Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yasmin Salina. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Yasmin, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I’ve learned from being in rooms where people don’t look like me that there is more to what meets the eye. A lot of people underestimate how much we have in common with those that have physical differences. The tactics that have worked for me is be personable, and humanizing all interactions. Everyone that we cross paths with is human and we all put our shoes on one foot at a time. Thats more than enough for me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I disrupt spaces by taking a non traditional approach to social justice. I advocate and capacity build. I extend and utilize my resources for the greater good and generations to come.
I am able to move mountains through an organization I’ve founded in 2017 alongside two brilliant changemakers (Jason Spear and Kevin Beckford), The Hustlers Guild. A sicker than your average nonprofit that send shockwaves through every activation we produce, program we create, and student we support.
The work we do, makes me proud. The work we do changed lives. The work we do inspire masses to be their authentic self and show up unapologetically. I love how people find connectivity to our mission work, our strategies, and groundbreaking engagement. What’s special about us? We can take a kid off any block and bring out the confidence to speak and navigate through spaces they don’t think would accept them. We are distributors of one of the most dangerous things you can sell anyone in the hood, hope!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three components in my life that molded me to everything people see is my empathy for others. I am a firm believer that our time on Earth is bigger than the time we spend here. Once we leave the physical state our spirit stays here through people we’ve touched. Now it is my decision to see if I want a spirit to live of light or a spirit that dimmed others. The second thing my family background. I come from a very unique upbringing, which gives me a 360 to understand those from every socioeconomic status. I have been fortunate enough to be able to talk to anyone from elementary students to Presidents of this country. The third thing is understanding social capital. Your network can make things happen and get you into rooms that money cannot buy. Relationships are very important.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
2023 was a beast. I learned that people are willing take as long as you give. I learned to take a pause when I needed and focus on what I wanted to and didn’t feel guilty about it.
Contact Info:
- Website: Hustlersguild.org
- Instagram: Thehustlersguild
Image Credits
B. Walker Jason Spear J Michelle
