BUILDING COMMUNITIES WITH CARE AND LOVE

A woman in a red headscarf and floral dress speaking on stage at an ED Talks event, with a banner behind her and an audience seated at tables in a dimly lit venue with a brick wall and orange curtains.

About Dr. Salma Hussein

Welcome to my website!

I’m Dr. Salma Hussein, an educator, speaker, school principal, trained mental health professional, and community leader who made history as the first Somali woman to serve as a public school principal in Minnesota. Currently leading Gideon Pond Elementary, I am committed to creating schools where joy, connection, and equity thrive for students, families, and staff.

With a career shaped by my own journey as an immigrant and lifelong learner, I bring both personal experience and professional expertise to my work. My goal is to inspire others to embrace leadership rooted in compassion, justice, and community.

In my down time, I enjoy going to the movies with my husband and two children.

A woman wearing a black hijab with gold accents, a black blazer, and colorful jewelry, speaking while holding a microphone indoors.
A family celebrating a graduation outdoors. A woman in a graduation gown and cap holds a diploma, with two children standing in front of her, and a man standing beside her. The daughter holds a diploma and is dressed in a ruffled dress, and the son is in a checked shirt and beige pants.

Services

Coaching, Training & Workshops Coaching, Training & Workshops
Coaching, Training & Workshops

I provide personalized coaching, training, and workshops that empower professionals, students, and organizations to grow, reflect, and transform in supportive, impactful ways.

Speaking Speaking
Speaking

As a speaker, I inspire audiences to cultivate schools and communities rooted in joy, connection, and healing, leaving a lasting impact long after the event.

Consutling Consutling
Consutling

I partner with schools and organizations to design systems, foster belonging, elevate student and family voices, and support courageous leaders in building thriving, inclusive communities.

Testimonials

  • “I highly recommend Principal Salma as a phenomenal leader, someone who leads with soul and builds solid relationships with her staff, students and families. Above all, she is a consummate, conscientious community member and leader! Kudos !!”

    Dr. Fatima Lawson

    Principal- Saint Paul Public Schools, 2024 MN’s National Distinguished Principal, Adjunct Professor and Community Leader

  • “With high recommendation, please know Salma helps define and model excellence in education. ”

    Nasreen Fynewever

    COMPASS Specialist

  • “Salma creates inclusive and culturally affirming spaces and applies an equity approach in everything that she does. Anyone who has the opportunity to work alongside Salma is truly lucky.”

    Alison Moore, MPH

    Infant and Child Health Unit Supervisor

Contact Me

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you!