Ukasha Dakane

Ukasha was born and raised in Kenya and as a first-generation immigrant from Kenya, he has set and achieved clear goals, participated and enacted change in his community, and learned how to attain what at first can seem unattainable. His family always encouraged him to expand his horizons and get an education. Throughout his career, he has been an active listener and thoughtful decision-maker who advocated for innovative thinking, equity, accountability, transparency, honesty and clear communications for all.

As a small business owner and a founder of a nonprofit that helped low income families find stability, he created jobs for more than 450 low-income families in 2019 and worked hard to ensure all the underrepresented voices have a seat at the table. Aspects of his background that demonstrate leadership skills and the ability to find common ground and actionable solutions. Appointed by Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith in 2018 to serve on Minnesota’s Board of Marriage and Family Therapy.

In 2019, he was reappointed by Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan after demonstrating his ability to accomplish goals and represent the public. He recognizes the power of a city council who listens to the underrepresented voices and he believes that it is imperative for Edina's city council to accurately represent the diversity of the people who live here. He aims to serve his community with the help of his experienced and fresh voice- a tool that will allow him to strengthen the city he has grown to cherish. He will serve on the Edina City Council as a strong voice and an effective, forward-thinking leader for all Edina residents.