Osama Bayati is a student of finance and political science, community advocate, and emerging civic leader from El Cajon, California. Born in Baghdad, Bayati’s parents escaped war-torn Iraq in order to give their children a chance at building prosperous lives with accomplished careers. Bayati arrived in the U.S. as 9 years old refugee; his work has been shaped by a commitment to expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and building more responsive institutions.

Bayati’s introduction to public service began at an unusually young age through advocacy for refugee youth adapting to life in America. His work was featured in a dedicated episode of Disney Channel’s Make Your Mark show, highlighting his life story and early commitment to service. This formative experience helped lay the foundation for years of community engagement, youth leadership, and civic advocacy. As he entered adulthood, he served as an ambassador and representative for Youth and Leaders Living Actively (YALLA), where he supported refugee communities, developed leadership initiatives that engaged dozens of young residents in civic participation and community service, and was personally responsible for raising over $10,000 for the organization while still in his

teens.

In 2019, Bayati was the first Iraqi participant selected for a nine-month Global Citizens Initiative Fellowship at Harvard University, joining a highly competitive international cohort focused on ethical leadership, governance, and public problem-solving. Through the fellowship, he conducted a public policy analysis on homelessness in El Cajon, San Diego, examining its structural causes and policy implications. This experience helped expand his work beyond nonprofit civic engagement and toward a deeper interest in politics, public policy, and the role of government in addressing community challenges.

Today, as he completes the final stages of his degree, Bayati works across business, media, and public affairs. He leads sales at Band of Hands, founded The Unsanctioned Post, serves on the board of ARC Animal Rescue, and remains actively involved in community and nonprofit initiatives throughout San Diego County. He is a political candidate for El Cajon City Council, bringing his background in civic engagement, public policy, and community advocacy into a campaign focused on responsive leadership and local progress.

Through his work, Bayati seeks to bridge policy, civic engagement, and economic development while encouraging a new generation of leaders to take an active role in shaping their communities.