The WriteBoston Board of Directors has named Abdi Mohamed Ali the new executive director of the nonprofit, which fosters literacy and deep learning among youth and educators.
Ali, who has a doctorate in education from Harvard, brings almost three decades of experience to the position. Trained in educational ethnography under the mentorship of Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Ali has taught students in grades 5-12 in five different Boston Public Schools as an English/Humanities teacher. A longtime Roxbury resident, he is a founding faculty member of the Boston Arts Academy, where for 13 years he co-designed an interdisciplinary humanities and writing program. A graduate of the Boston University Creative Writing Program, Ali studied poetry with Robert Pinsky, a former poet laureate of the United States, and Derek Walcott, a recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Prior to joining WriteBoston, Ali led the largest expansion of district-based teacher preparation and licensure programs for paraeducators, career changers and bilingual candidates. This multigenerational teacher pipeline established teaching apprenticeships for high school and college students as well.
“We are thrilled to welcome Abdi to lead WriteBoston into its next chapter,” says Jim Tierney, the board’s chair. “While new to our organization, Abdi’s professional experience and personal values are fully aligned with WriteBoston’s mission. He is uniquely suited to continue our proud tradition of thoughtful leadership. Our board, our staff and everyone in our community are eager to work with him as we pursue more and new ways to foster deep learning for youth and educators.”
Ali began his new position on April 18. His first public appearance as executive director will be at WriteBoston’s annual fundraiser, Pros & Conversation, on May 11.
Ali succeeds Sarah Poulter, who spent a dozen years at WriteBoston — the last six leading the organization.
