GrowSmart Maine announces the addition of two new members to its team, Aqeel “AJ” Mohialdeen, outreach and communications director, and Amanda Vermillion, development and operations associate.
Mohialdeen is originally from Baghdad. In 2010, he came to the United States with a special immigrant visa due to his international development work with USAID in Iraq, according to a news release from GrowSmart Maine.
Since earning his bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the University of Baghdad, he has worked as a graphic designer, a photographer, a journalist, a documentary filmmaker, marketing specialist, campaign strategist, cross-cultural consultant, and an outreach and multimedia expert.
Mohialdeen published Maine’s first Arabic printed paper, “The Hanging Gardens of Babylon,” to educate newcomers who don’t yet speak English about their new home, customs, and laws to make them aware of their rights and responsibilities. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Southern Maine and has worked and volunteered for Preble Street, League of Women Voters of Maine, U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree’s office, and the Maine GOP Multicultural Center, as well as a multimedia producer, and a marketing and communication consultant for Microfinance projects overseas.
In joining GrowSmart Maine, Mohialdeen believes the most effective way to deal with our challenges is by sharing thoughts, exchanging experiences, and having a willingness to collaborate.
Vermillion, a West Gardiner native, is a certified nursing assistant, medical assistant and a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration. With her experience in the healthcare field, she also brings organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Vermillion came to GrowSmart Maine because she believes that Maine is a beautiful place to live. She enjoys camping with her family, swimming at the beaches, and visiting the lighthouses that Maine has to offer and she wants to improve and maintain Maine’s beauty for future generations.
Source: Central Maine
