Abdi “Lalee” Awad, MS immigrated from Somalia with his family. He is currently incarcerated at Maine State Prison. Lalee refuses to let his current circumstances define who he is. While incarcerated, he earned his AA, BA (from the University of Maine at Augusta), and MS in Adult and Higher Education (from the University of Southern Maine). He is currently looking to apply for his PhD program. He is a Nationally Certified Yoga Instructor in Traditional Vinyasa and Holistic Yoga Flow, two-time Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Fellow (2021-2022 & 2022-2023), Senior Justice Scholar with Opportunity Scholars, 2023 UCLA Dream Fellow, Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Volunteer, Culturally Responsive Restorative Justice Practitioner Consultant, and Youth Mentor. He is also a Social/Immigrant Justice Advocate, Presenter, and currently a Consultant with the Catherine Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine. Additionally, he is a Board Member for the non-profit organization Restorative Justice Project Maine.

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Lalee is a firm believer that education is the greatest equalizer in our society. His current work includes uplifting the voice of underserved community members (justice system-impacted and immigrant communities). His favorite pastimes include listening to music and watching documentaries.‍