Previously published on October 20, 2021
Sioux City, Iowa – Jama Farah will never forget his humble roots.
A 2003 West High School alum, Jama moved to the United States when he was 11 years old. He was the son of a single mom with six children, and Jama and his siblings encountered their share of cultural, financial, and other challenges. Financial assistance programs and community support lessened his family’s burden of looking and feeling different from peers in school.
“I am grateful for family, friends, teachers, coaches, and our sponsor family for helping us navigate so many challenges. It helped tremendously,” recalls Jama.
After graduating from West High School, Jama attended Morningside College where he majored in business. Today, Jama is in wealth management banking with U.S. Bank in Omaha, Nebraska.
While Jama has found his own road to success, he remains committed to helping others – just as his family was helped years ago. He is active with the Sanford Center, an organization that had a profound and positive impact on his life.
In addition, Jama has remained involved in the Sioux City Community School District, supporting graduating seniors through his involvement with the Sioux City Public Schools Foundation’s “Adopt-a-Graduate” program which helps students in the District pay for their graduation caps and gowns.
Jama says it’s important for him to give back because he understands the lifelong impact of the support and experiences that students receive in school.
“I will never forget the sports, school trips, dances, and my graduation. Investing in our community starts with being involved with the students and kids that live in the community today.”