YAN – Dearborn
The American Association of Yemeni Students and Professionals (AAYSP) celebrated it 10th Annual Scholarship Gala in Dearborn, MI on June 12th, 2019.
During the gala, 20 students were awarded scholarships based on their commitment and dedication to their community and academics, as well as showing promise of reaching their highest potential. At part of AAYSP’s mission that seeks to identify and mitigate the socio-cultural barriers preventing Yemeni Americans, and through the awarding of scholarships to students, the organization is giving them the tools to break down such barriers.
The keynote speaker of the night was Naima Said, an immigration attorney from Maryland. Naima is a graduate of the University of Nairobi, with an LL. B, and received her LL.M from Harvard Law School. Naima has dedicated herself to serving the needs of immigrants and clients alike in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Washington D.C. She is also a prolific speaker, and has received awards such as the Excellence in Service Award, Immigration Section, from the Maryland State, Baltimore’s Best Lawyers, and a Recipient of Advocacy Division Award from the AILA. Naima is a passionate individual and a staunch supporter for the rights of all Americans.
Naima’s speech was very inspirational to the students, parents, and community members who attended the gala. Learning about how she rose above the circumstances and obstacles around her and found her path with law and immigration gave us a great example to look up to and an even stronger source of encouragement to keep moving towards your passions. She encouraged students and the community to be civically engaged at every level in society.
The AAYSP Student of the Year Award was awarded to Sarah Nasher, a high school graduate from Universal Academy. Sarah has excel both academically and in serving her community. Mr. Malek Saif received the AAYSP Community Award and Mr. Khaled Abdulla received the AAYSP Administrative Award.
The Teacher of the Year Award were presented to Nail Jadallah form Fordson High School,
Samia Abdulla from Allendale Elementary, Joseph Cook from Edsel Ford High School,
Ramiah Qasem from Salina Intermediate School, Raja Beydoun from Woodworth Middle School, and Nada Alghazali from International Islamic Academy.
AAYSP Michigan chapter President Saife Aldubaily discussed the events the organization holds, including mentorship at Edsel Ford High School, free college tours, networking mixers, career fairs, monthly community meetings with school administrators and parent engagement workshops.
AAYSP is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization with a mission to promote higher education and to break socio-cultural barriers within the Yemeni American community.
