Yasmine Elkharssa is a Program Associate at the Aspen Institute’s Center for Rising Generations and a federally recognized Truman Scholar (MI-23), which serves as a testament to her leadership and dedication to public service. In 2024, she graduated from the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy with a focus on understanding how the U.S. government can either perpetuate, or help solve social inequity.
A proud Dearborn Heights, Michigan native with familial roots in South Lebanon, Yasmine’s lived experiences as a low-income, visibly Arab and Muslim woman have shaped her commitment to advocating for civil rights and social equity for all underserved communities. Previously, Yasmine served as a Policy Fellow at the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) and worked for the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). She has also held roles at the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) as an Immigration and Legislative Policy intern, and at the U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. She is a previous recipient of the Islamic Scholarship Fund’s Congressional Internship Program, as well as the Muslim Public Service Network Fellowship.
In the near future, Yasmine plans to attend Law school or pursue a master’s in Public Policy, furthering her commitment to improving the lives of marginalized individuals and advancing her career in public service. In her free time, Yasmine enjoys searching for DC’s best lemonade, reading cheesy fiction novels, and having picnics with her friends.