Jessie Yuan – a graduate student pursuing Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Social Work (MSW) – was selected as a Knight Fellow with the City of Tallahassee Office of Economic Vitality in the Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprise (MWBSE) Division.
The MWSBE Academy Workshop Series is a program designed to support and empower members of the MWSBE, by providing them with valuable resources, training, and networking opportunities.

Yuan has played an active role in organizing the MWSBE Academy Workshop Series and planning signature events, such as the Big Bend Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week and the inaugural Regional Supplier Diversity Symposium. She aims to help these businesses build capacity, enhance their skills, and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Yuan recently received the Chairman’s Award at the MED Week 2024’s Business Awards Celebration. The award is the most prestigious award given during National Minority Enterprise Development Week, recognizing an individual or organization that has made exceptional contributions to the advancement and growth of minority-owned businesses.
“Being honored in this way reinforces my belief in the importance of uplifting diverse voices and perspectives within the local and business community,” Yuan said. “It serves as motivation to continue my work in promoting inclusive practices and supporting initiatives that empower underserved populations.”
At FSU, Yuan worked as a case management intern at the Department of Student Support and Transition, where she supported over 280 students each semester. She provided emotional support and advocacy to students in distress, and coordinated the faculty from various colleges to ensure students received the resources they needed.
Yuan has also served as a Graduate Associate at the Office of Economic Vitality in the Minority, Women, and Small Business Division. This position has expanded her understanding of how local government can support underserved communities.
“These roles have helped me develop skills in advocacy and supporting those in need,” Yuan said. “The experiences have solidified my commitment to empowering local communities and have prepared me with the skills needed to pursue a leadership position in a non-profit or government agency, where I can drive positive change.”
To learn more about FSU’s Reubin O’D. Askew School of Public Administration, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/askew. For more information about FSU’s College of Social Work, visit csw.fsu.edu.