Introduction
Somali refugee came to Seattle, with her single mom and eight siblings; has worked in public, non-profit, and private sectors to advance equity, access, and opportunity.
Runta News, Seattle
Democrat Nimco Bulale has announced that she will run for the State House of Representatives in Seattle’s 37th Legislative District. Bulale, a consultant and university educator, has worked with the City of Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. She has also spent time as Education Program Manager for the non-profit OneAmerica. Now, Bulale is seeking the seat being vacated by Representative Kirsten Harris-Talley.
Background
Bulale first arrived in Seattle’s Central District neighborhood as a child– her family fleeing war in her native Somalia. Raised by a single mom in a home with 8 siblings; Bulale has focused much of her career to providing support and services to other immigrant and refugee communities. Especially as well as other historically marginalized populations. “Throughout my career, I have worked tirelessly to help out communities and families at the margins find their footing in our region. A place where many succeed, but also a place experiencing both structural and economic inequities,” said Bulale. “I truly believe that education is the way to break generational poverty, but that is only the beginning. We have to provide opportunities that are accessible, equitable, and sustainable. As your State Representative, I will build on my lived and professional experience; to increase the quality, equity, accessibility of education, workforce/career training, and work to build partnerships that unite our diverse communities for positive, lasting change.”
In addition to focusing on education access, career pathways and workforce development, Bulale will work on other critical issues facing SE Seattle neighborhoods and the region–including the affordable housing and homelessness crises.
“When I first arrived in Seattle we were unable to settle here permanently because of housing costs– a single mom’s paycheck was too little then, and even less able to support housing and a family now,” said Bulale. ‘We have a moral obligation to prevent families from slipping into housing insecurity and homelesssnes. We have the resources in this region to make sure everyone is housed, and supported in their pathways to recovery, stability, and prosperity. I’ll be a tireless voice for housing solutions that make our communities stronger, with services to meet the needs of people from all walks of life and personal circumstance.“
Career Journey
Following her departure from immigrant rights group OneAmerica, Bulale started her own business, consulting on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as well as providing expertise in areas of education and community-led partnerships. Supporting small businesses–especially those owned by women and people of color– Bulale sees as a critical part of an economy rooted in equity and opportunity.
“We must lift and support the women and BIPOC entrepreneurs who struggle with access to capital, who cannot afford a lobbyist, and who aren’t asked what kind of help they need to provide for their families, and create jobs in their communities,” said Bulale. “I’ll be a passionate voice for hard working people– those who dream of opening a storefront and those looking for a family wage job– making sure we lift, nurture, and create a truly level playing field for all.”
In addition to her consulting practice, Bulale serves as an adjunct professor at Western Washington University, teaching in the Woodring School of Education’s Future Bilingual Teacher Fellows (FBTF) Alternative Routes to Certification program.
Mission
Bulale’s experience has earned the support of community and organizational leaders across the region, including past colleagues at OneAmerica. “I know that Nimco will work hard to represent the diverse communities of the 37th legislative district,” said Rich Stolz, former Executive Director. “Her strength is rooted in her family and her experience as a refugee and community organizer. She has overcome so much in her life, and she has always approached challenges with integrity and curiosity. Most importantly, she understands that solutions to the issues facing our communities must be informed by the voices of those most impacted, and that successfully shaping public policy requires coalitions of people and communities willing to take action together.”
As part of her deep commitment to giving back to the community, Bulale is on the Executive Board of the Southeast Seattle Education Coalition and the Council on American-Islamic Relations. She also serves as a Commissioner on the King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission, as well as the City of Seattle’s Our Best Advisory Council focused on bridging opportunities for Seattle’s young Black men and boys.
A proud resident of South Seattle, Nimco lives with her mom, and spends time with her siblings and seven nieces and nephews. In her free time she enjoys reading, traveling, and enjoying Seattle’s impressive selection of coffee shops and restaurants.
