In her alumni message to the fellows, Deqa Farah (MN LEND 2020–21, pictured) encouraged them to keep working for a better future. She is the mother of a child with autism, a nurse, a dietitian, and the chief executive of a Minnesota organization serving children with autism and their families.
Nineteen MNLEND fellows from the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration (ICI) celebrated their professional development and accomplishments during the end-of-year ceremony on May 21.
ICI Director Amy Hewitt praised the MNLEND fellows for “challenging one another to see issues and opportunities through varied lenses.” Hewitt added she knows “this group of MNLEND fellows will change lives, communities, and our world for the better.”
The Minnesota Leadership in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (MNLEND) fellowship helps develop the next generation of leaders in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities.
MNLEND Associate Director Jennifer Hall-Lande remarked on the fellows’ devotion to their work and how maintaining an upbeat attitude can lead to positive outcomes for people working in the nonprofit sector.
In her alumni message to the fellows, Deqa Farah (MNLEND 2020-21, pictured) encouraged them to stay focused on working for a better future. Farah shared how she appreciated the support she received even before she officially started her MNLEND experience.
Farah, the mother of three children, described a hectic family visit to the dentist and running into ICI Director of Interdisciplinary Education Rebecca Dosch Brown, who encouraged her to apply for a MNLEND fellowship. “I was emotional when Rebecca took the time to connect with me when I was having a ‘mom moment’ in the dental waiting area,” Farah recalled. “Rebecca was so positive, and it was a bit funny because I didn’t have the heart to tell her I had already applied for the fellowship!”
Farah is a dual clinician, holding credentials as a registered nurse and registered dietitian. She is the chief executive officer of Treehouse Therapy Center in Lakeville, Minnesota, an organization that serves children with autism and their families. Farah is the mother of a child with autism and credits her time as a MNLEND fellow for providing the resources and support needed to develop neuro-affirming spaces.
ICI Interdisciplinary Education Coordinator BiKe Ojomo admires how this year’s cohort of MNLEND fellows gained confidence and skills. “Their journeys clearly demonstrate how the program shapes fellows, and how that impact extends into their communities,” Ojomo said.
Captions: Speaking at the MNLEND 2025-26 fellows' completion ceremony, Deqa Farah (MNLEND 2020-21) encouraged them to keep working toward a better future. Farah is the mother of a child with autism, a nurse, a dietitian, and the chief executive of a Minnesota organization serving children with autism and their families.
Alt Text: Deqa Farah, a smiling person wearing a brown hijab and matching brown blazer speaks at a podium microphone during an indoor event.
