With his family, Muhammad faced the challenge of adjusting to a new country and education system. Starting high school just a few months after arriving, he enrolled at Riverside University High School. The cultural differences were stark—navigating a new language, learning different social norms, and adapting to the American education system.
“When I landed here, everything was different,” Muhammad recalls. “Back home, we addressed teachers differently, and the environment in high school was entirely new. But I knew why I was here. My parents had immigrated for a better future, and education was at the core of that dream.”
Muhammad’s parents constantly emphasized the importance of education, reminding him many people do not have the opportunity to attend college. This encouragement from home, along with the support from his high school teachers, kept him motivated and led him to graduate from Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) with a Bachelor of Science in Operations and Systems Management in May 2025 with no student debt.
It was during his time at Riverside when Muhammad discovered All-In Milwaukee. He attended virtual sessions where he learned about All-In Milwaukee’s mission and the holistic support they provide beyond financial aid. “At first, I thought it was just about scholarships,” he admits. “But then I learned it’s about advising, workshops, networking—really preparing you for success.”
Encouraged by his high school mentors, Muhammad applied and was accepted into the All-In Milwaukee program. Reflecting on this, he says, “joining All-In Milwaukee felt like becoming part of a community that genuinely cares about your growth. They don’t just support you financially, they make sure you’re prepared for life.”
At MSOE, Muhammad initially pursued electrical engineering but soon realized it wasn’t the right fit. He struggled with coursework and considered leaving college altogether. “I was at a crossroads,” he shares. “I thought about community college or getting a diploma. But with the support of All-In Milwaukee and advisors from Carter Academy, I discovered my passion for operations and systems management.”
— Muhammad Ahmed, AIM scholar, Milwaukee School of Engineering ‘25
After switching his major, Muhammad dove into internships to gain hands-on experience. His first internship at Urban Air Adventure Park gave him insights into small business operations, but it was his role as an area manager intern at Amazon that truly solidified his interest. At Amazon, he led a project which involved observing employee practices, identifying root causes, and implementing training initiatives. This leadership and problem-solving experience left a lasting impact on him, “I learned that managing people and optimizing processes is what I’m passionate about.”
Muhammad attributes much of his growth to All-In Milwaukee’s comprehensive support. When he struggled with challenging coursework, AIM provided tutoring services and academic guidance. They also helped with career preparation, including resume workshops and interview coaching, which led to his role at Kohler.
This June, Muhammad will be starting full-time with, AIM career partner, Kohler Company on their leadership development program, focusing on operations and supply chain management. “I’m excited to apply everything I’ve learned at MSOE in a real-world setting,” he says. “It’s a new chapter, and I’m ready for the challenges.”
“We are excited to welcome Muhammad to the Kohler Co. team,” said Nicole Rybeck Wolcott, Senior Manager of Early Talent Programs at Kohler Co. “Muhammad’s commitment to excellence and his drive to make a meaningful impact in our community make him an incredible addition. We are proud to support All-In Milwaukee in its mission—not only to help students complete college, but also to launch fulfilling careers that contribute to the growth and vibrancy of our region.”
As Muhammad graduates, he reflects on his accomplishments with pride. “I’m proud that I never lost sight of my goal,” he says. “Even when things got tough, I stayed committed to my education.”
Looking ahead, Muhammad is determined to give back to his community. “All-In Milwaukee helped me realize my potential, and I want to do the same for others,” he says. He hopes to serve as a leader and inspire other young immigrants to pursue their educational dreams.
“Milwaukee gave me a new start,” Muhammad reflects. “Now it’s my turn to help others see that their dreams are possible too.”
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