About African Career Education & Resources, Inc.
Vision
ACER envisions powerful, organized communities in the Northwest suburbs of the Twin Cities that ensure people of African heritage can lead thriving and prosperous lives.
Mission
ACER engages and listens to African communities to identify and act on the issues that matter most, securing racial and economic equity in our region and beyond.
Mission
We are part of the community we serve. Our leadership, staff, and board members live in the diverse Northwest suburbs that we work to uplift.
What We Do
Since 2008, ACER has connected African immigrants to employment, housing, and other critical resources, leading initiatives in economic development, health equity, and civic engagement.
Where We Work
Serving Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Maple Grove, Crystal, Robbinsdale, and New Hope, home to more than 45,000 African immigrants in a region where 37 % of Minnesota’s Black residents were born outside the U.S.
How We Engage
Our approach never changes: we elevate community voices, bridge residents and decision-makers, and ensure policy reflects lived experience.
Our Values
- Racial Equity – Removing systemic barriers so our communities can thrive.
- Collective Prosperity – Building lasting community wealth.
- Cultural Relevance – Honoring and amplifying the traditions of the African diaspora.
- Community Solutions – Empowering residents to inform programs and policies.
- Leaderful Movements – Uplifting leadership within directly impacted communities.
MEET THE TEAM
ACER engages and listens to African communities to identify and act on the issues that matter most, securing racial and economic equity in our region and beyond.
Aru
Sasikumar
Director of Social Justice
Sohini
McClannahan
Program Manager – Health, Communications & Data
Laura
Otieno
Operations Manager
Salma
Issa
Program Coordinator – Social Justice
Fuad
Salan
Program Manager – Economic and Community Development
Nancy
Evans
Director of Economic and Workforce Development
Emmanuel
Fru Nwi
Business Analyst
ACER BOARD
Mfon
Archibong
Board Member
Collins
Oppong
Board Member
Annette
Davis
Board Member
Susan
Mabera
Board Member
Jana
Kooren
Board Member
Alex
MaSika
Board Member
Miamon
Queeglay
Board Member
Nonkululeko
Tabata
Board Member
Fayise A.
Ecclesiaste
Board Member