CRIS Leaders in Welcome | Nima Dahir

Dr. Nima Dahir is one of the newest members of the CRIS Board, joining earlier this year. A Columbus native and proud Buckeye, she earned dual bachelor’s degrees from The Ohio State University in Mathematics and Economics before completing a master’s and Ph.D. in Sociology at Stanford University. She is currently an Assistant Professor and Provost's Fellow in the Department of Sociology at The Ohio State University.

What first drew you to CRIS, and why did you decide to join the board?

“As a Columbus native and the daughter of Somali immigrants, CRIS has long been part of my life. Throughout my childhood, I heard about and saw firsthand the indelible impact CRIS has had on immigrant and refugee families in our community. For so many, CRIS was a crucial partner in helping them build opportunity and belonging in Columbus. When I returned to Columbus as a faculty member at OSU, one of the first things I wanted to do was reconnect with CRIS. I reached out to Angie Plummer to learn how I could contribute, and joining the board emerged as an opportunity. I’m so thrilled for this chance to give back to an organization that has had such a profound impact on so many families.”

How does your professional work/background influence your role as a board member for CRIS?

“As a sociologist focused on questions of race, immigration, and inequality, I am eager to use my research skillset to ask and answer questions relevant to advancing the mission of CRIS. CRIS has a wealth of institutional knowledge and data that is ripe for analysis to see what opportunities and gaps exist and persist in Columbus, and how CRIS might contribute to building a more just and equitable city for all.”

What is your favorite local ethnic (refugee/immigrant-owned) restaurant and why? 

“Hoyo's Kitchen – It is so wonderful to see a Somali restaurant thriving in the North Market(s) and the food is delicious!”