Dr. Hodan has a PhD in economics from George Mason University in Virginia and two master's degrees – in economics and international development – from Ohio University and certificate of business management from Georgetown University. She is certified Islamic Finance expert as well as certified Islamic insurance from AIMS. She served as a lead economist for the State of Virginia for five years and assistant Emeritus professor at the University of Buffalo School of Management.

Dr. Hodan is a cofounder and board member of the United States–based Somali Mental Health Foundation, founder, and the president of H.E.A.L., a not-for-profit based in Buffalo, New York. She has helped in establishing New York International Bazar for small Business program in Buffalo, NY. She also founded the Centre for Trauma Healing and Transitional Justice in Puntland State University and served as Chancellor for the Puntland State University. Dr. Hodan has acted as good-will ambassador for UNFPA and UNICEF for gender equality and maternity issues. She serves an active member of the board of Director of Somali STEM society (science, technology, mathematics, and engineering) and provided lectures on financial literacy, financial inclusion, financial digitalization and strategic decisions making skills.