We have so many dedicated people working at Imagine and want to share some of their stories.
Check out the Imagine Staff Spotlight of Yasmin!
Meet Yasmin
Yasmin is Imagine’s program assistant for the Child Care Stabilization Grant Technical Assistance Program, helping English, Somali, and Arabic-speaking child care providers apply for critical funding to stabilize their businesses.
Yasmin first got involved in the immigrant community as a high schooler in Salt Lake City, by helping kids communicate – translating and figuring out what these kids wanted to learn.
“I also established Teens in Action, a community-based organization. It was a way to make the youth of our community count by contributing to take action. I would help them practice their English and help them with their schoolwork. As a return, they would build leadership skills by engaging with local community leaders about their needs.”
Yasmin first learned of The Imagine Institute in early 2021 so she could become a substitute. She completed over 40 hours of training, including Child Care Basics and CPR/First Aid.
“I had a great experience and interactions with the Imagine staff while working to become a substitute through the Subpool program. My goals aligned with their mission of providing professional help to those who are in the child care field.”
Yasmin went on to work at a children’s center where she moved quickly through the ranks. She helped children reconnect with missing friends during the pandemic.
“At first, I became a substitute in the center, then led a summer camp for the center. I got a chance to create a space for kids ‘to be kids.’ They were doing virtual learning the previous year, so they didn’t get a chance to be in a camp environment.”
“If it wasn’t for my training with Imagine I would not have gotten a chance to be a center director and lead the summer camp.”
Determined to continue her passion for helping children, Yasmin stayed in contact with The Imagine Institute. She learned about a new program helping those in her community and knew that she wanted to be part of it.
“I knew that I wanted to be in the child care field so I became an avid visitor of Imagine’s website looking for classes and training opportunities. That’s when I saw the grant program position, to help stabilize the child care system and I wanted to be part of it.”
“I applied – and got in!”
In the fall of 2021, Yasmin officially joined the Imagine family. We are so lucky to have her here!
When needing a break, you can find Yasmin taking long walks or watching international films and TV shows.
Be sure to say hello to Yasmin!