Hashim Zakaria, for Huber Heights, OH School Board 2025.
I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public policy Analysis with a concentration in Education Policy, and I anticipate graduating in 2026. As a first-generation college student, my academic journey is deeply personal and rooted in a lifelong commitment to making education more accessible and equitable for all.
My professional background reflects a strong dedication to education, advocacy, and community service. I have served as:
• A substitute teacher in Sudan, gaining hands-on classroom experience.
• Outreach Coordinator for the Massalit Community of Ohio—supporting local events, engaging with diverse communities, and coordinating advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the ongoing genocide in Darfur, and coordinating advocacy meetings to raise awareness about the ongoing genocide in Darfur.
• I am a participant in the competitive WFUNA training in Geneva, where I gained hands-on experience in diplomacy, youth leadership, global governance, and United Nations procedures.
In addition to my education and advocacy work, I have 10 years of experience in the trucking industry, having worked as a truck driver, dispatcher, and manager. This background strengthened my skills in leadership, coordination, and communication, qualities I now apply to community service and education policy.
As a former refugee from Darfur, Sudan, I bring a lived understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities and the importance of creating policies that open doors to opportunity and justice.
Family & Community Connection
I am a proud father of two wonderful children, one on the special needs spectrum and the other gifted. I am deeply committed to advocating for inclusive and supportive education for all students. This personal experience has given me a firsthand understanding of the unique needs of both special education students and advanced learners. I bring this perspective to all my advocacy work, ensuring that every child is seen, supported, and given the tools they need to thrive.
My candidacy is rooted in the values of inclusion, equity, and student success. I believe every child deserves a voice, and our education system should reflect the rich diversity of the Huber Heights community.
I'm running to be a strong advocate for students, families, and educators, ensuring that every child, regardless of background or ability, has access to a safe, inclusive, and high-quality education. I will prioritize transparency, thoughtful planning, and meaningful community engagement to help build a future where every student feels heard, supported, and empowered to succeed.
• Education is a public right, not a privilege.
• All children deserve access to safe, supportive, and high-quality schools.
• Public schools must reflect the voices and needs of the entire community.
I currently serve as the Vice Chairman of the Sudanese Community in Dayton, where I advocate for immigrant and refugee families. I am also the Associate Director of Education at the Darfur Network for Development (DND), where I help develop and manage educational programs for displaced Darfurian students. My work includes conducting needs assessments, partnering with local schools, and advocating for awareness and resource mobilization.
My efforts focus on bridging the gap between schools and families, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, ensuring that cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic barriers do not prevent any child from accessing quality education.
Commitment to Our Schools
I’m committed to being a voice for all families, educators, and, most importantly, students. Every child, regardless of their background, identity, or ability, deserves a safe, supportive, and high-quality education. If elected to the school board, I will:
• Ensure transparent and responsible use of school funding
• Foster a safer, more inclusive environment for every student
• Drive community-centered, forward-thinking planning for our schools’ future
Our schools are the heart of our diverse community. I’m dedicated to making sure every student feels heard, valued, and empowered to succeed. I will listen, collaborate, and make thoughtful decisions that put children first, honoring the many cultures, experiences, and voices that make Huber Heights strong.
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