Ahmed Agyeman has been named the new director of the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families. Agyeman, who is currently the director of community and global engagement at Des Moines Area Community College, will begin his new position on June 21, DMACC announced. The Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families is a partnership among DMACC, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and the Directors Council.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Ahmed Agyeman as the director of the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families,” said DMACC Urban Campus Provost Dr. Anne Howsare Boyens. “He has served DMACC and our communities in numerous capacities, and we are extremely fortunate to have him provide leadership of the center.”

The center, located on the DMACC Urban Campus north of downtown Des Moines, provides a range of educational, job training and career opportunities by delivering workforce services.

Agyeman, a Polk City resident, has held multiple roles at DMACC since April 2004. In his most recent role, he led the college’s effort to strengthen its commitment to DMACC’s underserved communities, as well as improving as an inclusive college and community. Previously, he was the associate director for DMACC Career Advantage, where he led the operations at the DMACC Southridge Center. He has also held adviser and lead adviser roles at DMACC.

He started his postsecondary education at DMACC after arriving in the United States from his native Ghana before transferring to Iowa State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in sociology with minors in political science, criminal justice and family resource management. He also holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies, with a higher education/community college emphasis, from ISU.

In the community, Agyeman serves on the boards of the Iowa International Center, Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa, Urban Dreams, Polk County Early Childhood Iowa and the Advisory Group for the United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.

Joy Esposito will continue as interim director at the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families through June 21. Provost Howsare Boyens and Esposito will work together with Agyeman to ensure a smooth transition.

Insider: A Business Record profile of Ahmed Agyeman can be found at this link.