Meet the Members
Members of the Refugee Storytellers Collective are experts in their lived experiences. They can speak to the challenges displaced people face and the contributions they make to their communities.
Members of the Refugee Storytellers Collective are available for media interviews, talks, workshops, panels, and more.
Adam Sadda
Adam Sadda is a graduate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a bachelor's degree in political science and economics. He is the Refugee Congress Delegate for North Carolina. Adam strives to promote awareness and understanding of refugees and human rights for all.
Alenga Alokola
Alenga Alokola is the CEO of Mwangaza Wa Upendoa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the refugee community in Arizona. With a Master’s Degree in Global Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, he is passionate about creating educational resources for new refugees and helping them overcome challenges as they build better lives in the United States.
Ali Tarokh
Ali Tarokh is the Director of Policy Advocacy at Trellus and holds a doctorate in Law and Policy from Northeastern University. He is passionate about education and dedicated to addressing employment barriers for refugees.
Anastasiia Chystiukhina
Anastasiia Chystiukhina is an entrepreneur, business woman, and content creator. She loves to practice yoga, travel, and play board games with her son.
Andreina Zuluaga
Andreina Zuluaga is a psychologist and social activist from Venezuela as well as the Refugee Congress Delegate for New Jersey. She is a passionate advocate for mental health for immigrants “embrace your story, lead your process” growing and healing with faith and psychology.
Bahati Kanyamanza
Bahati Kanyamanza is nonprofit leader, publisher, educator, advocate, and co-founder of COBURWAS International Youth Organization to Transform Africa. He is also an Advisor to the United States Refugee Advisory Board. He is interested in advocating for social change and the rights of displaced people and other marginalized communities.
Bhuwan Pyakurel
Bhuwan Pyakurel is a City Council Member in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. He spent most of his young adulthood in a Bhutanese refugee camp in Nepal and became the first Bhutanese-American elected official in the US.
Claudia Rojas
Claudia Rojas is a poet, community advocate, and communications professional. She is passionate about social justice and the environment. She loves libraries, gardens, and volunteer opportunities.
Dana Aljubouri
Dana Aljubouri is a youth activist and aspiring writer. She spends her time volunteering, reading, and writing, and is interested in medicine.
Dauda Sesay
Dauda Sesay is the National Network Director for African Communities Together (ACT). He enjoys community engagement, music, sports, and travel for a purpose.
Edafe Okporo
Edafe Okporo is a global gay rights activist and founder of Refuge America. He enjoys reading, dance, and dinner with friends.
Emma Yaaka
Emma Yaaka is a Medical Case Manager/Preferred Community with Heartland Alliance, the Director of The WordOut Channel, and the Refugee Congress Delegate for Illinois. He is interested in community advocacy and providing education and resources to the refugee community.
Ghislain Joel Nkontchou
Ghislain Joel Nkontchou is a refugee from Cameroon and lives in Brooklyn. He graduate from Baruch College where he received his Master of International Affairs.
Habib Barra
Habib Barra has dedicated twelve years to working with nonprofits, including seven impactful years with Sesame Street in Afghanistan. He aims to shed light on immigrants' challenges while highlighting themes of resilience and hope to motivate others to confront hardship with determination and optimism.
Halima Hamud
Halima Hamud is the founder of Circles of Excellence, a grassroots organization advocating for skilled immigrants. She is also the host of the Voices Unveiled podcast. As a resilient refugee leader, her work, advocacy, and personal ambition all revolve around ensuring that refugee and immigrant communities have access to resources that uplift and build their power. She earned a Master’s degree in Development from the University of Minnesota. Halima is an Idaho native.
Hanan Rasheed
Hanan Rasheed is a chef and founder of My Healing Table, which uses the power of food to create positive change. She enjoys sharing the beauty of Palestinian cuisine with friends, family, and others.
Ikhlas Mohammed
Ikhlas Mohammed is an author, advocate, podcast host, speaker, and trainer dedicated to empowering women and promote healing through storytelling. She is passionate about women and youth empowerment, immigration justice, self-development, and mental health.
