From a young age, Ian was a natural leader—serving as the President of his primary school student body in Uganda. Growing up, he witnessed firsthand the power of hard work, seeing his parents tirelessly devote themselves to providing for their family. Raised in a Christian household, Ian has always been grateful for the grace of God, the love and support of his family and community, and the many blessings of the freedoms afforded to everyone in this great nation. His upbringing instilled in him the values of hard work, faith, and the importance of family. Ian’s passion for leadership and public service began early, and in 2003, he immigrated to the United States to pursue further education in Kansas, later relocating to Minnesota, where he settled and began a new chapter of his life.

A father and husband himself, Ian understands the importance of building strong and resilient communities for the better future of the younger generation.

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Ian is a seasoned community advocate and political strategist with nearly a decade of dedicated service in public affairs. He has played major roles in various local, state, and national political campaigns. His career has been marked by impactful roles in issue-based campaigns, including serving as the Deputy Political Director and Civic Engagement Director for the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party. In these positions, he played a pivotal role in shaping key policy initiatives and fostering political engagement. Ian also made significant contributions to the success of the 2020 Presidential Campaign, further solidifying his influence in Minnesota’s political landscape.

A committed advocate for African immigrant communities, Ian’s leadership extends beyond politics. He served as a commissioner for the City of Coon Rapids and was an integral member of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Emerging Farmers Working Group, where he worked to elevate the voices of underrepresented farmers. As the former president of the Uganda Association of Minnesota, Ian worked to bridge gaps across communities and strengthen connections between African immigrants and local resources.

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Today, Ian is the Founder, and President/CEO of Empower Diaspora, a 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to empowering and amplifying the voices of African immigrants in the United States. Through grassroots mobilization, strategic organizing, and targeted education, Empower Diaspora amplifies the voices of African immigrants, ensuring they are informed, engaged, and influential in shaping policies at local, state, and national levels. Under Ian's leadership, Empower Diaspora is working tirelessly to build a unified platform for African immigrants, driving positive social and political change that reflects the needs and values of this vibrant community.

Ian Oundo’s life work is deeply rooted in a commitment to social justice, community empowerment, and political participation—efforts that continue to transform lives and foster long-term progress for African immigrants across the nation.

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Empower Diaspora is not just an organization; it is a movement dedicated to ensuring that African immigrants are not only heard but are also influential in shaping the policies and decisions that affect their lives. Ian Oundo’s vision for the organization is one that blends cultural pride with political activism, civic participation, and educational empowerment, all while fostering a strong, united community with a shared vision for a brighter future.