05.29.2025

Mahir Hussein

Mahir was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, in a Muslim Oromo/Ethiopian family. As a first-generation immigrant, Mahir navigated the complexities of cultural identity throughout childhood and academia while serving as an advocate and translator for his parents. Benefiting from their unwavering sacrifices, Mahir attended an Islamic private school and later faced the challenges of high school, where he cultivated a multifaceted identity shaped by cultural, religious, and social influences. In October 2016, Mahir experienced a profound religious awakening that renewed his spiritual connection and strengthened his moral compass during college. He had his first opportunities to engage in interfaith work there by working with other student groups and politicians in Las Vegas.