Rosemary Yachouh
The first ever recipient of the Assyrian-Canadian of the Year went to Rosemary Yachouh. She received several nominations all highlighting her tremendous work serving the Assyrian community in Canada and abroad. Her bio is written below.
Rosemary Yachouh is an Assyrian born in Canada, who is currently a Masters of Science Candidate at the University of Toronto, studying Health Services Research. She is conducting a thesis project that will investigate the mental health related resources and resilience of Syrian refugees and immigrants, which she has presented at the Canadian Psychological Association Convention in Victoria BC. Outside of her academics, this is Rosemary's sixth year serving as a member in ACSSU of Canada, and her second year as the President of the non-profit organization. She had received the Luke Isaac scholarship, from ACSSU in 2012-2013, which transitioned her into becoming more active in the Assyrian community, and also led to her receiving the Youth Excellence scholarship from the Assyrian American National Federation in 2015. Last year Rosemary led ACSSU of Canada to raising over $28,000 in their Life of a Mesopotamian Refugee fundraiser to send to displaced people in Syria, and she also participated in the Christmas in Assyrian Concert as a vocalist.
In addition, she been an active member in the Syriac Orthodox Church for almost 10 years, and for the last six of which serving as a leader in the youth committee and choir. In her spare time, Rosemary has climbed the CN Tower in support of the United Way, ran the Toronto half marathon and Scotiabank 5km race to provide for a Syrian family living in Damascus in need of financial support to pay for medical treatments.
Throughout her time in serving the Assyrian community, Rosemary has become a representative for the youth in Canada and a voice that stands up for the injustices that have faced Assyrians in their homeland.
Congratulations Rosemary!