Hassina Adams

When Hassina Adams arrived in Syracuse in 2015, she was 17 years old and starting over in a new country without her parents. Today, she is a Syracuse University graduate, a public servant and a community advocate working to make Central New York a more welcoming place for others building new lives here.

Hassina was born in Uganda and grew up in South Africa after her family fled political persecution. Her mother raised four children on her own and placed a deep value on education, service and perseverance. During the family’s lengthy refugee resettlement process, Hassina’s mother became ill and passed away. Hassina and her siblings ultimately came to the United States as unaccompanied minors.

The family settled in Syracuse, where community organizations helped them navigate a new school system, new opportunities and an unfamiliar country.

Hassina began her college education at Onondaga Community College, where she connected with On Point for College. As a first-generation college student and a young caretaker in her family, she was balancing responsibilities that extended far beyond the classroom. On Point helped her navigate college while also preparing for the professional world.

“On Point truly gave me the confidence to be able to confront all the different barriers and aim high,” Hassina said.

That support included help with resumes, interviewing and other aspects of career preparation that Hassina has said many people take for granted. It also complemented something her mother had taught her from an early age: to set a goal, find a path forward and keep going when obstacles arise.

After earning her associate degree from OCC, Hassina transferred to Syracuse University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in international relations in 2021. She went on to build a career in the legal field and public service, and today serves as clerk of the Onondaga County Legislature.

But Hassina’s ambitions have never been limited to her own career.

As a college student, she spoke about wanting to advocate for refugees and others whose voices often go unheard. Years later, that commitment remains central to her life. Her community involvement has included leadership and service with organizations supporting immigrants, refugees and Syracuse’s North Side.

That includes Northside Futures, an initiative that grew out of the Northside Learning Center and is working to expand access to safe, affordable housing. Hassina has helped guide the effort as a member of its steering committee, bringing her own experience as a New American to work aimed at making the neighborhood stronger and more welcoming for the families who live there.

For Hassina, that work reflects a lesson she learned long before arriving in Syracuse: individual success carries an opportunity to help others succeed, too.

She has described her work as centered on advocacy, empowerment and helping people thrive. She also encourages others facing difficult circumstances to recognize their own ability to shape what comes next.

The community that welcomed Hassina and her siblings helped give them a place to build their futures. Now, Hassina is helping create that same sense of opportunity and belonging for others.