Kidist Yasin has been selected as the graduate student speaker at the IU Indianapolis 2024 Spring Commencement May 9 at Michael A. Carroll Stadium.
Yasin is eager to represent fellow graduate students at the ceremony and hopes her journey inspires others.
“As an immigrant, a Black woman, and a mother and primary caregiver to two young children, juggling an intensive Ph.D. program is hard,” she said. “It seems impossible. I feel like my story will be an inspiration, not only for the graduates, but for families and anyone else who hears it. I want to show that anything is possible with hard work, determination, faith and strong support systems at both university and personal levels.”
Yasin, originally from Ethiopia, moved to Indianapolis in August 2015 with her husband and their then 7-week-old daughter. He earned a Ph.D. in economics from the School of Liberal Arts’ Department of Economics, and she had planned to do the same until she discovered the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
“Several professors that I admire within the Department of Economics, including Una Osili, Mark Ottoni-Wilhelm and Richard Steinberg, are affiliated with the Lilly School,” she said. “I learned about the Ph.D. program in philanthropic studies through their work and was particularly excited by their research on giving behavior — a subject I had begun to explore during my previous academic training.”
Yasin joined the Lilly School in 2018 and will graduate with a Ph.D. in philanthropic studies. When it comes to her career path post-graduation, she is weighing her options.
“I am from an academic background; my work experience is purely in academia,” she said. “I used to be a lecturer back home, so being a professor is something I could pursue.
“But another side of me wants to go into the nonprofit sector and work with beneficiaries and help people, especially children, youth and women. I have a heart to serve. I’m looking at both sides and don’t know where I’m going to end up.”
Whatever she decides, Yasin wants to model the positive example set by her professors and mentors at the Lilly School.
“They are exceptional; they have nurturing spirits and recognize your potential,” she said. “They are aware of the challenges you face and provide outstanding support. I haven’t encountered this level of care in education elsewhere.
“For instance, professor Pamala Wiepking, now one of my dissertation co-chairs alongside professor Kathi Badertscher, appreciates the significance of my research on giving behaviors in my home country Ethiopia. This research contributes to our understanding of philanthropy by bringing voices that are often overlooked in the discourse. She has supported my efforts since I entered the program.
“Dr. Badertscher, who is also my academic advisor and mentor, has been a pillar of support. Her academic guidance on my dissertation and other scholarly works, along with her compassionate and nurturing personality, have helped me see my potential despite my challenges — something I will always cherish. Professors Sara Konrath and Patrick Rooney, with whom I have worked as a graduate research and teaching assistant, have imparted essential leadership and academic research skills.
“I can confidently say that the Lilly Family School is indeed the premier institution for philanthropy. It boasts an exceptional faculty and staff, fostering significant growth both academically and personally for anyone who joins the program.”
Badertscher, assistant dean of academic programs in the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, nominated Yasin to give the commencement speech.
“My dual roles as director of graduate programs at the school and as the co-chair of Kidy’s dissertation committee have allowed me to watch her blossom in all aspects of doctoral education,” Badertscher said. “As an independent researcher, she has made tremendous strides in analytical techniques, critical thinking, and clear and persuasive writing. She is also one of the most gifted presenters I have worked with or observed. This innate talent allows her to connect with groups of all kinds and put everyone in any room at ease.
“When it comes to Kidy’s character as a human being, she is one of the kindest and most empathetic and thoughtful colleagues I have worked with.”
Yasin holds an advanced master’s degree in development and globalization from the University of Antwerp in Belgium, as well as a Master of Science in economics from Addis Ababa University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Dire Dawa University, both in Ethiopia.
In her commencement address, she plans to share two messages with her fellow graduates.
“First, I want to encourage us, the graduates, to reflect on our academic journey,” Yasin said. “We have faced challenges, overcome failures and learned from our mistakes. This reflection allows us to celebrate how far we’ve come, how much we’ve learned and how much we’ve achieved, even with enormous challenges.
“Additionally, I will highlight the invaluable support we received from the university community, our families and our friends, acknowledging that this achievement is also a celebration of their steadfast contribution to our success.”
Tia Broz is a communications consultant in the Office of the Vice President for Communications and Marketing.