Language is the tool that brings people together, defines cultures, and builds bridges between communities; it’s one of the most powerful things on Earth, and it’s something that many businesses and organizations are entirely focused on. New technologies transform the way people communicate, often in radical ways, and these changes must be addressed as institutions and organizations evolve. Language and communication are essential pillars of any community, and the most astute leaders in the business world closely monitor new developments and trends that impact how people communicate daily.
Minneapolis resident and businesswoman Khadija Ali is one such leader. She leverages more than 13 years in the language services industry to lead companies and organizations focused on translation and interpretation services. Currently, the President and CEO of Global Language Connections, a firm that provides interpretation, translation, and cultural consulting services in over 200 languages, Ali turns her own early experiences as an immigrant struggling with language barriers into a driving force for meaningful change. Her companies service clients in various verticals, including healthcare, education, legal, and the government.
Beyond her entrepreneurship, Khadija Ali dedicates her time and passion for language to a number of organizations and nonprofits, including serving on the boards for the Minneapolis Foundation, Global Minnesota, and the Citizens League. Her journey from Somali refugee to prominent language and communications leader is a demonstration of her passion for the work and a signpost of the work ethic she brings to the table.
“My journey as a refugee taught me how powerful language can be as a tool of inclusion and, unfortunately, also exclusion,” Ali explains. “Knowing that my business and work can help people gain access to education and healthcare is inspiring and continues to motivate me.”
New Opportunities, New Challenges
Khadija Ali does what any effective leader and subject matter expert does within her field, and approaches her career with the hunger and drive of an eternal student. For Ali, this means reading often, reading deeply, and reading with intention, whether they’re compelling books like Jim Collins’ Built To Last or news articles from various publications and industry journals. With a finger on the pulse of her industry, the array of new technologies and trends is no surprise she has to navigate, but opportunities she can learn from and adapt to.
Of particular note to the communication-focused industries her company serves, Ali is excited to track the innovation in telehealth communication and remote services in the healthcare sector. The ability to provide meaningful healthcare services to underserved communities—specifically rural communities and those facing language barriers—is transformative for both the industry and the people it serves. Cultural competency is also growing in demand, both in healthcare and beyond, which naturally requires qualified interpreters and translation tools.
“As awareness around language services grows, so does the need for sustainable systems, funding, and training, especially in sectors like healthcare, education, and public services where communication can be so crucial,” Ali says. “I’m eager to see how technology will keep evolving, especially in ways that promote equity, and what new initiatives will emerge to bridge longstanding gaps in care.”
Evolving technology doesn’t always represent a straightforward boon to a given industry, however. In a world rapidly adjusting to the rise of generative AI, automation, and language models, the critical nuance of language services cannot be understated. These tools are powerful language processors, but they have critical weaknesses in capturing and interpreting nuance, intent, and lived experiences behind human communication. Khadija Ali is confident that her valuable work will remain important as technology advances.
“Even as AI and automation advance, human linguists will remain essential, especially for context, localization, and cultural competency,” she explains. “Whether in interpretation or translation, human connection and cultural understanding will always be at the heart of this work.”
Lessons From Looking Back
Given her success as an entrepreneur and business leader, it may be surprising to hear that Khadija Ali started providing her language services as a hobby, driven solely by her passion for the field and her understanding of its importance. She started her career in language services after her younger sister was misdiagnosed by a doctor due to a language barrier, and has since built multiple businesses and worked with multiple organizations to address systemic issues like that one. In the current day, she looks back on those early days and treasures the lessons learned therein.
“Every challenge I faced shaped me into a stronger leader. It taught me empathy, caution, and the value of staying open-minded,” she says. “I think those lessons have helped me grow deeper into my work and lead with greater purpose. When I face uncertainty or tough decisions, I remind myself of Maya Angelou’s words: ‘Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.’”
Part of that success, and one of those lessons, has been embracing and embodying adaptability. Khadija Ali started her career with passion, but many key decision points have been informed by current conditions, the needs of her community, and more. Even her residency in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is one of these moments; she’d never planned to move to the city, let alone build a life and career there, but she’s since fallen in love with it and laid down roots. Adaptability and resilience have always been core to Ali’s success, whether that looked like developing cultural competency or building teams to tear down language barriers.
As CEO and President of her company, Khadija Ali has advice to give to ambitious young leaders and first-generation professionals, whether or not they’re interested in the communications space: “Don’t limit yourself—just go for it.”
“Your lived experience gives you a unique perspective and resilience that can’t be taught,” Khadija Ali says. “Surround yourself with mentors, stay curious, and stay connected to your community. The challenges may be real, but so are the opportunities to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact.”