DEARBORN HEIGHTS — Zaineb Hussein started volunteering her time as a counselor and tutor to students at an after school program here long before she decided to launch a campaign to compete as a candidate for the Crestwood School Board. 

Hussein says she donates her time because she believes and cares about the futures of students. The program caters to at risk students by helping strengthen their stability, and assist them in making positive decisions.  

“They will be representing us in the future. I believe in these kids, and their potential I love being a mentor to kids, and helping them succeed and achieve greatness.”

“They will be representing us in the future. I believe in these kids, and their potential,” she said.  “I love being a mentor to kids, and helping them succeed and achieve greatness.”  

Hussein says a seat on the Board would give her the opportunity to advocate for students futures including her 11 nieces and nephews who attend school in the district.  “I want a better future for our kids,” she said. Hussein, 29, resides in the city. 

“Everyday after work she volunteers her time to tutoring kids. She established one on one relationships with them before even starting her campaign,” Attorney Nadine Mustafa said. 

Hamid Soueidan is also running as a CSB candidate, but not against Hussein. 

Her supporters have touted her experience, saying it’s what makes her qualified. 

“She’s young and energetic, but most importantly, she’s well qualified, just look at her educational background, experiences and past work,” Khalil Ajami said. 

Hussein works for the Michigan Department of Human Services where she focuses on increasing the quality of life for people. She’s the agency’s executive chairwoman for its Equal Opportunity Diversity Inclusion Advisory Committee. Hussein was appointed in 2011, and reappointed in 2012. 

Before working for the DHS she was employed with the City of Dearborn Heights’ Economic and Community Development Program. 

Hussein earned a master’s degree in counseling with a focus on education from Spring Arbor University. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in liberal arts with a double major in history and political science. 

While serving on different committees she’s chaired and conducted meetings; trained committee members and led efforts to create committee bylaws. 

As the chairwoman of the EODIAC, Hussein is expected to host a statewide seminar Up North focused on promoting better understanding of 12 Native American tribes.  The seminar offers sensitivity training about the tribes, to educate others on what its members find offensive, and promote cultural awareness. 

“Our society is beautiful in its colors and ethnicities,” she said. “It’s important to understand the makeup.” 

Hussein works with charitable organizations such as Good Fellows and Toys for Tots, and raises money for causes such as Play 4 The Cure, a foundation designed to raise money for breast cancer research.  

Speaking at a fundraiser for her campaign in September, Hussein outlined some of her initiatives. She plans on working to make teachers, administrators and board members responsible for the decisions they make. 

She says there are communication barriers between the school district and community she wants to breakdown. Hussein also talked about the importance of keeping students up to date with advanced technology, because of the impact it will have on their professional lives. 

She hopes to increase cultural understanding among teachers and administrators of the different ethnic backgrounds students come from. 

“What I can bring is an outlook of understanding,” she said. 

Hussein’s parents emigrated to the United States from Lebanon. She’s the daughter of Ali and Mariam Hussein, and says her parent’s background has built her perspective on life.  “You have two different lenses you can see the world through,” she said. 

Hussein says she’s committed enhancing the quality of education for every student. Dearborn Heights Community Organization President Hassan Bazzi said parents and community members are rallying behind Hussein because they believe a fresh new perspective is needed. Hussein says she also wants students to learn the importance being a force for good, by giving back to their community.  “She has the passion and heart for this job,” Mike Jaafer, Wayne County Deputy Sheriff said.