These 41 Youth Leaders Will Receive Awards This Saturday

Bayan Shalash to receive The Catalyst of Change, Bashir Ahmed & Abdi Bakari to receive the Change Maker of the Year Awards

Still not late to buy tickets! 

Family, 

I am beyond happy, proud and humbled to present this new class of 41 youth leaders who have worked round the year to give back to their community in different ways and forms in 2024. These are not just any leaders, any one time volunteers, instead these are phenomenal young people who are impacting the lives of hundreds of people through their services at so many important fronts. Here is the breakdown by initiatives:

• 1 Catalyst of Change Award for contributing in multiple initiatives over 10 years
• 2 Change Maker of the Year Awards for making difference in their own communities
• 14 youth from Hilltop Free Clinic for providing free healthcare
• 6 youth from MY Family Pantry for addressing food insecurity
• 6 youth from MY Reading Warriors for helping children excel in education
• 4 youth from MY Leaders for advocacy and civic engagement
• 5 Most Resilient youth for overcoming the most challenging life situations and excelling as leaders
• 3 for giving to community for several projects in the community

This is more than outstanding. How many times we complain about our youth not giving back to the community. Here is a chance for us praising and celebrating some most dedicated, passionate and caring youth. 

Beyond praising, here is a chance for us to invest in more young leaders by supporting these initiatives. 

This Saturday, join us  at our 10th Anniversary Gala, "Narratives of Resilience,." to invest in capacity building of our community by empowering our youth. If you can't come, you can still donate. 

We will also be celebrating MY Project USA's first decade of service, growth, and excellence in uplifting youth and families at the Ohio Union. It’s a night you won’t want to miss!

We’ll be honoring our shared journey with inspiring stories, powerful speakers, delicious food, spoken word performances, and an exciting auction. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with social justice advocates, community leaders, elected officials, and young advocates from Central Ohio’s vibrant New American community.

Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens
Featuring: Elizabeth Brown, Shannon Isom, and Dr. Ronney Abaza

Your support is vital in empowering underserved families and nurturing the next generation of compassionate youth leaders. We’re grateful to our sponsors, including:
Columbus Technology Solutions, The Franklin County Board of Commissioners, Dahlia Occasions, Koti Bodipudi, and Outeredge-ucation.

I am looking forward to having you or your donation on Saturday.. 

In solidarity with youth & families, 

Zerqa Abid, 

Founder, President and Executive Director, MY Project USA