Who we are

For over two decades, Kalasho Education & Youth Services has been a family-driven mission, deeply committed to education, outreach, and community service across Michigan. From our humble beginnings, we have grown to serve and partner with 27 institutions and organizations, assisting over 30,000 new Americans from more than 25 countries in their journey to integrate and thrive in new communities. Since 2021, we have focused our efforts on providing crucial support to recent refugees and immigrants from war-torn countries such as Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Ukraine and a host of others. In providing guidance, counseling, and now behavioral health support, we are establishing a network to meet the needs of acclimating families, from adolescents to adults. 


Today, our organization impacts the lives of more than 6,000 daily, and offers a wide range of services including advocacy, education, workforce, behavioral healthcare, and nutrition, reinforcing our foundational commitment to unlock potential and foster success in diverse communities.

OUR COMMITMENT

We are dedicated to nurturing potential through education, advocacy, and community support.

Guiding Leadership, Inspiring Change

Meet The Board

Discover the dedicated leaders driving the mission and vision of Kalasho Education & Youth Services.

Nathan Kalasho

Job title


Learn more

Dylan Kalasho

Job title


Learn more

Nadine Khalil

Job title


Learn more

Matthew Shina

Job title


Learn more


Meet The Executive Director

Sumaiya Ahmed Sheikh

Sumaiya Ahmed Sheikh has a rich background in serving immigrant & refugee communities, political strategy, marketing & communications, and civic engagement. Prior to joining Kalasho Education & Youth Services as CEO, she served as the Head of Engagement for Appointments for the Executive Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer. 


Sumaiya serves on the National Advisory Council of the AAPI Victory Fund, and as an advisor to Emgage. Other prior roles included Executive Director of the Oakland County Democratic Party, Director of Michigan’s Campus Vote Project, Communications Director of Emgage, and Executive Director of Michigan Community Council where she consistently championed causes that uplift communities.


Throughout her career, she has organized national and local community events, fostered interfaith collaboration, amplified the voices of the underserved and underprivileged. Sumaiya was named Oakland County’s 40 Under 40 for her outstanding contributions and positions that allowed her to drive initiatives that empower minority communities through political and community organizing. Sumaiya resides in West Bloomfield, Michigan, with her husband, Hassan, and three sons, Hamza, Ali, and Isa. 


Our network of programs & partnerships

City skyline

Photo By: John Doe
Visit MINDgarden

Birthday Sparks

Photo By: John Doe

Fashion Magazine

Photo By: John Doe

Blurred Lines

Photo by: John Doe