Social work student honored with community service award

Eman Yassin, alum and current student, mother, immigrant, and advocate social worker was honored with the Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Award.

This award recognizes individuals who make extraordinary contributions to their communities. The Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community was awarded to Eman from a pool of 265 nominees across Minnesota.

"When they called to tell me, I asked them to repeat it three times. I couldn't believe it," she says.

As Eman acclimates to different weather, a new culture and a new language, she has used her experiences to help the Moorhead community. She is a living example that everyone can succeed if they believe in themselves.

Eman learned English in just six months, reading newspapers and watching movies every day and night. Her grit keeps her focused on the opportunities life brings her rather than find the barriers she must overcome.

"You have to believe you can do it and put the effort into it," Eman says.

Eman graduated in 2016 with a bachelors in social work. Captivated by MSUM's social work program characteristics, resources and welcoming community she felt supported and motivated during her academic journey.

"The community at MSUM has been a blessing," Eman says. "Professors and mentors like Jeremy Carney and Nandita Bezbaruah have supported me in ways I can never forget. They've made this journey less daunting and much more meaningful."

She says that her professors were invested in every student's academic performance. "They teach you, but also go alongside with you, asking who you are and where you come from to better understand and help you. That's what I like about MSUM," Eman says.

After earning her degree in social work and working as a mental health practitioner at Summit Guidance Center and Metro Behavioral Health LLC, Eman decided to continue her graduate studies at MSUM, driven by her desire to make a difference.

"I've seen the difficulties refugees and immigrants face when meeting with therapists who don't speak their language. The meaning gets lost in translation. I want to bridge that gap and help people. Education is the key to achieving that," she says.

Eman is currently pursuing a masters of social work at MSUM and is set to graduate in 2026. She believes in the power of education and advises everyone to pursue higher education if possible.

"Education is everything. It's your weapon against ignorance and your gateway to understanding the world," she says. "It's not just about job opportunities - though that's important - it's about expanding your mind and seeing the world differently."

Eman has also volunteered in the community to provide tools to those who need them. She volunteered in the Cultural Diversity Center and Rape and Abuse Crisis Center in Fargo. Eman also serves as a member of the board of directors at Legal Service of Northwest Minnesota.