Hodan Nalayeh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hodan Nalayeh
هودان نلايا |
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Hodan Nalayeh in Somalia in 2015
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| Born | 1976 |
| Died | July 12, 2019 (aged 42–43) |
| Cause of death | Died in the Asasey Hotel attack |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Alma mater | University of Windsor Seneca College |
| Occupation | Media executive, marketing consultant, activist, entrepreneur, journalist |
| Title | President of the Cultural Integration Agency |
Hodan Nalayeh (born 1976 – died July 12, 2019) was a brave Somali-Canadian journalist and businesswoman. She worked in media, helping people share their stories. Hodan was also a strong supporter of her community. She led a company called the Cultural Integration Agency. She also helped with sales and programming for Cameraworks Productions International.
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Hodan Nalayeh's Early Life
Hodan Nalayeh was born in 1976 in Somalia. She grew up in a big family with four brothers and seven sisters. Her family belonged to the Naleye Ahmed sub-clan of the Dhulbahante tribe.
When Hodan was eight years old, in 1984, her family moved to Canada. They first lived in Edmonton, Alberta. Later, in 1992, they moved to Toronto.
Hodan went to high school at West Humber Collegiate Institute in Toronto. She then studied Communications at the University of Windsor. She also earned a special certificate in broadcast journalism from Seneca College.
Hodan Nalayeh's Career in Media
Hodan Nalayeh worked in radio and television for over 13 years. She helped manage clients, sales, and production. She was a producer for popular TV shows like American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance.
Hodan also helped new companies with their marketing and writing. She focused on using videos and online tools to build their brand.
Working with Cameraworks Productions
In September 2013, Hodan became the Vice President of Sales & Programming Development for Cameraworks Productions International. This company is based in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. They create videos and TV shows from start to finish.
Leading the Cultural Integration Agency
Hodan was the President of the Cultural Integration Agency. This company focused on creating, producing, marketing, and sharing TV shows for different cultures.
In February 2014, her company teamed up with Cameraworks Productions International. They wanted to make new TV shows for different cultural groups. On March 1, Hodan started hosting a show called Integration: Building a New Cultural Identity. This show was about the Somali community and aired on Citytv on Saturday nights. She was also an Executive Producer for this weekly show in Toronto.
Helping the Somali Community
Besides her work in media, Hodan also volunteered and spoke up for the Somali community. She started the Somali Refugee Awareness Project. In 2011, this project gave a Lifetime Achievement Award to the famous Somali artist Saado Ali Warsame. Hodan also worked closely with many non-profit groups to help others.
Hodan Nalayeh's Death
Hodan Nalayeh and her husband, Farid Juma Suleiman, passed away on July 12, 2019. They were killed during a terrible attack at the Hotel Asasey in Kismayo, Somalia. The attack involved a car bomb and gunfire. A group called al-Shabaab said they were responsible for the attack. Hodan and Farid had married in November 2018. Hodan was a mother to two sons and was expecting another child.
Hodan Nalayeh's Legacy
Hodan Nalayeh's impact continues to be remembered. In March 2021, a high school in Vaughan was officially renamed the Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School in her honor.
See also
- List of journalists killed during the Somali Civil War
