir Hussein has always had a deep passion for education and economic growth. Growing up in Somalia, he spent his late teens and early adult years as an educator, teaching and mentoring young people in his community. Those early experiences showed him firsthand the transformative power of knowledge and opportunity—and planted the seed for a lifetime dedicated to empowering others.
In the early 1980s, Abdulkadir arrived in the United States as a young Somali student, eager to pursue his education. He earned his undergraduate degree in computer science and worked briefly as a software engineer. While building his professional life, he watched the civil war in Somalia displace thousands of families—many resettling in Boston. He saw the trauma children carried, the challenges parents faced navigating unfamiliar systems, and the lack of culturally responsive support for these communities.
Drawing on his problem-solving skills from computer science and his lifelong dedication to education, economic growth, and community development, Abdulkadir took action in 1996 by establishing Boston’s first Somali-led organization, the Somali Development Center. There, he helped countless community members access resources and opportunities. By the late 1990s, he transitioned out of direct leadership of the center to pursue a broader vision.
In 2002, Abdulkadir founded ACEDONE, a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to supporting African immigrant and refugee communities both locally and nationally. Through ACEDONE, he continues to realize his vision of empowering the diaspora, dismantling systemic barriers, and creating sustainable pathways to education, economic opportunity, and community development.
Our Organization
What began as a visionary initiative in 2002 has grown into ACEDONE, a dynamic nonprofit serving communities locally and nationally. While its roots were in the African diaspora, ACEDONE’s vision has expanded to serve all marginalized groups in Boston, ensuring that everyone—regardless of background—has access to opportunities and resources to thrive.
ACEDONE initially focused on education, creating programs for children and youth. But over time, it became clear: you can’t help a child succeed if home stability and family support are in question. Out-of-school programs, social services, and holistic family support were essential. This realization expanded ACEDONE’s approach to include health initiatives, housing development, small business support, real estate, and broader economic development programs.
Over the past 20+ years, ACEDONE has grown from its early programs to reach thousands of families across multiple states. Its community-driven initiatives tackle systemic barriers, provide culturally responsive support, and create pathways for sustainable growth.
Today, ACEDONE continues to embody Abdulkadir’s vision: a community where knowledge empowers, opportunities are accessible, and every individual and family has the support they need to succeed.