by IIan Aguilar Sanchez
For alumnus Yassin Hussein '25, technology is a tool for connection. Even before graduating from the University of Minnesota (UMN) College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS), he was finding ways to use information technology to strengthen communities and bring people together.
While pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Information Technology Infrastructure (ITI), Yassin built a platform that provides translation services for multilingual students and their families so they can better engage with and interpret communications from their children’s schools.
After graduating, he launched a service that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline booking and communication between medical providers and their clients/patients.
Building and Bridging
Yassin's interest in technology began at a young age. “I was the one exploring new devices, troubleshooting for family, and staying curious about how technology worked.”
Watching how technology evolved throughout his childhood made him eager to pursue a degree in ITI. “What made me choose ITI specifically is definitely the mix of practical and theoretical knowledge,” he says.
Yassin reinforced his hands-on learning and growing knowledge with experiences outside the University. From supporting a local charter school to joining professional leadership programs, such as ColorStack and Management Leadership for Tomorrow, Yassin turned classroom learning into real-world results.
"Leadership programs helped me grow in confidence and communication,” he shares. “Even supporting a local charter school reminded me that IT is ultimately about helping people. These experiences shaped both my perspective and skills.”
During his senior year, Yassin met Norman Owens, an ITI faculty member and a Senior Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Norman also serves as an advisor for the AWS Cloud Club where students gain hands-on experience with AWS tools through lab work.
It was a club-sponsored Machine Learning and AI event that helped Yassin create a foundation for his translation-services project. The event also provided Yassin with a long-term mentor in Norman.
“He gave me really good advice,” says Yassin. “Ever since then, I’ve been sharing my projects and the things I’ve been able to do.”
Dreaming in the Cloud
Driven by his experiences in leadership and community work, Yassin realized he could make a difference in entire communities. Using his background in ITI, he explored cloud computing and AI as tools to bring his visions to life.
Because of the IT industry’s growing focus on cloud computing, the program was quick to develop cloud-focused courses, giving students the opportunity to develop skills in building, securing, and optimizing cloud environments.
“I took the first AWS-focused course that our program offered: Cloud Security and Strategy. It gave me hands-on experience with AWS. I enjoyed it—I fell in love with it.”
Yassin’s efforts didn’t stop there. He continued to scale his work with cloud computing and AI by developing a service that helps businesses reach their clients. Using AI call agents, the service allows clients to connect with businesses by phone during busy periods and after hours, scheduling and confirming appointments through text messages. This ensures no calls go unanswered and supports the front-desk team.
The Future is Now
When asked about his future, Yassin shares: “I plan to continue building my career in technology, especially in areas like cloud and AI. These fields are changing rapidly. I want to be part of shaping how they’re used in practical ways,” he says. “My focus is on growing my skills, taking on opportunities that challenge me, and finding ways to create an impact both in business and in people’s everyday lives.”
His advice for ITI majors reflects his own journey. "Take what you learn in class and put it into practice. Whether it’s building projects or seeking out experiences, don’t hesitate to build and fail. Go to career fairs, connect with peers, and talk to professors. Those connections can open just as many doors as the coursework itself.”
Yassin Hussein received the Karin L. Larson Legacy Scholarship and the Joan T. Smith Scholarship from CCAPS.
Ilan Aguilar Sanchez is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology Infrastructure at the University of Minnesota, where he is a member of the Undergraduate Advisory Board, and serves as the President of the CCAPS Undergraduate Student Board and Vice President of the AWS Cloud Club.
