In the latest episode of the Local Changemakers Podcast, host Miguelito Jerome sits down with Dr. Dorothy Hassan, an inspiring Black American advocate dedicated to uplifting immigrant communities in Central Ohio. As an educator, community leader, and executive director of Our Helpers, Dr. Hassan shares her journey, insights on mental health, and her vision for a more inclusive and supportive society.
A Foundation Built on Education and Global Awareness
Dr. Hassan’s story begins in Delaware, where she was raised in a family that valued education and cultural diversity. She graduated from Lincoln University, the first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the United States. There, she was exposed to global Black excellence, with professors and scholars from Ethiopia, Nigeria, and beyond.
“My time at Lincoln University activated something in me. It cultivated a love for global Blackness and opened my eyes to the power of education and community service.”
Her education laid the groundwork for a lifelong mission to advocate for marginalized communities. After traveling and living abroad for 10 years, Dr. Hassan returned to Ohio in 2012 with her husband, who is an immigrant. It was during this time that she first experienced racism and bias in a profound and personal way.
An Unexpected Path to Immigrant Advocacy
Although not an immigrant herself, Dr. Hassan’s experiences as a Brown-skinned woman in a hijab gave her a unique perspective on the struggles of immigrants and refugees. She described how people would treat her differently, often assuming she did not understand the language or her rights.
“If someone was willing to treat me like that because they thought I couldn’t fight back, what happens to those who truly cannot fight back? That’s when I realigned my life’s work to ensure that immigrants and refugees do not feel unheard and unseen.”
This realization led her to Our Helpers, a nonprofit organization founded in 2013 by Hodan Mohammed, a Somali refugee mom. The organization’s mission, inspired by a Somali phrase meaning “You are not alone”, has expanded under Dr. Hassan’s leadership to emphasize community as the outcome.
Mental Health: At the Heart of Her Mission
One of Dr. Hassan’s core beliefs is that mental wellness is the foundation of a healthy and productive community. She emphasizes pre-diagnosis mental health, focusing on everyday wellness and the importance of mental balance.
“Mental wellness is not just about diagnosing illness; it’s about how we feel every day. It influences our productivity, how we treat our families, and how we contribute to society.”
In brown and Black communities, where systemic challenges often create resistance to discussing mental health, Dr. Hassan works tirelessly to break the stigma. She believes that mental health should not be seen as one more burden, but rather as the central pillar of well-being.
Her organization creates safe spaces where individuals can express their struggles without judgment. She shares stories of training sessions where participants shed tears of relief, finally feeling it was okay to not be okay.
The Power of Community and Collective Healing
Dr. Hassan highlights the importance of community support in helping immigrants and refugees thrive in the U.S.. Through Our Helpers, she reaches out to diverse communities, offering:
- Free Stores with food and essential items
- English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
- Support Programs for housing, legal, and employment needs
Her approach is not about taking over community work but collaborating with local leaders. She believes in the African American tradition of unity and strength, emphasizing that true change happens when communities unite.
“We’re not here to do the work for you. We’re here to work with you, because that’s how our communities become stronger and more resilient.”
Gentle Disruption and DEI Leadership
Dr. Hassan refers to herself as a “gentle disruptor”, a term that beautifully captures her approach to leadership. She combines gentleness with strength, advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in every space she occupies.
Her work involves:
- Training professionals on how to engage with immigrant and refugee communities
- Promoting mental wellness in the workplace
- Educating organizations on DEI best practices
Her gentle disruption is about creating change without creating chaos. She emphasizes the need for leaders to listen and collaborate with communities, rather than imposing solutions from the outside.
“Every change starts with listening. You can’t truly serve a community if you don’t first listen to their needs and experiences.”
Empowering Change Through Safe Spaces and Advocacy
Our Helpers not only provides direct support but also advocates for systemic change. The organization engages in research projects, such as their collaboration with The Ohio State University, which found that community belonging significantly improves immigrants’ integration and success.
Dr. Hassan’s long-term goal is to continue creating safe spaces where immigrants can share their stories and feel heard. She wants to shift the narrative about immigrants and refugees, portraying them not as helpless but as contributors to society.
Advice for Aspiring Change-Makers
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring leaders, Dr. Hassan’s message was clear:
“Start by listening. Every impactful change begins with understanding the community’s needs. The best solutions are built with communities, not for them.”
She encourages professionals in the immigrant community to give back in their own ways. Whether through mentoring, funding grassroots organizations, or sharing skills and knowledge, everyone has a role to play.
Looking Ahead: A Vision of Unity and Strength
Dr. Hassan envisions a future where immigrant communities are not only supported but celebrated for their contributions. She hopes to expand Our Helpers’ reach, creating more partnerships with local organizations and enhancing support services.
She also aims to train community leaders in AI and technology skills, ensuring that immigrants can compete in the modern workforce.
Watch the Full Interview on YouTube
🎥 Don’t miss this enlightening conversation with Dr. Dorothy Hassan on the Local Changemakers Podcast. Learn more about her passionate advocacy, mental health initiatives, and vision for a more inclusive Ohio.
📺 Watch Now: https://youtu.be/TmxHt-7PsAE
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10 Motivational Quotes from Dr. Dorothy Hassan’s Interview on Local Changemakers Podcast
- “Every change starts with listening. If you want to change anything, you have to listen.”
- “When immigrants and refugees find a sense of belonging and purpose in community, it improves their chances to be productive citizens.”
- “You are not alone. You don’t have to be sad—you are not alone.”
- “Not only can you not pour from an empty cup, but an empty cup is more fragile. We must be careful about when we’re emptying ourselves.”
- “Mental wellness is not just about diagnosing illness; it’s about how we feel every day. It sets the trajectory for the rest of our day.”
- “The system only works if everyone does their part. The job only gets done if everyone does their part.”
- “We must make sure we’re not planning for the communities that we serve, but planning with them.”
- “Refugees come with empty hands but not empty heads.”
- “Our community members need to be heard. There’s not only power in listening, but also power in being heard.”
- “Being an immigrant does not mean you are empty-headed. It means you deserve tools and guidance to thrive and contribute to the community.”
