By Lindsay Peyton 

Ahmed Abdi believes that Port of Seattle Commission could benefit if more diverse voices helped guide the way of the economic engine for the region. 

That’s why he decided to run for Position 3. 

“I came here as a refugee through a resettlement program,” he said. 

He remembers lying awake at night in a Kenyan refugee camp – and looking forward to his chance at the American Dream. 

After arriving in the U.S., Abdi worked his way up from a chicken-processing factory to college. 

In 2012, Abdi joined the movement to enact a $15 minimum wage in Seattle – and that’s when he started interacting with the Port. 

He was surprised to learn that some of the Commissioners were opposed to the wage change. At the same time, while advocating for workers’ rights, his conviction in the need for a living wage only grew. 

“As I was talking to working families, I realized that I had shared their struggle in my past,” he said.  “I also realized that those with the greatest obstacles were people of color.”

Abdi has since become an outreach manager for the Fair Work Center, where he remains focused on labor issues. 

He is convinced that his experience advocating for workers will benefit the Port of Seattle. 

“This position can have great impact, if you elect someone who understands the struggle,” he said. “The current Board Commissioners cannot relate to the issues. It’s important to have someone who can put things in perspective.”

Abdi lives in South Seattle – and said the neighborhoods surrounding the airport do not share in the prosperity from the Port.

“They do feel the other impacts – like the environmental ones,” he said. 

If elected, Abdi would work to establish an office to educate workers about their rights and labor standards. 

He would also focus on addressing the noise and pollution coming from the airport. He added that encouraging the use of biofuels and paving the way for high-speed rail are among his top priorities. 

Abdi said that in Kenya, he experienced the impacts of environmental devastation. “I’ve seen that with my own eyes,” he said. “I’ve been to places where people don’t have clean water.”

He vows to do what he can to protect natural resources in the area.

Abdi also wants to change hiring policies to ensure a more diverse work force in all offices at the Port. 

“I will truly be a voice for working families,” he said. 

Abdi believes that King County residents deserve their shot at the American Dream, just like he had. 

“I’m an activist and a leader,” he said. “I can fight for low income families and people of color and make sure policies have a positive impact. I’m very honest and I stick to my principles.”

Abdi also wants to serve as a positive role model to immigrants. “I want to show everyone that regardless of what’s happening in Washington D.C., immigrants are part of the force that built this country – and we love it so much,” he said. “I want to be an example.”

Bailey Stober, chair of the King County Democrats, said Abdi won the group’s endorsement. “We were really impressed with Ahmed,” Stober said. “He has a real passion for the Port.”

Plus, Stober said Abdi had shown his dedication for workers – and has an understanding of immigrant issues. 

“He brings a unique voice to the table and could shine a unique light on things,” Stober said. “It makes perfect sense to have an advocate and ally in our next Port Commissioner.”