Today, January 8, 2025, Shafi Shafat, President of the Somali American Chamber of Commerce, had a highly productive meeting with Ronald C. Todd II, Chief of Social Impact and Opportunity for the Ohio Department of Development. Ronald is a strategic leader dedicated to driving positive social change and fostering opportunities for growth throughout Ohio. With a diverse background in serving as the Minority Affairs Liaison for Governor Mike DeWine and as a Senior Advisor/Consultant to the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office, Jon Husted.
Ronald has a rich history of advocating for Ohio’s minority communities. He is also a third-generation entrepreneur, with experience as an independent insurance broker, professional speaker, consultant, and Certified NFL Players Association Contract Advisor. Raised in Dayton, Ohio, Ronald has an extensive track record of working to connect diverse communities to government services, ensuring that Ohioans have the support and resources needed for personal and professional success. He is an active member of numerous boards and commissions, including the Ohio Fatherhood Commission and the JobsOhio Black Founders Advisory Council, further demonstrating his commitment to strengthening Ohio’s communities.
During the meeting, Shafi and Ronald discussed several pressing issues affecting the Somali business community, including access to resources, regulatory challenges, and the need for stronger economic opportunities. They explored strategies to enhance and support small businesses across Ohio, focusing on fostering environments where minority-owned businesses, particularly in the Somali community, can thrive and contribute to Ohio’s economic prosperity.
As President of the Somali American Chamber of Commerce, Shafi Shafat employs a strategic and holistic approach to addressing economic struggles, crime, and social divides. The focus is on building a thriving community that prospers socially, economically, and in terms of public safety. Engagement with the youth through positive alternatives to steer them away from criminal activities is a central part of this mission. These efforts are driven by a genuine understanding of the community, informed by Shafi’s personal experiences. Through collaboration with leaders like Ronald Todd, the goal is to ensure that minority communities, particularly Somali-owned businesses, have the tools and support they need to succeed and contribute to Ohio’s broader economic growth.