The 2015 OceanLeaf Awards Celebration Focuses on Communities Woven Together through Hope and ResilienceThe Third Annual OceanLeaf Awards Celebration will honor eight outstanding individuals and organizations that have provided exceptional leadership and support to Somali and other East African refugees and immigrants in the San Diego Community.
This year's theme is Honoring Communities Woven Together by Hope and Resilience. We will celebrate the journey of New Americans represented by the symbol of Ocean and the Leaf, the symbol of partnerships woven together through hope and resilience.
The Third Annual OceanLeaf Awards Celebration will take place from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at the Four Points by the Sheraton San Diego. The event will include a reception; traditional entertainment by Somali Dhanto performers and by the award-winning musical group, Sene Africa; and dinner and awards program. Bob Montgomery, Executive Director of International Rescue Committee, will be the keynote speaker.
Somali Family Service will be honoring eight community champions at the OceanLeaf Awards on February 25, 2015. Award honorees include:
- Volunteer of the Year Award: Liban Ali, San Diego Somali Autism Awareness Initiative
- Health and Well-Being Award: Maria Lourdes Reyes, M.D., U.S. & Border Programs, Project Concern International
- Opportunity Award: Wendell French, Wells Fargo Bank
- Innovation Award: Lenore Lowe, Nonprofit Management Solutions
- Spirit Award: Imam Taha Hassane, Islamic Center of San Diego
- Leadership Award: Bob Montgomery, International Rescue Committee
- Emerging Leader Award: Mohamed Ahmed, Communities United Reviving East Africa and Ismahan Abdullahi, Muslim American Society of San Diego
The event is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased online at www.oceanleaf.brownpapertickets.com. For further event information, contact Cindy Alsol at (619) 265-5821, extension 202 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SFS was launched in 2000 to help meet the needs of Somali and other East African refugees as they transition to a new life in the United States. SFS, along with its community partners, helps Somali and other African families in becoming responsible, independent and contributing members of San Diego. The organization focuses on developing economic, health, youth and family strengthening programs.
AWARDS CEREMONY SPONSOR:
RECEPTION SPONSOR:
TABLE SPONSORS:
Other Table Sponsors:
- Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans,
- Horn of Africa Community
Community Sponsors:
- Fatuma Restuarent
- Bailony Pediatrics
- Pala Casino Spa & Resort
- Pala Mesa Resort
- Flavors of East Africa