People of MCAEL - Meet Halima Ahmed

April 29, 2022

It’s MCAEL’s 15 year anniversary, and we’re celebrating with a “People of MCAEL"

The "People of MCAEL" series features first person insights and photos from some of the wonderful people involved in English language learning in Montgomery County, MD. You’ll find stories here and on FacebookInstagramLinkedIn, and Twitter; please share and use our hashtag #MCAEL15. We know this coalition thrives because of committed people like you; thank you!

Today we’re introducing our fourth profile: Halima Ahmed!

I can speak four languages; when I talk to my mother we navigate in Somali, Hindi/Urdu, and English.  English was the first language where I was literate in reading, writing and speaking; Somali and Hindi are the languages where I best understand myself and the world around me. The first English word I learned was thumb; the first big word was scrutinize.  Learning—especially learning a language—never ends. I’m studying Arabic now.


As a former ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) student, I would tell new learners not to be shy about learning English, don’t deliberately try to change your accent.  Embrace who you are and recognize that English is just another language.


I’ve lived on four continents.  People think of home as a place where you have native ties.  For me that is Somalia. But because of the war, we left when I was about three.  We moved around the horn of Africa, lived in Kenya, and then were in India for about ten years before

Halima Ahmed

coming to America. The concept of home is strange for me because it transcends locality.


As children, our education was frequently interrupted; the focus was on how to survive from this moment to the next.  My continuous learning journey really happened when I came to Montgomery County and enrolled at Montgomery College fifteen years ago.  I went on to graduate with an associate degree in international studies.  MC has a special place in my heart: it’s where my education was most consistent—and I got to explore different paths, learn with amazing professors and work with phenomenal staff who were of incredible support in navigating MC’s many options.


I completed a bachelor’s degree at Mount Holyoke College and a master’s degree at SOAS University of London.  Now I work at MCAEL as the assistant director of programs.  MCAEL is a capacity building organization and hub for literacy organizations in Montgomery County serving adult ESOL learners.  We understand people cannot learn if they are sick, hungry, or worrying over a problem.  So it’s not just ESOL we’re doing; we also hold network meetings to connect people to key resources, like help with taxes, jobs, immigration, food, and essential services.


I’m privileged in my life right now, but I’ve experienced extreme highs and lows.  From my mother I saw that if you have something you need to pass it on—not just money but also how to navigate systems and identify help.


Because of my upbringing and moving a lot when I was younger, that need for community and relationship building was instilled in me at a very young age.  That’s how we survived, that’s how we thrived—building community wherever we were.  I find community here through MCAEL, as co-Chair of the African Affairs Advisory Group to the County Executive, and with my family in Germantown, MD and across the world.


As a black Muslim traveling, I tend to attract attention at airports.  Once I was in the Mumbai airport with my family.  My younger brother had a Tanzanian passport, my uncle had a Danish passport, my grandfather had a Somali passport, and I had an American passport.  With the exception of my grandfather, we all speak English, but with different accents.


The security staff kept asking, “How are you a family?” I explained in Hindi that while we had to split off to different geographical places, we were still very much a family.  Interestingly, it ended up being a positive experience when I spoke Hindi to the staff, as we were talking in a shared language which lessened the barriers and suspicions.


When I look at my family, it really shows me the world in a sense, all these different nationalities, cultures, and languages.  These differences do not divide us; they make our bond that much more beautiful.


You can see Montgomery County through a similar lens—the light that is here in this county because of the different languages, cultures, and nationalities.  As a student at Montgomery College, one of my favorite things was to watch the people get off the bus to go to class—here they were from all over the world, arriving in this one place for one common purpose: to learn. That’s beautiful.”



Halima’s story is part of MCAEL’S 15th Anniversary celebration; every month we’ll highlight some of the wonderful people at the heart of our coalition.


Learn more about MCAEL and its mission here: https://mcael.org/ #MCAEL15

By Kairy MCAEL October 1, 2025
Hellen Lainez is the Adult ESOL Coordinator at CASA, where she leads adult English language instructional efforts and conducts community outreach. Her journey with CASA began in high school, when she completed her community service hours with the organization. As an immigrant who arrived in the United States at the age of twelve, Hellen deeply understands the challenges faced by those seeking support at CASA. Motivated by her own experiences and a desire to give back to her community, she returned to CASA to make a meaningful impact. MCAEL: In your opinion, what are some of the biggest barriers immigrants face when it comes to learning English, and how does the “Life Skills ESOL Class” at CASA address those barriers? Education. Education is the biggest barrier faced because back home [their native country], needs are different. Somebody who couldn't attend school, and whose primary language is not Spanish but dialect; specifically, Mum, Quiche, etc. from Latin America, tend to have different needs. The “Life Skills Class” helps people address the requirements of daily life , such as filling out forms, applying for jobs , or even applying for an ID. MCAEL: What kind of feedback do you receive from learners, and how does that feedback influence changes or improvements in the curriculum? Surveys are given at the beginning of class; every learner fills out a form with their “top 3 goals” which is what they hope to achieve by the end. Instructors are then given surveys to ensure the curriculum is aligned with learner goals. There are also student surveys that provide the instructor with feedback on curriculum. MCAEL: What long-term impacts have you seen in learners who complete the “Life Skills ESOL Class” or the “Workforce ESOL program”? Are there any specific areas of their lives that you believe have notably improved because of these classes? Students have been able to get better jobs and have access to more opportunities as a result. One big thing is that learners can participate in community events and specifically are able to learn where they can go for help. MCAEL: What role do you think English language programs play in fostering integration and belonging for immigrants? The "Adult Life Skills" English class is a vital part of fostering integration and a sense of belonging. It equips learners with practical language skills, such as filling out forms, communicating with neighbors, or speaking with a doctor, which are essential for navigating life in the U.S. These skills not only build confidence but also help immigrants develop a sense of belonging. In a challenging political climate, we aim to empower learners to engage fully in their communities. Our English classes are more than language instruction; they are spaces where language becomes a bridge rather than a barrier, connecting learners and making them feel part of a community. MCAEL: What is your most memorable moment/success story from your time working with the “Life Skills ESOL Class” or the “Workforce ESOL program”? We have had students enroll in higher education. We have also had students who end up serving the community, helping others as well because they were once in their shoes. We have had learners who had higher education in their home country but the only thing blocking them was the language -- once they took our classes, they were able to continue where they left off. Someone who never had the opportunity to attend school begins to understand why education is so important. From enrolling in English classes to helping others, we are glad to see a full circle all tying back to CASA. Interview conducted by Kairy Castro Barrios, MCAEL Intern.
By MCAEL September 29, 2025
MCAEL is excited to welcome Benjamin Arnstein to the Board of Directors. Ben brings a diverse background in leadership, entrepreneurship, and operations across technology, logistics, and private equity, with a passion for building organizations that create lasting impact. Currently serving as COO & CFO of Tiny Co. Holdings, Ben helps buy, build, and scale industry-leading SaaS companies, driving growth through operational excellence and strategic investments. He previously served on the executive leadership team at Veho, a last-mile logistics technology company, founded and led the venture-backed restaurant business Kaliflower, and held roles in private equity at Bain Capital and consulting at McKinsey & Company, focusing on strategy, M&A, and performance improvement for global enterprises. Ben holds an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School and a B.A., summa cum laude, from Duke University. He is particularly inspired by MCAEL’s mission because both of his parents were first-generation Americans, and he has seen firsthand how language access can shape opportunities for families. “There are so many people in my life who have faced challenges navigating systems because of language barriers,” Ben shared. “I’m excited to help MCAEL strengthen its impact for families like my parents and others.” Ben lives in Bethesda, MD with his wife, their two-year-old son, and a second child on the way in January. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, traveling, Duke basketball, and spending time with his family and their dog, Phoebe. 
By MCAEL September 29, 2025
MCAEL is delighted to welcome Raul Elias Ayala (known as Elias Dinzey) to the Board of Directors. In addition to his professional work as Founder of Dondin Capital Partners, Elias volunteers weekly as a teacher’s assistant in a MCAEL coalition program in Rockville. Grateful to serve, he supports teachers and learners with a focus on community impact and helping adult English learners build the confidence to thrive at work, at home, and in the community. “I was raised to leave places better than I found them, and that generational mindset is why MCAEL’s mission, vision, and values resonate with me. When we support teachers and surround learners with belonging and high expectations, English becomes a bridge to dignity and economic mobility. I’m grateful to help MCAEL scale what works so every adult in our community has the language, confidence, and connection to thrive.” Through Dondin Capital Partners, Elias works with founders of companies to transition ownership or grow their company while keeping people and community at the center. He also builds AMR US and QSM national building care platforms that keep schools, restaurants, gyms, and offices clean. Earlier, he co-founded and sold Synergy Reach, a digital marketing agency. Outside of work, Elias enjoys traveling to experience new cultures and exploring great dining. He also prioritizes strength training and mentors emerging leaders.