For Yasmin I., leadership is about more than speaking up – it is about bringing people together and creating positive change.
A sophomore at Hammond High School in Howard County, Yasmin joined Maryland Business Roundtable’s Student Ambassador Program because she wants to grow as a communicator, a leader, and as an advocate for her peers.
“I enjoy working with others and using my voice to represent student perspectives,” Yasmin shares. “I care about improving education and want to make a positive impact in my school and community.”
Yasmin describes herself as reliable, passionate, and determined. She isn’t afraid to take initiative or step forward when something needs to be said. At the same time, she believes leadership requires empathy and responsibility.
Through MBRT’s Student Ambassadors statewide program, led by MBRT NGS Manager Leonard Webb, Yasmin hopes to sharpen her public speaking skills, strengthen her teamwork abilities and learn how to better advocate for students in conversations with educators and professionals.
“I really like the program especially because you get to hear student voices. We can hear what is going on in our schools and community.”
Yasmin’s drive is deeply rooted in her heritage. Yasmin is a proud Moroccan Amazigh American, and her indigenous heritage plays an important role in shaping her perspective. She credits her Moroccan culture for instilling in her a strong sense of pride, perseverance, and the value of community bonds.
Leadership and community are themes that resonate at home as well. With an older sibling who once participated in the same Student Ambassadors program, MBRT has become part of her family’s shared journey — not just an opportunity, but a meaningful tradition of growth. Now, Yasmin is carving out her own path within that legacy.
Outside of MBRT programming, Yasmin has also started two career-focused clubs at her school, including a reinvigorated HOSA, a club for students interested in health professions, after witnessing its impact as a younger student. The club lost its previous leaders after graduation, so she took the reins to reinstate it on her campus. Additionally, she also founded the Women in STEM club, providing students with opportunity and space to collaborate on STEM pathways and topics.
Yasmin is one of eleven new MBRT Student Ambassadors for the 2025-2026 school year. The Student Ambassadors currently represent 18 Maryland school districts with a total of 40 Ambassadors across the state. For more information on the MBRT Student Ambassador program, please visit: https://mbrt.org/student-ambassadors/.
