Barwaqo Aden is the assistant director of Nisaa African Family Services, an organization serving victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and homicide in African communities in Iowa. Barwaqo, who is from the Somali community, grew up in Kenya. As an advocate at Nisaa since 2014 she provides direct services and conducts community outreach and education, and trains and supervises advocates. Barwaqo also has had several years of work and volunteer experience in South Africa and in the United States with immigrant populations.

She graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in Business/Human Resource and Global Management, and her interests are women’s global health and empowerment projects.

When she is not working or giving back to her community, Barwaqo enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with loved ones. She can be reached at barwaqoaden@nisaa-afs.org

Sam Hutchisson is the Refugee Services Program Manager at Catholic Charities of Des Moines. He is devoted to building strong equitable communities and passionate about learning how services can impact people the most. Sam has worked for three refugee serving agencies (Catholic Charities, Lutheran Services Iowa, and USCRI’s branch in Raleigh). Sam studied Spanish and Arabic and recieved a BA in Political Science from the College of Charleston. He’s currently seeking his Masters of Public Administration at Drake University.

Samantha Huynh has been with UCRI for a little over 9 years. She has played many roles in the organization; from Office Manager-Finance Coordinator-Refugee Services Manager and recently promoted to Director of the Des Moines Field Office.

During the Vietnam war, Samantha and her family fled to Laos in fear of persecution. After several years, they arrived safely in Thailand's refugee camp. They were fortunate to be resettled in small town Iowa before calling Des Moines their forever home. Growing up she assisted the church and Taidam community resettle other refugees and immigrants from Laos and Vietnam. Her passion to help others has brought her to where she is today. She also serves on the Tai Village Board and volunteers with the Iowa Asian Alliance Heritage Festivals.

Samira Ikeljic serves role of a Refugee Services Supervisor at the Bureau of Refugee Services, IA Department of Health and Human Services.

Samira arrived in the USA, Des Moines IA as a refugee from war-thorn Bosnia and Herzegovina in July 1994 with her parents and a younger sister. She started her college education in Croatia but forced to leave and continued at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. Samira graduated with B.A. in interdisciplinary studies (political science, business, and economics) in May of 1997. Later, in July of the same year she accepted a position with the Bureau of Refugee Services, IA Department of Health and Human Services where she continued working. In December 2023, Samira successfully completed Certified Public Manager (CPM) program at Drake University.

Samira enjoys her work helping refugees, supporting in reaching their goal of economic self-sufficiency and stability while contributing to American society as their new home. She promoted awareness about new Iowans and advocacy of cultural competency and understanding.

Samira enjoys visiting her home of Bosnia and Herzegovina with her husband, 23-year-old daughter and 17-year-old son. She spends a lot of time with her other family members and friends.

Veronica Ouya is an adjunct professor of Communication and Business at Des Moines Area Community College. She is a CCHI-certified healthcare interpreter, an entrepreneur, and an advocate for language access. Veronica is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the Human Development and Family Studies Department at Iowa State University. She serves as a commissioner with the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission and as a director with the Iowa Interpreters and Translators Association. Veronica is committed to upholding the dignity of all individuals and is a lifelong educator who is passionate about empowering the marginalized.

Manisha Paudel is the Chief Equity Officer for the City of Des Moines, IA. She has served in four municipalities since 2012 and received her graduate degree in Public Service Management from DePaul University. Prior to serving in local government in the U.S., Manisha gained her professional experience with UNICEF in Timor-Leste and Eritrea. With a long-term goal to advance and promote equity in local communities throughout the world, Manisha supports international fellows’ program and has traveled to other Southeast Asian countries for similar experience.

Originally from Chicago, Gianna moved to Des Moines in 2016 to pursue her MSEd in Literacy at Drake University. She started working with Adult ELLs in 2017 at Lutheran Services in Iowa, where she taught Beginning English to our newest neighbors who were illiterate in their native languages. In the 4 years at LSI, Gianna was also the adult Refugee Education Coordinator, overseeing the Education Department. In 2021, she transitioned to the West Des Moines Community School District to advocate for foreign-born students and their families. Gianna is passionate about shifting the narrative from one that is deficit-focused towards a strengths-based lens where educators promote self-efficacy and humanity.

Ahmad Tamim Sahel, originally from Afghanistan, and raised in Kabul, has made significant contributions to community development and support for the Afghan community in Iowa. His professional journey began as the NSP Provincial Deputy Program Manager for ACTED, where he served for two years. Following this, Sahel joined State Corps, a major contractor for the US Army Corps of Engineering, as the Deputy Finance Manager for a span of five years. In 2015, he founded Afghan UB Productions Company and held the position of CEO until 2017.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration obtained in 2014 and a college degree in journalism from the NAI Institute of Journalism in 2016, Sahel’s educational background has provided a solid foundation for his endeavors. In 2017, he relocated to the United States and initially worked at Walmart for six months before joining Feed Energy as an accountant until August 2022.

Driven by his commitment to community service, Sahel began volunteering his time to assist newly-arrived Afghan refugees in their resettlement process in Iowa. He played a crucial role in helping them secure employment, find suitable housing, obtain transportation, navigate appointment scheduling, and complete essential paperwork and documentation. Additionally, Sahel provided invaluable support in guiding individuals through the intricate processes of SIV (Special Immigrant Visa) and asylum cases.

Building on his entrepreneurial spirit, Sahel established an Afghan Supermarket in West Des Moines, Iowa in 2022. He is also the owner of SK Construction and Landscaping, showcasing his business acumen and commitment to local economic growth. During his free time, Sahel serves as the captain of the Afghan Blue Tigers cricket team, based in Iowa. Furthermore, as one of the founders and Executive Director of the Iowa Afghan Community and Culture Organization, Sahel plays a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant and inclusive Afghan community.

Mak Sućeska serves as the Manager of Operations for Global Neighbors, Immigrant and Refugee Welcome Center through Polk County. Mak originates from Sarajevo, Bosnia and was transplanted to Des Moines in 1993 as a refugee, fleeing from war-torn Yugoslavia with his family. Mak's professional career has been devoted to advocating and supporting refugees and immigrants across the state in an effort to promote a more equitable community for all. With over 14 years of experience in non-profits, state and county government, it's Mak's life journey that provides a unique and necessary perspective in guiding his work. Mak completed his political science undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa with a double minor in religion and history. He achieved his CPM and MPA degree through Drake University with an emphasis on public policy, and plans to pursue his doctorate degree in Educational Leadership through Drake University. In Mak's words, "Education, Accessibility and Opportunity are the keys to success".

Abigail Sui was one of the founding staff members and became the Executive Director of EMBARC in 2023. Abigail has experience and knowledge about community driven initiatives and collaborations. She helped conceptualize, launch, and manage the Early Childhood Parent Navigator program, Crisis and Advocacy Program, Education Program, and the only social enterprise called Interpreting Service. Under Abigail’s leadership, the program has taught over 1,000 parents, enrolled over 500 preschoolers and kindergarteners in local school districts, and served over 4,000 social service cases, including victims who have experienced domestic violence and abuse in the past ten years.

Abigail holds an MRE (Master of Religious Education) from Bangalore, India, and graduated from DMACC with a Human Services degree. Abigail worked for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Malaysia, where the UNHCR office is located, for over four years as an Interpreter Team Leader, overseeing the interpreter program and supervising 40+ interpreters, before settling in the U.S. in 2013.

Outside of the office hours, Abigail provided Parenting and Youth Training to her community across the state. Abigail has a decade of successful experience working with women's groups and supporting and training Sunday School teachers in the Church.

Sarah Terlouw is the Executive Director of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Iowa. Before joining the Iowa team, Sarah held the same position in Northern California and Kansas, overseeing diverse programs offering services to refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, survivors of trafficking, and other vulnerable populations. Sarah began her career overseas, spending 15 years working in conflict and post-conflict settings largely in Sub-Saharan African including the DRC, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Rwanda, and Mali. In addition to English, Sarah speaks French and holds an MPH and MSW from Columbia University.Description goes here

Sarann Thim is a multilingual advocate at Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity, an organization serving victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Iowa. Sarann, who is from the Khmer (Cambodian) community, speaks Khmer. She was born in Cambodia in the late 1970s and immigrated to the United States in 1990. Her family resettled in Sioux City, Iowa, but Sarann moved to Rochester, MN, after high school, and went to the community college there.

In 2007, she moved back to Iowa and worked at Mary Greeley Medical Center as a Lab Assistant for 6 years. In the summer of 2022, she joined Monsoon as a multilingual advocate. She also works at the Boone Hospital, in the lab as a PRN.

This January of 2024, she was recruited by one of the Monsoon board members to join the Cambodian community called AWFA, “Angkor Wat Friendship Association”. This is also a nonprofit organization for Cambodian refugees and assists the Cambodian people in the process of adjusting to the new culture and society in the US.

Sarann is very passionate about her work and helping people, especially the needs in her community. She is a mother of two, enjoys cooking, traveling, trying new things, outdoors, music/concerts, sports, and spending time with her friends and family.

Nick Wuertz serves as the Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services at Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI), where he has worked since 2006 welcoming refugee and immigrant families and enhancing services for newcomers in Central Iowa and around the state. He is passionate about helping others understand the various ways newcomers join our local communities, the populations that are arriving, and the ways that immigrants contribute their skills and experiences in their new communities. Nick serves as the chair of the Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa which has brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to advance Central Iowa’s ability to welcome and equip refugee families for success. Nick also serves on the board of directors for Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity. Nick is a native of Waverly, IA, and a graduate of Wartburg College. His mother’s family emigrated from Denmark when she was in kindergarten. His father comes from a family of German immigrants. In his free time, Nick loves to be with his family, explore nature, and play soccer and tennis.

Stephanie Moris is the Director of the Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa. She has been involved with the Alliance since 2013 and has worked with refugee and immigrant communities in education, employment, and wrap-around direct case management before joining RACI. Stephanie obtained her Bachelors Degree from Iowa State University and after worked in the Dominican Republic for 3 years where she met her husband. Outside of work Stephanie is very passionate about empowering our refugee and immigrant communities, immigration rights, and connecting our community together. She volunteers as a mentor and teaches Spanish. She is a mother of two and also loves art and being outdoors.