Meet the Members

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.

Anita Omary is a Master of Public Administration student at the University of New Haven and an Employment Specialist at BH Care in North Branford, Connecticut. She is also a public speaker with the New American Speaker Program (NASP) and is passionate about storytelling as a tool for social impact.

Ayan is a Somali community worker and Psychologist & Mental Health Practitioner (MHP). She is dedicated to supporting the community in navigating complex systems, including legal services, housing programs, childcare assistance, and essential social supports. She has experience supporting people through trauma, migration, and resettlement.

Azhar Ahmed holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Egypt. She currently serves as a Senior Case Manager with the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) and is also a Board Member of the Connecticut Refugee and Immigrant Women (CRIW) organization.

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.

Bertha Nibigira is a multilingual spoken word poet, peacebuilder, and community organizer. She is the founder of N&Y Creative Solutions, a DC–based creative consulting enterprise at the intersection of the arts and international development. She works across English, French, Kirundi and Swahili to expose ongoing injustices affecting the African people.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Liyah Babayan is a social entrepreneur, speaker, author, and the first refugee to hold public office in the State of Idaho, serving as a School Board Trustee in Twin Falls, running for City Council and State Representative. She has received numerous Governor's service to community awards, Idaho's Hometown Hero Award including the ACLU’S Civil Rights Service Award. She enjoys nature, oil painting, cooking, reading, and playing time with her children.

Lucky Karim is a Refugee and Human Rights Activist who has worked for a Number of International Humanitarian organizations and supported INGO to translate the needs of her community. She is also a young leader who works closely with Government officials and Policy makers on the Rohingya crisis and Burma more broadly.

Maqdona Fetry holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Masters in Public Law from Kabul, Afghanistan. She recently completed a CompTIA ITF+ Certification course and is currently working towards a degree in General Studies. Maqdona is a passionate advocate for migrant rights, and is helping build a future based on empathy, deep understanding, and mutual respect.

Mariia Yatsko is from Ukraine and works as an IDA Program Specialist at New American Pathways. She is a community builder and advocate, leading "Know Your Rights" workshops and meeting with Senators to elevate her community's voice. She is also a Civic Pathways Leader with the Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies of Georgia.

Mawda Boulad is a motivational leadership speaker and a young leader passionate about driving positive change. She is pursuing her degree in medicine, and advocates for refugee and immigrant rights.