Amal

 

What’s your story? (Name, Age, Birthdate, Hometown, Current Neighborhood, Education, Current Position, Current goals, etc.)

My name is Amal Abdirhaman Mohamud Arale. That’s a mouth full, right? I was born in Mogadishu, Somalia in 1988. Two years later there was a civil war that made my family run away from everything we held near and dear. We made it to a refugee camp in Kenya.  A couple of years later we made it to The United States of America.  I remember my first day it was snowing.  I never seen snow before; I didn’t want to touch so I climbed on my uncles back. I currently live in Gahanna. When I was a senior in high school I applied to 15 colleges all throughout the country, and the school I ended up going to was Otterbein College (now University). The campus was just down the street from my childhood home.  I am currently an Assistant Department Manager for Men’s Sportswear and The Rail; I just got promoted to Interim Department Manager for Men’s Clothing and Men’s Furnishings at Nordstrom Easton Town Center. My current goal is to grow with Nordstrom; I want to become a buyer.  Nordstrom is a great company to work for, not only do they map out how you can get to your next position but they encourage company growth. Some of my guilty pleasures will have to be makeup and selfies.

What does your name mean? (Google it, if you never have.)

Amal is Arabic for Hope, and my sister’s name means Faith (isn’t that cute?!).  Working in retail you have provide your name.  I always used to get “Oww…like the Amahl and the night vistors?”  It was a story about Christian boy.  Now I get “Oww…like George Clooney’s wife?”  I am ok with that!

Why Columbus?

Believe me when I tell you I knew my geography well for an 8 year old. We used to live in Virginia and my uncle got a transfer to Columbus. When my uncle told me, I heard Hawaii and was beyond excited.  I loved the ocean.  It was a shocker the next morning when I woke up to no palm trees or ocean.  I lived in Columbus since 1999 although I moved around a bit; I always end right back to the C-Bus.

What’s your motto/mantra? 

Laughter is the best medicine. You smile and laugh your way out of any situation.

Do you have any mentors/sponsors?

Anyone that can teach me something new is a mentor.

What’s been the key to your success?

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.

Vince Lombardi

What’s your favorite Happy Hour spot in Columbus?

I don’t drink, but the place where the waiters, staff, and managers know my orders; it will be Kona Grill at Easton Mall.

 

What would you say to the young people who want to take their talents out of Columbus?

Travel again and again! See as much as you can and learn from your experiences.

Favorite Ohio Team:

I lived in Columbus almost all my life…I would have to say all the local teams by nature.

Local organizations you support:

I support the local YMCA and United Way.

They’ve just erected a statue of you in front of the State House. What does it say underneath?

I hope…she came, she saw, she conquered!

Best piece of advice you’ve received?

Waari mayside war hakaa hadho!

This means: You won’t live forever so leave a legacy!

How can we stay connected with you?

Linkedin and Facebook Amal Mohamud

Instagram @amalsaywhat