Rasha Hassan

Having lived and worked in various parts of the world, she developed a keen sensitivity to the unique traditions, customs, and preferences that define different communities. YMM: What is the most rewarding part of your career? RH: The most rewarding part of my career is planning successful events and celebrating the diversity of our region. Bringing people from different cultures and backgrounds together is so rewarding. These events show the uniqueness of the individuals and add strength to our community. YMM: What do you consider to be the best things about our community? RH: I always say that Fort McMurray is the best place for raising a family. I have lived in many other countries and provinces and I find education here is some of the best in Canada. The community is awesome, and you find lots of opportunities for children and adults that you won’t find anywhere else. YMM: In your opinion, in what areas could Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo improve? RH: There needs to be more support for mental health. We need to continue to reduce language and culture barriers for community members to feel comfortable talking about mental health issues and get help accessing the resources in town. YMM: What does community mean to you? RH: People who support and respect each other dispute all the differences. People who work together to build their community and make it a better place for everyone to live in, enjoy and call it home. YMM: Tell us about your volunteer experience in the community. RH: I love volunteering and giving back to the community. I volunteered at different events for organizations like the Arts Council, Food Bank, ATC and Fort McMurray Soccer Association. I am the Team Manager for U17/19 Soccer Team where I help with team travels for tournaments and fundraising. YMM: What is something that people are always surprised to learn about you? RH: I have lived in big cities like Cairo in Egypt, Dallas in the USA and Edmonton, but my favourite place to raise a family is Fort McMurray. I have had many opportunities to move somewhere else but I chose not to. YMM: How have your priorities changed in the last 10 years? RH: I focus more on finding balance and peace in my life. I have realized so many things that I gave time and energy to aren’t worth it. I wanted to be a role model for my children. I focused more on raising kind and caring children who should always feel that they are strong and can achieve goals. They just need to focus and exert the effort. YMM: What accomplishment are you most proud of? RH: My children are my best friends. I am so proud of raising them this way. We respect, motivate, support and love each other. We tell each other everything. We listen without judging and provide honest and valuable advice for anything we face in life. YMM: Who is your hero, and why? RH: My parents. They raised me to be kind to everyone, respect people and smile on their faces. They always encourage me to do better in life.