A Journey of Compassion and Service
Yasmine Sherif, a remarkable woman with a multicultural background, shines as a guiding light in the world of humanitarian and development efforts. Born in Sweden to a Swedish mother and Egyptian father, Yasmine’s early years were marked by a profound sense of embracing diversity and a determination to serve humanity. Trained as a lawyer specializing in international human rights and humanitarian law, her journey unfolded as she joined the United Nations shortly after graduating from Stockholm University in 1987.
Navigating the complexities of a career intertwined with family life, Yasmine and her ex-husband, both UN civil servants, crisscrossed the globe. The challenges of moving between duty stations were met with grace, thanks to Yasmine’s human rights education, which provided her with opportunities to find fulfilling roles in various UN agencies and civil society organizations. This journey not only enriched her professional acumen but also cultivated enduring friendships worldwide, in addition to maintaining connections with childhood companions.
Yasmine rejects the notion of personal sacrifice, viewing her career and family life as privileges. She acknowledges the sacrifices made by those affected by conflicts, climate-disasters, and forced displacement—children whose education is disrupted by these horrors and parents fleeing in search of education for their children and refuge for their families. As the Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait (ECW), a global fund in the UN system, Yasmine directs most financial resources toward girls’ education and children with disabilities, highlighting her commitment to empowering the young generation.
Reflecting on the evolving organizational culture for women, Yasmine notes progress in women’s rights within the UN over the past 30 years. Affirmative actions have created space for working mothers and women’s leadership. Still, she stresses the need for continuous effort. As a woman working at ECW, she identifies more as a soul doing what she loves, underscoring a genderless perspective in her professional identity.
For women aspiring to prominent roles, Yasmine advocates recognizing strengths, speaking truth to power, and working towards equity. Growing up with equal encouragement for higher studies and empowerment alongside her siblings, she emphasizes the importance of acquiring self-worth and empowering oneself to effect positive change.
In her illustrious career, Yasmine calls her barriers ‘rather insignificant.’
“Compared to those we serve, I discovered that there are no barriers that we cannot overcome,” Yasmine shares. She views challenges as opportunities for growth, using creativity and determination to overcome obstacles.
Her sources of inspiration range from her mother to iconic figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Gandhi, each embodying justice, ethics, and humanity. She also draws inspiration from her children, who, at 30 and 25, serve as incredible role models. These influences guide her as she faces challenges, demonstrating that the pursuit of justice, truth, and beauty is a timeless endeavor.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Yasmine’s hobbies include rollerblading, skateboarding, biking, hiking, and gym workouts. Her ‘me-time’ involves meditation, contemplation, writing, drawing, reading, and music, emphasizing the importance of both physical and inner well-being. Creative and healthy pursuits, whether internal or external, define her exciting and inspiring ‘me-time.’ The ballcap and Vans on a casual Saturday underscore her authenticity and love for simple pleasures.
Yasmine’s strengths lie in her intuition, perseverance, and the synergy between her heart and mind. Acknowledging past weaknesses in boundary-setting, she now values her instincts and acts early to establish limits, illustrating personal growth and self-awareness.
Passion, according to Yasmine, is the life force propelling her towards her purpose. A passionate advocate for humanity, truth, justice, and beauty, she lives her passion, letting it drive her towards a purposeful life. Her achievements, including the Honored Listee, Marquis Who’s Who 2023, being a best-selling UN author of ‘The Case of Humanity: An Extraordinary Session’ and recipient of prestigious awards like the UNA-US Brooklyn Award 2023, Mother Teresa’s Social Justice Award 2022, My Hero Global Educator Award 2020, Sweden’s UN Friend Award 2017, and Golden Poet Award 1990, exemplify the impact of her dedicated efforts.
“Dive Deep. Dream. Dare Do. Stand with Humanity,” Yasmine urges. Her advice resonates with her life’s philosophy, encouraging others to follow their passion, find their purpose, and let their actions serve others. Yasmine’s mantra encapsulates a profound call to embrace the universal values of the Golden Rule, fostering a more humane world.
Yasmine leaves viewers with a powerful thought: “We are One Humanity.” Her call to live this truth and bridge the gap between ‘us’ and ‘them’ emphasizes the transformative power of authentic human connection. In a world hungry for empathy, confidence, and positive energy, Yasmine Sherif bears witness to the enduring strength of the human spirit.
