Meet the Members

Abdullah Noori is an engineer from Afghanistan. He is a passionate advocate for resettled Afghans and others still at-risk in Afghanistan. He aims to educate on challenges Afghans still face and campaigns for their equitable treatment and opportunities.

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 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 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 is an entrepreneur, business woman, and content creator. She loves to practice yoga, travel, and play board games with her son.

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.

Aseel Jan Niazai is a Program Administrator from Afghanistan. He holds a master’s degree in International Relations and is fluent in five languages, including English, Urdu, Dari, Persian, and Pashto.

Ayda Zugay is an award-winning leader, activist and published author. She enjoys painting, poetry, ballroom dance, flying planes, connecting people, and advocating for better policies for displaced people.

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 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 is a poet, community advocate, and communications professional. She is passionate about social justice and the environment. She loves libraries, gardens, and volunteer opportunities.

Crystal Bayat is a distinguished socio-political activist and humanitarian, globally recognized for her unwavering commitment to the empowerment of women and girls, particularly in Afghanistan. As the founder of Hope for Her International, she spearheads initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and safety, driving transformative change and fostering resilience among some of the world's most vulnerable communities. Her work continues to inspire and advocate for the rights and futures of women and girls around the globe.

Dagemawit Kebede is a passionate advocate for refugees and immigrants. She enjoys painting, traveling, and music.

Dana Aljubouri is a youth activist and aspiring writer. She spends her time volunteering, reading, and writing, and is interested in medicine.

Dauda Sesay is the National Network Director for African Communities Together (ACT). He enjoys community engagement, music, sports, and travel for a purpose.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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

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

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

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.

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.