Faculty: Science
Program: Master of Data Science
Year: 2024
Country: Uganda
Yasmin Hassan, a passionate and resilient individual from Soroti, Uganda, has overcome significant challenges to pursue her dreams. Growing up in the “Wachotara” culture, where girl child education is often not prioritized, Yasmin witnessed young girls, including some of her sisters, getting married at a young age. Despite these challenges, she worked hard and completed her education with the support of Pilgrim Africa and Mrs. Diane Quammen from Washington, USA. She graduated with first-class honors in Software Engineering from Makerere University, being among the top students in her class.
In 2019, Yasmin co-founded Technovation Skills (TeS)-Africa, a project aimed at empowering individuals to become tech entrepreneurs and leaders. She led outreach programs in Soroti, sparking interest in STEM among students especially girls. A significant achievement for her was leading her team to first place in the 2022 Women in FinTech competition in Kampala Uganda.
Yasmin is deeply passionate about women’s empowerment and bridging the digital divide. She aims to leverage data science to create data-driven solutions for rural women in Uganda, enhancing their livelihoods and achieving economic independence. Her upcoming studies in Data Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC) will equip her with the necessary skills to achieve this vision.
Yasmin is excited to join UBC’s vibrant academic community, collaborate with experts in data science, and explore Vancouver’s rich cultural scene and natural beauty. This opportunity will help her inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders in STEM, making a significant impact on her community and beyond.