FBI Boston Presents 2018 Director’s Community Leadership Award to Deeqo Jibril
Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta is pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Deeqo Jibril as the Boston Division’s recipient of the 2018 Director’s Community Leadership Award.
Today, in a formal ceremony at FBI Headquarters, Director Christopher Wray formally recognized Ms. Jibril, along with 56 other individuals and organizations from around the country for their efforts in building stronger, safer, and more cohesive communities.
The Director’s Community Leadership Award was established in 1990 as a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in engaging the community in the areas of education and crime prevention. Every year, the Boston Division of the FBI has the opportunity to select an individual or organization that has made a significant difference in the lives of others.
Ms. Jibril is a member of FBI Boston’s Multi-Cultural Engagement Committee, and is a 2016 graduate of the Division’s Citizens Academy. Born in Somalia, she fled the civil war and relocated to Boston, Massachusetts, when she was 12 years old. She is the founder of the Somali Community and Cultural Association, which integrates members of the Somali community into American life, while helping them maintain their Somali culture, faith, and values.
She has worked closely to bridge the gap between members of the Somali community and law enforcement. For example, on several occasions, Ms. Jibril organized Iftars on the last day of Ramadan with the FBI, Boston Police Department and members of the Muslim community, as well as a youth academy for area teens. She used the events to combat anti-Muslim, anti-police, and anti-FBI sentiment, which helped strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community.
“Deeqo has made it both her mission and passion to empower the Somali community in the greater Boston area, as well as bridging the gap between us. She has touched numerous young lives, and fostered strong partnerships with community leaders, educators, and law enforcement, which makes her truly deserving of the 2018 Director’s Community Leadership Award," said SAC Bonavolonta.
She was also recently selected by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women as one of their “Unsung Heroes," and is the recipient of the prestigious Dorothy Richardson Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions by community leaders who led the way toward positive change.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
