ROAR for Good’s Yasmine Mustafa has emerged as one of Philly’s most outspoken social entrepreneurs.
First job: “Working at my family’s 7-Eleven store when I was 9 years old.” Greatest accomplishment: “Putting myself through school and graduating college while working nights and weekends under the table as an undocumented worker.” Words to live by: “Don’t ask for permission; ask for forgiveness.” Hidden talents: “I used to play poker as a side hustle to make money during college. And I was good at it.” Championing immigration: “I’m a refugee of the Persian Gulf War. I arrived in the US when I was 8 years old after being plucked out of a bomb shelter in Kuwait by two US ambassadors. I was lucky because I made it out of that situation and was able to live the American dream. Often I contemplate the birth lottery concept and how we don’t choose our starting point. That’s why I’m a social entrepreneur.” On founding ROAR: “After I became a US citizen, I went on a six-month solo trek across South America in the summer of 2013. While there, I encountered many women who had been victims of assault, harassment, or abuse. One week later in Philly, a woman was brutally raped while feeding her parking meter. That’s when ROAR for Good, and eventually Athena, was born. Athena helps women stay connected to their loved ones and get help when they’re in trouble. For each purchase, we take 10 percent and invest in youth-education nonprofits.” What’s next: “Uplifting refugee and immigrant communities is my thing right now. I just finished keynoting at the Idaho Refugee Conference. I may do another TED Talk on this topic.” Me in three words: “Minimalist. Passionate. Resilient.” Get social: @Myasmine