At the age of 12, Modou founded social organizations to fight for the causes he believed in. In 2013, he was invited to be part of the Youth Takeover at the United Nations in New York, where he was able to bring his advocacy to an international stage. Soon after, Modou settled in Seattle and, over the years, focused his attention on King County’s entrenched challenges around homeless and houseless populations. “I recognized the dire human rights issues of homelessness,” says Modou. “I worked to establish a 24-hour youth center in Rainier Beach, among other initiatives.”
While working at King County Regional Homelessness Authority as a Regional Community Capacity Specialist, Modou quickly noticed the inequalities in resources available through public systems. He realized organizations of different sizes, including smaller, newer, and BIPOC organizations, were often in competition for the same sources of funding. These experiences ignited Modou's desire to start Dikon Public Policy Group, a consultancy rooted in helping bridge gaps between policy, operational systems, funding, and deliverables.
In 2023, Modou enrolled at Evergreen Tacoma to pursue a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis on public policy. His goal was to effect systemic change as a policy researcher and analyst. What he found at Evergreen was a collaborative ethos and a chance to continue amplifying underrepresented voices.
Today, using skills and strategies he learned at Evergreen, Modou helps organizations turn policy into performant systems and sustain equitable outcomes. As Modou explains, “My mission remains unwavering—to stand in solidarity with the most vulnerable.” Modou aspires to attain his Ph.D. in public policy, driven by a commitment to research methodologies rooted in equity. “I am ready to contribute to positive change,” he excitedly explains, “Together, let's forge a future where opportunity knows no bounds!”
