Jaylani Hussein ’11, one of Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans.
Jaylani Hussein ’11 and Emmanuel Oppong ’13 are honored as outstanding young Minnesotans, an award they share with former Vice President Walter Mondale, baseball Hall of Fame member Dave Winfield and 14-term U.S. Representative, the late Martin Sabo.
Started in 1950, the Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans (TOYM) program is Minnesota’s only statewide recognition of leaders, between ages of 18-40, who devote themselves to improving their community.
The awards are given annually by Minnesota Jaycees, a chapter of the United States Junior Chamber, a leadership training and civic organization.
Emmanuel Oppong ’13, one of Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans.
Hussein holds a bachelor’s degree in community development. He is executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
Oppong, who is a community engagement coordinator for the City of St. Cloud, holds a master’s degree in community psychology and an addiction specialist graduate certificate.
Hussein and Oppong were feted during a Dec. 3 gala at the Park Plaza Hotel in Bloomington.
Hussein came to Minnesota from Somalia in 1993. Oppong left Ghana to attend graduate school at St. Cloud State.
TOYM has recognized more than 400 young Minnesotans, including Marlene Johnson, Tim Penny, Paul Douglas, Matt Blair, Wheelock Whitney and Jason DeRusha.
Oppong’s sister, Eunice Adjei-Bosompem ’06 ’10, was a TOYM honoree in 2013. See her story.
View all the 2016 TOYM honorees.
