Alhassan Susso

Alhassan Susso is a world-renowned educator, author, and speaker who has dedicated his career to transforming the lives of young people, particularly those facing immense challenges. Originally from The Gambia, Alhassan immigrated to the United States at the age of 16. Despite his nearly complete vision loss, he overcame personal obstacles to become a leading figure in education. He is the author of The Light of Darkness: The Story of the Griots' Son, a motivational memoir that traces his journey to America and details his trials and triumphs in adapting to a new life while remaining connected to his African roots.

Alhassan’s contributions to education have earned him numerous accolades, including being named the 2019 New York State Teacher of the Year, the 2020 National Education Association Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence, and one of the Top 50 Outstanding Educators in the World by the Varkey Foundation. His Inspiring Teens’ Future program at the International Community High School has raised the school’s graduation rate from 31% to 85% within five years. Alhassan's passion for education, combined with his deep empathy for underserved communities, led him to establish The Namie Foundation, where he continues to advocate for educational equity, with a particular focus on The Gambia.