While most college students are preoccupied with the start of the fall semester, Yasmine Shaban, a University of Cincinnati NEXT Innovation Scholar, is concerned about her parents, who are navigating the uncertainties in Beirut.
In 2019, Shaban left Lebanon amid the revolution, a tumultuous time when the country came to a standstill. Now, her parents are awaiting evacuation, a process that could take months before they reach the United States. Despite these profound personal challenges, Shaban's parents tell her to remain composed and focused on her education.
She honors their wishes and handles her responsibilities with grace and resilience that few college students can truly understand.
As a member of the NEXT Innovation Scholars program, a signature scholarship initiative housed in the UC 1819 Innovation Hub, Shaban has honed her innovation mindset and prepared for working in environments like True Ventures. NIS employs a transdisciplinary approach to innovation, nurturing forward-thinking problem-solvers to lead innovation in a complex world.
Director of NIS, Aaron Bradley, encouraged Shaban to apply to the fellowship and stated, "The True Ventures fellowship is an intense experience that demands commitment and a willingness to be challenged, and Yasmine has never been afraid of a challenge or stepping into the unknown. It's impressive to see how this experience has shaped her both personally and professionally. She's perpetually curious and has a bold vision for her future."
