WASHINGTON -- Two accomplished Minnesota women were invited guests of President Barack Obama Monday night at the White House Iftar dinner in honor of Ramadan.
Munira Khalif of Fridley was accepted to all eight Ivy League schools this year. She finished her senior year in the spring at Mounds Park Academy and is the daughter of two Somali immigrants.
Kadra Mohamad of St. Paul was the state's first Somali-American police officer and works for the Metro Transit Police Department.
Also attending the dinner is Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison of Minneapolis. Ellison was the first Muslim elected to U.S. Congress.
From the White House Monday night:
"President Obama will continue a White House tradition by hosting an Iftar in observance of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan ... This year's dinner will have a special focus on young leaders and women, some of whom will be seated at the president's table this evening."
