A Canby native was this week named the 2020 International Higher Education Student of the Year in the Australian state of New South Wales — fair dinkum.
“Being from the United States, Jami understood the need for international students to have opportunities to develop their skills for employment outside of university,” the awarding body, Study NSW, said in a press release. “As part of her charity, Jami offers volunteer opportunities to international students to help kickstart their careers.”
Emerson is the founder-in-residence for the UTS Techcelerator Female Founder Mentoring Program, which develops insights into how social responsibility can benefit organizations, businesses and communities.
And, after enduring her own struggles with chronic fatigue syndrome, she founded her own charity, Chronic Hope, to help those living with chronic illness achieve better health outcomes and find hope in their situations.
“We are so proud of our daughter and her accomplishments,” said her mother, Krysti Emerson, a resident of Canby for more than 40 years. “She has been in school, working and created a nonprofit! So happy for her and the recognition of her hard work!”
The NSW International Student Awards recognize the contributions international students make to their communities in New South Wales and celebrate excellence in community engagement by international students.
The Australian state boasts more than a quarter-million international students, many of whom become great ambassadors for NSW as future leaders and advocates for trade, diplomacy and research links.
The 2020 NSW International Student Awards were meant to “shine a light” on international student leaders, education providers, business and community groups and celebrate their contributions to the community over the past 12 months, and particularly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.