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Outstanding Refugee Awards announced for 2022 and 2023
10/24/2023 10:00:00 AM
Minnesota celebrates the courage, resilience and entrepreneurship of refugees, who make the state a better place to live.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Outstanding Refugee Awards for 2022 and 2023 will go to 10 individuals. The department will honor the award winners during a Tuesday, Oct. 24 ceremony at the Minnesota History Center.
“Refugees who come to the United States to make a good life for themselves and their families have known great hardship and great hope,” said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “It gives me great joy to recognize the achievements of refugees who have done so much to make Minnesota a better place.”
People with refugee status leave their home countries because their governments are unable or unwilling to protect them when their lives are in danger from persecution because of race, religion, nationality, social group or political opinions. Many come to Minnesota to start new lives and make significant contributions. In 2022, Minnesota welcomed 584 individuals from 17 countries through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
The Outstanding Refugee Awards include four categories: Civic Leadership, Entrepreneurship, New Arrival and Young Leader. Award recipients are listed below.
The Civic Leadership Award recognizes individuals who make their communities stronger through civic participation:
The Entrepreneurship Award uplifts individuals who contribute to their communities in business, the arts or education:
The New Arrival Award honors individuals who have been in the United States for two years or less and exemplify the resilience and courage to rebuild their well-being and make Minnesota their home:
The Young Leader Award recognizes young people who have achieved significant milestones or are making a difference in their community:
Nominations for the 2024 Outstanding Refugee Awards are expected to open later this year.
For more information: