Zaki Hirabe’s guidepost was his father. Volunteering was not simply encouraged — it was the younger Hirabe’s birthright. Hirabe describes his father through his volunteerism, giving his time and efforts to the community until Edmontonians recognized him simply as Abukar. Hirabe was an extension of him. “We were a packaged deal — wherever you would find him, there I was,” he says.
His father passed away this past December, but he did not depart without leaving his son an example of how to give back to others.
As a lover of sports, Hirabe’s involvement with Edmonton Public Schools began with his role as a volunteer assistant basketball coach. He says he believed sport to be a universal language — one that helped form his first friendship at school when he first arrived to Canada from Somalia. When the two boys could not verbally communicate, their shared love for Michael Jordan ignited a connection.
Hirabe’s skills rest in his ability to act as a bridge between worlds. “Communication is the most important element of leadership,” he says. He advocates for those still fighting to find their place in our city — from high school students kicked out of their homes to members of racialized communities.
As a success coach with the school division, Hirabe ensured students stayed on track to graduate, prioritized their mental health and helped secure their basic needs, providing a direct line of support for those facing difficult circumstances.
When an opportunity opened for community members to get involved in the Edmonton Police Service Chief’s Community Council, Hirabe applied without hesitation. Once at the table, he actively represented youth, his community and Edmonton’s northside. “If you don’t invite yourself to the table, then no one’s going to hear your voice,” he says.
He now acts as a supervisor for the Anti-Racism, Reconciliation and Equity Action Plan — under the Strategic Division Support — a strategic initiative of Edmonton Public Schools. By collaborating with diversity educators, he supports schools by providing guidance in situations where restorative circles are necessary.
His work with the community is never done, it is a 24/7 commitment. He lives by five golden principles: religion, family, sports, education and — his pillar — volunteering. For him, serving the community is not a choice but a part of who he is. It is how he defines himself.
His dedication is also a continuation of his father’s legacy, one built on showing up consistently, listening intentionally and advocating when others cannot. By carrying that standard forward, he honours his father’s memory and allows his spirit to live on through each of his actions.
Edmonton is stronger because of leaders like Hirabe — and because of the man who first showed him what leadership looks like.
This article appears in the April 2026 issue of Edify
