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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Abdullah Noori

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Aseel Jan Niazai

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.

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Ayda Zugay

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Crystal Bayat

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.

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Dagemawit Kebede

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

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Dana Aljubouri

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

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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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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.