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Fourth annual Outstanding Refugee Awards recognize contributions
9/25/2020 4:06:16 PM
Ten people who came to Minnesota as refugees will receive awards this month for making a difference in their communities.
The fourth annual Outstanding Refugee Awards from the Minnesota Department of Human Services recognize refugees for civic engagement, entrepreneurship, young leadership and significant efforts during their first two years in the state.
“People who come to the United States as refugees endure great hardship in order to realize their hopes for a better life for themselves and their families,” said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “I’m so pleased to acknowledge the achievements of these individuals who have done so much to unify Minnesota and make our state a better place to live.”
In 2019, Minnesota welcomed 891 refugees from 13 countries, about half of them children and youth. The largest number of refugees were from Burma, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine.
The 2020 Outstanding Refugee Award recipients are listed below.
The Civic Engagement Award recognizes individuals who make their communities stronger through civic participation:
The Entrepreneurship Award goes to individuals who contribute to their communities in business, the arts or education:
The Young Leader Award acknowledges the contributions of young people who have achieved great milestones and are making a difference in their communities:
The New Beginnings Award recognizes individuals who have been in the country two years or less and exemplify resilience and courage while rebuilding their well-being and making Minnesota home:
The department canceled this year’s awards ceremony because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but plans to honor the 2020 award winners at an event next year.
For information about refugee services, visit https://mn.gov/dhs/outstanding-refugees/.
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