Representation starts with one voice, and for district 1, that voice is Ramala Dahir. As one of 24 students chosen to serve on the Minnesota Youth Council, Dahir will bring the perspectives of southern Minnesota youth to the State Capitol.

In 2013, the Minnesota Youth Council was created by the State Statutes. Established under the Minnesota Alliance With Youth. Currently, students ranging from high school to middle school students serve on the youth council which has a current member count of 24 although the cap is 36. They advise the Minnesota Governor and State Legislators on issues that affect their generation, helping to create a Minnesota that works for everyone.

Dahir joined MYC not just to be a leader but to add impact into what she does. “What inspired me to join the Youth Council was just to improve myself and the overall wellbeing of my community,” Dahir said. I’m really passionate about mental health in the immigrant community, especially autism, since I feel like it’s really overlooked.”

Dahir first heard about the opportunity through her friend while at the Owatonna Public Library. She was looking for ways to get involved with the Owatonna and Minnesota community. “We were looking over some opportunities that could help build our resumes and make a positive change in our community,” she said.

As a representative from District 1, Dahir hopes to shed a light on issues that often go unspoken in immigrant and Somali communities. “Mental health is very stigmatized and not a conversation that is openly talked about,” Dahir said. “Talking about it gives people a chance to connect with their feelings and build a healthier community overall.”

Ramala Dahir didn’t expect to be chosen out of all the applicants statewide, but her dedication paid off. “I really didn’t expect to be chosen,” she said. “I wrote down all my relevant skills and gave it my all. You only get what you put in, and I put in 100 percent.”

Now serving on the Educational Access and Opportunity committee, Dahir focuses on expanding academic opportunities across the state. “We’re working to implement more AP classes in schools and increase educational access for students who don’t have it,” Dahir said. “At the Capitol, we’ll also work with around 300 students, coaching them through what we do on the Youth Council.”

When asked how other students can get involved, Dahir encourages them to start with what matters most to them. “Tap into your passions that can help uplift your community. Whether it’s education, helping people, or making a difference, the Minnesota Youth Council could be a great fit for you.”

As the first student from Owatonna to represent District 1, Dahir feels proud and hopeful. “I’m really happy to represent Owatonna, especially since I was raised here,” she said. “I hope I can make a positive change.”