My name is Yasmin Ali and I’m a junior at Mayo High School. As a lifelong learner, you can often find me with my nose in a pile of research or in the midst of a gripping Netflix documentary. My ideal relaxation time includes a warm cup of chai and being surrounded by my brilliant family and friends. I currently own and operate a blog with the goal of amplifying the voice of the marginalized. Combined with my experience as the Global Affairs captain at my school, I intend to pursue studies in international affairs and journalism in college; To become a political analyst or correspondent for news outlets. In my future career, I hope to inspire a generation of young black women to trek untraveled paths, write new rules, and be unapologetically themselves in all their endeavors. Additionally, I aspire to shift the current narrative of the news being untrustworthy and “fake.” Further, I'm the Public Relations Director for an organization called 'Rochester Community Initiative' that I helped turn into a Non-profit. RCI is focused on improving our community through amplifying youth voice, intersectional advocacy, community education, and serving underprivileged demographics. Our work is focused on making our community a more just and equitable place for all of its residents through engaging events and programs, fundraisers, and other charitable activities. We also work to provide community members with a platform to speak their truth. With that in mind, any and all scholarships will help decrease concern for how I will continue higher education and ultimately flourish.

• Barista and retail

  Bakery · Daubes

  Jan 2019 – Present

• Waitress

  Nursing home · Shorewood Senior Campus

  Jan 2018 – Jan 2019

• Advocacy
• Politics
• Volunteering

• Track & Field

  Club

  2015 – 2017

• Research Intern

  Outfront MN · Gender Inclusion Policy

  2020 – Present

  Research topic:

  Gender Inclusion

• Ceramics

  Ceramics

  2018 – Present

• Youth Volunteer

  Volunteering · Mayo Clinic

  2019 – 2019

  Mission:

  Ensuring the patients of the hospital are happy and healthy

• Drafted an equity policy and lesson plan procedure for school district

  Advocacy · Independent

  2019 – Present

  Mission:

  Reforming my school's policy regarding racial discrimination and harrassment

• General Member - Secretary

  Advocacy · Diversity Committee

  2018 – Present

  Mission:

  To educate and spread awareness on hard topics and to increase empathy as well as tolerance in my school.

• Sophomore Class President

  Public Service (Politics) · Student Government

  2019 – Present

  Mission:

  To promote and maintain a connection with the student body through inclusivity and school spirit.

• Peer mentor

  Volunteering · Teens Offering Peer Support

  2019 – Present

  Mission:

  To create a safe space for students to destress and communicate with others during the school day.

• Youth task force member & Social Media Manager

  Advocacy · Rochester Healthy Community Parternship

  2020 – Present

  Mission:

  To focus efforts on preventative measures, testing, and community resources regarding COVID-19.

• General Member & Human Rights subcommittee member

  Public Service (Politics) · Rochester-Olmsted Youth Commission

  2019 – Present

  Mission:

  To become more involves in the community by volunteering and spreading information about resources and access.

• General Member - Captain

  Advocacy · Global Minnesota - Global Affairs

  2018 – Present

  Mission:

  To use research on international issues and policy as a way to become more knowledgable about topics around the world.

• Co-Creator

  Advocacy · Point of ZAY Blog

  2020 – Present

  Mission:

  To grow my skills as a writer, amplify marginalized voices, and talk about issues mainstream media won't.

• Director of Public Affairs/Communication

  Advocacy · Rochester Community Initiative

  2020 – Present

  Mission:

  RCI is a youth-led organization focused on improving our community through amplifying youth voice, intersectional advocacy, and policy reform. Our work is focused on making our community a more just and equitable place for all of its residents through engaging events and programs, fundraisers, political activism, and education.