At the heart of Mustafa Mohammed’s lifelong mission stands an unwavering belief: love and compassion have the power to conquer hatred, injustice, and tyranny. As an advocate for human rights, a mental health leader, and a relentless champion for vulnerable communities, Mustafa embodies a philosophy rooted in empathy, resilience, and unwavering faith that only God empowers and guides true change. Across his remarkable 33-year career, he has emerged as a global force for healing, dignity, and empowerment.

Mustafa’s journey began in Baghdad, Iraq, where he earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from Al-Mustansiriyah University’s prestigious College of Medicine. His early experiences in healthcare revealed profound inequalities in access to mental health and community support, shaping a deep personal commitment to bridge these gaps. With resilience forged by his own lived experiences, he moved into professional roles that allowed him to effect change across borders and cultures.

Upon relocating to the United States, Mustafa expanded his impact by joining Lutheran Community Services Northwest, where he served in multiple capacities over nearly eleven years. As a Mental Health Specialist, he provided trauma-informed, evidence-based therapeutic support to individuals, families, and marginalized groups. Later, as a District Representative and Core Implementation Team Member for the organization’s TIROES (Trauma-Informed, Resilience-Oriented Equity-Focused Systems) initiative, he led transformative systemic change in response to global and local traumas such as pandemics, racial injustice, and social marginalization.

Throughout his career, Mustafa’s leadership philosophy has centered on uplifting underserved communities, including immigrants, refugees, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those affected by systemic barriers. His board service reflects this commitment, including pivotal roles on the King County Health Board and the King County Behavioral Health Advisory Board, as well as with Washington’s Coalition to End FGM/C and Open Doors for Multicultural Families. Through these positions, he has contributed to governance, policy advocacy, and systemic reform that have shaped mental health policy, public health equity, and community-centered service delivery models across Washington State and beyond. In April 2025, he furthered his leadership journey by graduating from the United Way of King County’s Project LEAD program, a training initiative designed to prepare diverse leaders for effective nonprofit board service.

Internationally recognized for his human rights advocacy, Mustafa serves as the President of the International Organization for Human Rights Protection & Global Peace. His leadership here is a testament to his commitment to fighting oppression, empowering marginalized voices, and advancing peacebuilding initiatives on a global scale. He has cultivated international collaborations, leveraging his multicultural fluency and lived experience to create inclusive, compassionate spaces for dialogue, healing, and justice.

An acclaimed speaker and thought leader, Mustafa has presented on panels addressing the complexities of trauma, resilience, and human rights protection. His voice has resonated from local community gatherings to national advocacy initiatives, always emphasizing the transformative power of compassion, education, and community engagement. His advisory roles for public health projects, such as the Washington Department of Health’s Health Equity Zones, reflect his expertise in fostering culturally competent healthcare systems.

Mustafa’s influence extends deeply into behavioral and mental health arenas. As a licensed Mental Health Professional (MHP) with certifications from Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins University, and internationally recognized institutes in the United Kingdom, Mustafa brings advanced clinical, crisis intervention, and leadership expertise. His qualifications include Trauma-Informed Care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), equipping him to address the complex psycho-social needs of diverse populations with compassion and skill.

Personal resilience is the cornerstone of Mustafa’s leadership style. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of war, displacement, and systemic injustice, he channels those experiences into empathetic action. His work with the Washington Coalition to End FGM/C and his dedication to youth mental health initiatives underscore his fierce commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly women, children, and marginalized communities.

Mustafa’s life and contributions have been permanently recognized through a featured exhibit in the Tacoma History Museum’s gallery “Step Into My Shoes”, a profound testament to his impact on social justice, equity, and community transformation in Washington State. This honor reflects his status not just as a practitioner and leader, but as a living symbol of resilience and advocacy.

Beyond his professional accolades, Mustafa lives his values daily through his personal passions for swimming, painting, and planting. These outlets not only nurture his personal well-being but also reinforce his holistic approach to healing and resilience. Whether guiding a refugee family to critical services, advocating for systemic policy changes, or counseling a survivor of trauma, Mustafa’s actions consistently reflect his deep-rooted belief in the power of human dignity, love, and perseverance.

As he continues to embrace new leadership opportunities, Mustafa Mohammed remains a beacon of integrity, advocacy, and compassion. His mission transcends roles and titles; it is a profound, lifelong dedication to uplifting humanity, standing against injustice, and building a future where every individual is seen, heard, and empowered.

Character
Mustafa Mohammed exemplifies resilience, compassion, and unwavering ethical integrity in every professional and personal endeavor. His ability to stand firmly against oppression while embodying kindness is a testament to his authentic and courageous character.

Knowledge
With over three decades of multidisciplinary experience, Mustafa demonstrates profound expertise in mental health, human rights advocacy, and trauma-informed care. His academic and professional pursuits reveal a lifelong commitment to learning, growth, and meaningful service.

Strategic
Mustafa is a visionary leader who expertly connects grassroots needs with systemic reforms, influencing both policy and practice. His strategic contributions to mental health boards and advisory councils have shaped equitable, inclusive frameworks for diverse communities.

Communication
As a speaker, counselor, and board leader, Mustafa’s communication style is both articulate and deeply empathetic. He fosters trust, inspires collaboration, and bridges divides by centering authentic human connection and reflective listening in every conversation.