“Every successful person was once a beginner,” Mumina Hassan mentions her favorite quote she saw hanging up at Highline College once. Just like the quote, she was once a beginner. 

From Somalia, Hassan came to Washington in December of 2008 and started her own childcare business in July of 2010 – without much knowledge on the childcare system. She realized she needed certifications and came to Highline to learn more about childcare. 

At first, she was intimidated going to college. She thought she would get bullied for being Muslim, and she thought Canvas was a book – not knowing how to use a computer yet because in her country, they would teach by writing on a board rather than through technology.

But with the motivation of her husband, Ibrahim Abdi, who took up taking care of their four kids while Hassan goes to school, and the support and guidance of Marie Keller from Imagine Institute, Highline staff Christie Kingston, Shariffa Sabrie, and Helen Burn, she powered through her fears and earned her associate’s in early children education in 2021.

With time, she mentions that one of her favorite things about Highline is how they respect culture and religions. She enjoyed events on campus that represented her culture. She feels Highline is where everyone belongs, not specific people. 

This year, she graduates with her BAS in early childhood education. “She has a fascinating story. She is an immigrant woman, started at Highline at the White Center location only to get a certificate, became part of the first math-science cohort we had in the Education department for the AAS degree, and is now graduating with her BAS – all while owning her own business and being a mom – among many other things,” said Christie Kingston, an English language faculty member and Career and Academic Prep advisor.

To say Hassan had a lot on her plate would be an understatement. Being a mom with a full-time job and business, as well as a trainer for members of the Somali community, and taking care of her family at the same time gave her burnout with only three to four hours of sleep. She would skip family parties to study or work. 

She is an incredibly hard worker, and sacrificed a lot of her time to expand her business and share her knowledge so others could benefit from her. “It’s a matter of being patient and working hard and listening to whoever gives you advice,” said Hassan. 

Now, she plans to take a break as she is having her fifth child. She still plans to work with the non-profit Family Success Center and continue to help people in the community as well as get her master’s at a different college in Washington.  

“Work hard, no matter how long it takes you,” Hassan encourages. “There’s nothing hard in this world, unless you make it. You just need patience. To mothers especially, don’t give up.”

Congratulations on your achievements Mumina! Continue to be unstoppable, as we know you’ll continue to be inspiring.