About Us
About Talo Table
Talo means “advice” or “counsel” in Somali. Talo Table was created as a place where communities, institutions, and leaders come together to listen, learn, and build solutions that benefit everyone.
Talo Table is a civic innovation and community engagement platform that connects communities, institutions, and leaders through research, dialogue, strategic partnerships, and shared learning.
We believe stronger communities are built when neighbors know one another, institutions listen, and leadership is shared. Our work creates opportunities for communities and organizations to build trust, strengthen civic participation, and develop practical solutions that improve outcomes for everyone.
Beginning with Somali-American communities and expanding across Minnesota, Talo Table develops models that strengthen relationships across rural and urban communities, immigrant and long-time residents, and the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.
Mission
Talo Table connects communities, institutions, and leaders through engagement, research, dialogue, and strategic partnerships to strengthen civic participation, build trust, and improve community outcomes.
Vision
Building stronger communities through connection, participation, and partnership.
What We Do
Talo Table helps communities and institutions build stronger relationships and more effective pathways for engagement through four areas of work:
Civic Engagement & Leadership
Strengthening civic participation through community dialogues, leadership development, and collaborative problem-solving.
Research & Community Insights
Designing surveys, facilitating listening sessions, and producing community-informed research that supports better decision-making.
Institutional Partnerships
Helping governments, schools, nonprofits, businesses, and foundations strengthen relationships with the communities they serve through engagement strategies and partnership development.
Convening & Collaboration
Bringing together community members, institutions, and cross-sector partners to build trust, share ideas, and advance collective action.
Our Approach
We believe lasting solutions emerge when communities are heard, institutions are responsive, and leadership is shared.
Our work combines research, dialogue, partnership, and action to transform community engagement into lasting relationships, stronger civic participation, and sustainable community impact.
Community-centered engagement
Research-informed decision-making
Trust-based partnerships & cross-sector collaboration
Practical implementation and measurable outcomes
Leadership
Osman Ahmed, Founder
Founder, Talo Table
Osman Ahmed is the founder of Talo Table and a civic leader with more than 15 years of experience spanning federal government, nonprofit leadership, education, housing, and community engagement.
He previously served in the United States Senate as a Field Representative and Director of Housing Policy and Community Engagement, leading constituent services, statewide listening efforts, and public policy initiatives.
Throughout his career, Osman has worked at the intersection of government, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement, strengthening relationships between institutions and communities through program design, strategic partnerships, and public participation.
His experience includes executive nonprofit leadership, public policy, education, workforce development, family engagement, housing, and cross-sector collaboration.
Through Talo Table, Osman is building a civic innovation platform that brings communities and institutions together to strengthen civic participation, leadership, and long-term community capacity across Minnesota.
Who We Partner With
Talo Table partners with:
- Community organizations
- Governments and public agencies
- Educational institutions
- Nonprofit organizations
- Foundations
- Businesses
- Civic and community leaders
Together, we create stronger pathways for participation, collaboration, and shared leadership.
Our Philosophy
We believe the strongest communities are built not only through policy or programs, but through relationships.
By connecting communities, institutions, and leaders, Talo Table helps build the trust, relationships, and collaboration needed to solve shared challenges and create a stronger Minnesota.
Together, we’re building stronger communities by connecting people, institutions, and ideas.
Whether you’re a community member, institution, business, or foundation, we invite you to join us in strengthening civic participation and building lasting partnerships across Minnesota.