On 15th June 2008, Sakena Yacoobi was honored by Loma Linda University with an honorary Doctor of Humanitarian Service degree at the commencement ceremony for the School of Public Health. Sakena had received her masters degree in public health from Loma Linda in 1981.
The university honored her courageous commitment to helping the voiceless and marginalized in the face of great danger. "Here is a person who had a dream as a student who has fulfilled every aspect of that dream," said unversity President Richard Hart. "She made it happen. It is a good example for all of us in how to stick to our dreams."
Sakena said " This really means a lot to me. Loma Linda has been a place that has given me peace. I learned about holistic life from there. I really want to bring the voice of Afghan women to the world. I want the world to know how smart and talented and patient these women are. Getting this degree from Loma Linda is telling the world that the lives of women in Afghanistan matter."