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.

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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.

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Dr. Heval Mohamed Kelli

Dr. Heval Mohamed Kelli is a cardiologist and advocate. He enjoys volunteering and cooking.

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Edafe Okporo

Edafe Okporo is a global gay rights activist and founder of Refuge America. He enjoys reading, dance, and dinner with friends.

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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.

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Felix Lumbala

Felix Lumbala is the Refugee Congress Delegate to Nevada. He is an advocate for education and refugee issues, and is passionate about serving the Congolese Community of Nevada.

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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.

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Grace James

Grace James is the author of "The Longest Wait", a memoir about her journey as an asylum seeker. She initiated a letter writing project for asylum seekers in confinement, inspired by her own experiences in detention. She is passionate about faith and promoting healthy living and gratitude.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Isabel Kayembe

Isabel Kayembe is a case manager and community health worker at the Refugee Dream Center. She enjoys watching soccer, dancing, and crafting.

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Jihan Daman

Jihan Daman is a social worker and advocate. She enjoys reading, traveling, gardening, cooking, and working out.

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Juma

Juma is a motivational speaker. He enjoys acting, hosting shows, and dancing.

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Kateryna Bikir

Kateryna Bikir is a psychologist, educator, and life coach. She aims to build a trauma-informed community, support open-mindedness, and grow resilience among refugees through storytelling, psychoeducation, and coaching.

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Kawser Amine

Kawser Amine is a pro soccer player, activist, leader, and speaker dedicated to women's empowerment, representation, and refugee rights. She is committed to championing humanity, welcoming, policy advocacy, peace, and equality to create a better future for the next generation.

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Kendra Frith

Kendra Frith, born in Jamaica, is an asylum seeker and Senior Engagement Officer with Rainbow Railroad. Her decade-long commitment to human rights has focused on empowering LGBTQ+ individuals affected by homelessness and forced displacement. Kendra continues to dedicate herself to creating a world where everyone can live authentically and without fear.

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Khalil Yarzada

Khalil A. Arab is the SIVs & Allies Program Manager at the Combined Arms. He is interested in continuing his education and serving the SIVs, refugee and immigrant communities in Texas.

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Nominate yourself or someone you know to become a member of the Collective. We accept nominations on a rolling basis and will be in touch for an initial interview.

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