Today we’d like to introduce you to SYLA- The Sudanese Youth Leadership Association of Columbus
Hi SYLA, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Dr. Tarig Mukhtar immigrated to the US from Sudan in the mid to late-nineties, with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Khartoum. After continuing his education at The Ohio State University, and graduating from pharmacy school in 2003, he now works as a clinical pharmacist and branch manager. Throughout the years he’s spent working, raising his 4 children, and integrating into the Sudanese community in Columbus Ohio, he has developed a deep appreciation for community work, specifically in regards to the youth. He served as the president of the Sudanese American Community Development Organization (SACDO) for two years, and with the help of his team and available resources, he founded the first youth chapter of their organization – the Sudanese Youth Leaders Association (SYLA). Tarig established SYLA to help bridge the gap between generations and help young people become leaders. The Sudanese Youth Leaders Association (SYLA) has since become a vibrant community organization. They have spearheaded efforts to coordinate community service events and social gatherings for Sudanese and Muslim youth. They directed various fundraising campaigns to raise money for victims of the ongoing war in Sudan, helped plan educational programs, and organized social and family events for their community. They have developed partnerships with Sudanese communities nationwide, organizing significant social events to unite Sudanese students and professionals from diverse educational backgrounds. Tarig is a true believer that everyone has a leader in them. This is why he has found fulfillment working to inspire the next generation of changemakers and empower them to uncover their own leadership.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the SYLAs biggest challenges was uniting youth from different backgrounds and making sure everyone felt included. Our members come from diverse cultural, social, and educational experiences, so creating a sense of community required patience, understanding, and thoughtful planning. We worked hard to design events and programs that brought people together and encouraged participation while respecting everyone’s differences.
Raising money to support our projects was another challenge, but it became one of our most rewarding accomplishments. It was an incredible example of what we could achieve when work together toward a shared goal.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Through SYLAs efforts to accomplish its goals, we not only serve the youth but also a vast range of people. Our role includes actively visiting mosques in Ohio and across the U.S. to mobilize community support for those in need of humanitarian aid due to the war in Sudan. Through persistence and collaboration, we raised over $300,000 for Sudanese communities impacted by the ongoing conflict, providing crucial relief and support. SYLA also helped organize a soccer tournament with the support of our father organization, SACDO, which brought Sudanese people from all over the U.S. to Ohio. The tournament was not only a fun and unifying event but also a major success in fundraising. SYLA’s youth personally contributed by selling snacks and customized shirts, raising $12,000 to support humanitarian aid.
The organization’s leadership has also focused on creating networking opportunities within the community, fostering relationships, and nurturing connections. In one specific campaign, SYLA supported Sumia Mohamed’s campaign for Upper Arlington School Board. As volunteer canvassers, we went door-to-door to support the candidate’s election campaign in local neighborhoods. We engaged with local voters to discuss the candidate’s platform and educational priorities, distributed campaign literature, and answered questions about the candidate’s positions. We also have hosted speakers from MIT for college and high school students, providing valuable insights and inspiration.
Additionally, we are currently part of a committee that is leading efforts to open the first Sudanese Community Center in the State of Ohio, based in Columbus.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
SYLA is happy when our vision and mission are being accomplished. To see the sudanese youth come together and build stronger connections with not only each other, but with the older generations and other communities is a joyful sight. It is beyond rewarding to witness SYLA’s impact on its members, one that allows them to establish themselves as leaders of the future.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syla_cbus?igsh=cmtubnUyazgyam5r&utm_source=qr
- Email: syla.columbus@gmail.com
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@syla.cbus?_t=8sAKEEUlMhq&_r=1
