Khadija Ali is a Leader in Language Access and Cultural Understanding

Khadija Ali is the President and CEO of Global Language Connections, a firm based in Minneapolis that provides interpretation, translation, and cultural consulting services in over 200 languages. Born in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, Khadija Ali’s life took a dramatic turn when she and her family had to flee the civil war, navigating a challenging journey through Kenya before they resettled in the United States in 1996. Her personal encounters with language barriers, particularly in healthcare, fueled her passion to pursue a career bridging linguistic and cultural divides. Over the years, Ali has built and led two successful language service companies, with her current venture, Global Language Connections, serving clients across healthcare, legal, education, and governmental sectors. Beyond her business ventures, she contributes her expertise to several boards, reflecting her dedication to community development. Her remarkable journey from refugee to influential business leader is a testament to her resilience and commitment to fostering inclusive communities.

In this interview, Khadija Ali shares insights into her journey, the challenges she has overcome, and the values that continue to guide her work.

Professional Growth and Adaptability

What does a typical day in your role as a language access entrepreneur and community advocate look like, and how do you stay grounded while managing the needs of such diverse communities?

A typical day begins with me waking up, praying, and going to the gym or working out before I go into the office. At work, I have meetings, answer calls, etc. As a language access entrepreneur and community advocate, I am part of many different boards and organizations which often have lunch meetings or events throughout the week that I attend.

Given the evolving landscape of healthcare, education, and immigration policy, how do you stay informed and responsive to shifts that affect the communities you serve?

I stay informed by listening to the news every day and reading. Whether they are educational or business-oriented, I am always reading. Some of my favorite books are “Built To Last” by Jim Collins and “Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0” by Jim Collins and Bill Lazier.

Can you share a moment when Global Language Connections encountered institutional pushback or systemic gaps, and how you worked with partners to bridge those barriers?

Being a woman and person of color-owned company made it hard for us to establish ourselves and Global Language Connections. During the first few years, we went to a bank in hopes of securing some funding for the company but were denied. The banker recommended that we sell to someone else and implied that someone else, such as a man, would be better suited to run a company than two women of color.

When launching a new language access initiative, what steps do you take to ensure the project is culturally responsive and rooted in lived community experience?

To ensure a new language access initiative is culturally responsive, I engage deeply with the communities we aim to serve. This involves conducting thorough research and listening sessions to understand their unique needs and perspectives. Collaborating with community leaders and leveraging their insights is crucial in designing solutions that are not only effective but also respectful and empowering.

What’s one recent decision where you had to weigh the sustainability of your business with a pressing community need, and what did that process teach you?

A recent decision involved extending our services pro bono to a community that desperately needed language support but had no budget. Balancing the financial sustainability of our business with the moral imperative to assist was challenging. This taught me the importance of flexibility and creative problem-solving. We managed to secure a grant to offset costs, reaffirming that community needs and business viability can coexist with the right approach.

Was there a moment early in your journey—from refugee to entrepreneur—that continues to shape how you lead with empathy and responsibility today?

Yes, during my family’s early days in the United States, we experienced firsthand the struggles of navigating healthcare with limited English. This experience has left an indelible mark on me, driving my commitment to empathy and responsibility in leadership. It reminds me of the human side of every business decision I make.

As a self-taught leader in the language services space, what practical or interpersonal skill did you develop on your own that still guides your approach today?

One key skill I developed is active listening. By genuinely listening to my team and our clients, I can better understand their needs and concerns. This skill is vital for building trust and ensuring that our services are truly meeting the community’s needs.

Who have been your most influential mentors, especially in navigating leadership as a woman of color in underrepresented spaces?

Several mentors have guided me, but most notably, other women leaders who have faced similar challenges. They have offered invaluable advice on navigating gender and racial biases and have inspired me to persist and excel despite obstacles.

What values or daily practices help you build public trust and ensure your work remains people-first, especially across multicultural audiences?

Integrity, transparency, and respect are core values in my work. By consistently aligning my actions with these values, I build public trust. Daily practices like being present in community events and open communication with stakeholders help maintain a people-first approach.

What would you say to young women, particularly refugees or first-generation Americans, who want to create a business that uplifts their community while staying true to their identity?

I would tell them to remain authentic and let their unique stories and experiences guide their business vision. Embrace your identity as a strength and build a support network of like-minded individuals who can offer guidance and encouragement on your journey.

Achievements and Expertise

What has been your proudest achievement with Global Language Connections, and how does it reflect your larger mission?

The proudest achievement has been our ability to create a highly inclusive environment that respects and acknowledges diverse cultures and languages. This reflects our larger mission of bridging linguistic and cultural gaps in our society. We’ve successfully managed to employ interpreters from various backgrounds, offering services in over 200 languages, which is a testament to our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Could you share some insights on how you leverage your multicultural background in your role as CEO?

My multicultural background gives me a unique perspective on cultural nuances and sensitivities, which is invaluable in our line of work. It helps me connect with clients and communities on a deeper level, ensuring that our services are not just linguistically accurate but culturally sensitive as well. This understanding is critical in building trust and delivering effective language solutions.

How do you ensure that Global Language Connections remains at the forefront of language services innovation, especially with the rise of digital tools and AI?

To stay at the forefront, we continuously invest in the latest technologies and encourage our team to engage in ongoing training. We integrate digital tools and AI where appropriate, but always maintain a human touch to ensure accuracy and empathy in our services. Understanding that language is deeply personal, we balance technology with human expertise to meet our clients’ needs effectively.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Global Language Connections?

My aspiration is for Global Language Connections to expand our reach and impact globally, while continuing to innovate in providing superior language access services. We aim to broaden our community partnerships and explore new markets, ensuring that language barriers are dismantled worldwide, enabling everyone access to essential services regardless of their linguistic background.

How do you see the role of language services evolving in the next decade, and what part will Global Language Connections play in that evolution?

Language services will become increasingly integral as globalization continues to accelerate. The demand for culturally competent communication will grow, and language services will play a critical role in facilitating this. Global Language Connections will lead by example, championing the integration of cutting-edge technology with human expertise to provide seamless and intuitive language solutions.

What advice do you have for emerging entrepreneurs in the language services industry, particularly those from underrepresented groups?

I encourage them to embrace their unique perspectives and use them to innovate and lead. Persistence is key, especially when faced with systemic challenges. Building a network of support, staying informed about industry trends, and remaining adaptable will help them navigate and succeed in this dynamic field. Most importantly, they should stay true to their values and mission.

In conclusion, Khadija Ali’s journey from a Somali refugee to a successful entrepreneur and advocate for language access is a powerful testament to the impact of dedication, empathy, and innovation. Her leadership at Global Language Connections reflects her passion for fostering inclusive communities, bridging cultural divides, and empowering individuals through language. Ali’s story not only inspires but also sets a benchmark for emerging leaders in her field.