About Dr. Salma Hussein
Stories, roots, and the journey behind my work.
Professional Bio
Dr. Salma Hussein, EdD, LICSW, is a Minnesota-based principal, educator, speaker, mental health professional, and 2021 Bush Fellow.
She currently serves as principal at Gideon Pond Elementary School, where she leads with a strength-based, relationship-centered approach. As a Somali, Black, Muslim woman and immigrant, Dr. Salma's leadership is informed by her lived experiences navigating multiple cultures, languages, and systems.
Over the past decade and a half, she has worked as a school social worker, mental health practitioner, and educational leader. Her work is grounded in love, justice, and community. She is especially passionate about amplifying the voices of families, centering students' brilliance, and building systems that honor the full humanity of every person in the school community.
The Values That Guide My Work
Love & Relationship
I believe relationships are the heart of everything. I lead with care, curiosity, and connection.
Justice & Equity
I work to transform systems so that they serve those who have been historically marginalized, not leave them behind.
Joy & Belonging
Joy is not extra. It's essential. When people feel that they belong, they are more willing to take risks and grow.
Courage & Reflection
Change asks us to tell the truth, sit with discomfort, and practice new ways of being together.
My Story
The journey that shaped my work and my calling.
Roots & Early Life
Growing up as a Somali immigrant, learning to navigate new cultures while holding onto her identity and faith.
Becoming a Social Worker & Mental Health Professional
Working closely with young people and families, supporting them through trauma, transition, and hope.
Stepping into Educational Leadership
Moving into school leadership roles and seeing firsthand how policy, systems, and daily culture impact students.
Principalship & Making History
Becoming one of the first Somali women to serve as a public school principal in Minnesota, leading with love and high expectations.
DrSalma Speaks
Expanding her impact through speaking, coaching, and consulting with schools and organizations.
Looking Ahead
Continuing to build joyful, just, and healing spaces for children, educators, and communities.
Words from Partners & Colleagues
The work is always collective. Here's what others are saying.
Salma is a phenomenal leader who leads with soul and builds solid relationships with her staff, students, and families.
She helped our team name what we were feeling, and then gave us tools to move forward together.
As a principal, I'm grateful for how she models vulnerability and strength at the same time.
Our staff has been asking when she can come back. That says everything.
She listens deeply and asks questions that shift the room.
Working with Dr. Salma made our school feel more hopeful and connected.
Dr. Salma brings both deep professional expertise and so much humanity. She creates spaces where people feel safe enough to be honest and brave enough to grow.
Her work helped us move from talking about equity to actually doing it in our daily practices.
Dr. Salma's keynote was the highlight of our conference. People are still talking about it months later.
Personal Glimpses
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, laughing with my children, and finding small moments of joy — at the movies, in nature, or over tea with friends. These everyday joys fuel my work.
