Twin sisters Hassanatu (Hassa) and Hussainatu (Hussa) Blake ‘00, were born in Limbe, Cameroon and raised in Baltimore. After graduating from Bryn Mawr, they both earned their bachelor’s degrees from Tufts University. Hussa went on to earn her master's in international policy studies from Middlebury Institute of International Studies and her law degree from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. Hassa earned her master’s in public health from Emory University Rollins School and her MBA from Plymouth State University.

After college, the sisters studied, lived, and worked with youth in several countries including Namibia, South Africa and Germany on issues such as human trafficking and health education. They began to notice parallels between youth in underserved communities globally, and wanted to do something to connect them. Upon their return to the United States, they gained a sense of urgency to start a conversation about the issues young people were facing after reading an article about high HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in Washington, D.C. They had an idea that if they could connect youth from around the world, they could learn from and empower each other to create change in their communities.

That idea became Focal Point Global, a nonprofit that aims to empower disadvantaged youth and tackle community issues through global education and innovative technology. Hassa and Hussa currently serve as the co-founding directors. Since launching the organization in 2010, the program has grown from having 50 student participants in two countries to over 500 students in five countries. They have served as TEDxEmory Speakers and were recognized as the 2012 United States White House Champions of Change.

How did this journey begin?

Hassa: For as long as I can remember, the need to help others feel better and be better was something I wanted to do with my life. One of my first internships in healthcare was my senior year practicum at Bryn Mawr, where I worked at Johns Hopkins Children's Center and witnessed the compassion required to be a physician. Ever since then, I knew I wanted to help give people around the world the resources they need to feel and be better.

How did you decide to start Focal Point Global?

Hassa: Ten years ago, we were sitting in our parents’ living room after returning from working overseas, and reading a New York Times article about the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the D.C. metro area being as high as 3 percent. That may not seem high, but based on our global public health and international development backgrounds, we knew this was very high for an industrialized country like the U.S., and comparable to some prevalence rates in West African cities. What made it more alarming was that many who were impacted were between 15 and 25 years of age. We realized there was a critical gap that wasn’t being fully utilized— global peer education. We decided to create a project connecting youths in the U.S. and Namibia so they could have a cross-cultural educational platform and a space to create solutions to address the disease in their communities.
 
Banner: Hussa and Hassa (two on the far right) at the Africa Trade and Investment Summit.
Being on the Bryn Mawr track team freshman and sophomore years taught me a lot about life, success, and running a business. Everyone has a role to play and every role is important and necessary for the progression and advancement of the team goal. Like a team, people are interdependent on one another -Hussainatu Blake '00
Why focus on peer education?
 
Hussa: Young people have the power to build or crush economies, create or destroy technology. We know it is imperative that we empower them to change their communities and countries for the better. Regardless of geography, there is a sense of empowerment gained from engaging with your peers globally and knowing that young people can create change in their communities. We believe it is our duty to be able to guide youth in the right direction, spark change by fostering partnerships through global education and technology, and encourage them to believe in their voice.

How did you learn to believe in your voice?

Hussa: Bryn Mawr prepared me for life and encouraged me to be a strong leader. It taught me how to listen to my voice because what I have to say matters. It molded me into the person I am today. I will never forget Ms. Mahnaz, my 11th grade chemistry teacher. She did not accept anything but greatness from her students. She showed me that in order to be great it is not enough just to work hard. I received an A+ in chemistry, but she still gave my sister and I extra assignments, and encouraged us to tutor students who struggled in her class. It was not enough to get an A+; she made me hone my skills by teaching people what I knew. I have taken that lesson with me throughout my life and greatly appreciate her belief in me and my skill set.

What do you want current Bryn Mawr students, especially the seniors, to know?

Hassa: I believe that no one has the same path in life, including twins. While on my journey, I had great experiences and interactions that challenged my convictions and added to what I wanted for my life, but through it all I am forever grateful to Bryn Mawr for providing a strong educational foundation for life.

Hussa: Yes, I’ll add that life is unpredictable and it will send you on twists and turns. But, if you pay attention to the signs and learn from your stumbles, it will lead you on a journey that will really teach you who you are and what you are passionate about. At times, it will be hard, you will come across hurdles and the journey will be longer than you thought, but the path to accomplishing your goals is always worth it.

Follow Hussa and Hassa on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @FPGLOBAL.
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, The Bryn Mawr School is a private all-girls pre-kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school with a coed preschool for ages 2 months through 5 years. Bryn Mawr provides students with exceptional educational opportunities on a beautiful 26-acre campus within the city limits. Inquisitive girls, excellent teaching, strong student-teacher relationships and a clear mission sustain our vibrant school community where girls always come first.