Representative Ako Abdul-Samad View All Years

Compiled Historical Information
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Assemblies Served:
House: 82 (2007) - 90 (2023)
Home County: Polk
Ako Abdul-Samad
Polk County

Term

Serving seventh term in House.

Profession

Founder and chief executive officer of Creative Visions Human Development Institute.

Education

Graduate of the National Conference of Black Lawyers Community College of Law and International Diplomacy.

Memberships and Activities

Currently co-vice chair of the Iowa Democratic Black Caucus. Established and directed business functions that include employment assistance, support services, health care management, community development, advocacy, and consultancy on culture and diversity education. Current elected chair of American Muslim Alliance. Elected to Des Moines Public School Board in 2003 and served as vice president. Co-founder and coordinator of YMCA Downtown Teen Program, vice president of the Center for the Study and Application of Black Economic Development, and co-founder of the first black student union in the state of Iowa. Published author of “The Deeper Truth: Revelations of the Soul.” Awarded by Filipino American Society, October 2018; Community Outreach Achievement Award, June 2018; Interfaith Alliance Community Advocacy Award, 2016; National Caring Award, 2004.

Birth and Residence

Born in 1951 in Des Moines. Raised and resides in Des Moines.