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SRRC'S WORK

Genevieve Levy leads Solvera's Sacramento-based projects, including the SETA Sacramento Region Refugee Coalition. She has over 20 years of experience within the non-profit, refugee resettlement and local government sector in the Sacramento region. She grew and oversaw successful networking groups which included resource sharing, connection and collaboration of services for over 300 non-profit and social service organizations throughout the Sacramento region, including the previous successful iteration of the Sacramento Refugee Forum. Genevieve has also has collaborated on and led cultural competency trainings for direct social-service providers, educators, faith-based communities, and medical professionals working with newcomer communities both locally and in other impacted communities in the US.

Janelle Fite is the Program Director at World Relief Sacramento, where she leads programs that support refugees on their path to self-sufficiency and integration into the Sacramento community. With over 25 years of experience in nonprofit work, refugee resettlement, and government, Janelle brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for supporting refugees and immigrants. She known for expanding and improving programs, securing funding, developing impactful trainings, and collaborating with stakeholders. Janelle is dedicated to creating services that help refugees achieve long-term stability and empowerment and developing partnerships that benefit both the individuals and the community.

Isabella is a Refugee Resettlement Coordinator dedicated to support refugees as they establish new lives in the United States. Since joining Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services less than a year ago, she has worked to lead and organize cultural orientation classes to equip newcomers with essential knowledge about navigating local systems, accessing resources, and understanding cultural norms. Isabella holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Global Studies, which helped to develop an understanding of global migration and a passion for challenges faced by displaced individuals.

Lucy started in education as a teacher and a principal of a community school serving newcomers and multilingual learners in Oakland for many years. She started in Elk Grove Unified in leading the English Learner Services Department. Lucy currently supports EGUSD's Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department as a program specialist overseeing family and staff academic and wellness support. Some of her current professional passions include accelerating access for newcomer and refugee families, EGUSD's 4 newcomer welcome centers, addressing food insecurity, advocating for multilingualism, elevating family affinity groups, and supporting Family Teacher Academic Teams. When she's not at work you can find her enjoying the outdoors with her dog, buying plants, going out to new restaurants with friends, or singing along at concerts.

Amie Tukana, of Sacramento Employment & Training Agency (SETA) is SRRC's County Representative.

Olya Bulda, a native of Ukraine, immigrated to the United States in 2022, due to ongoing war. Her own experience with the challenges of immigration has instilled in her a deep understanding of the struggles faced by newcomers. This empathy drives her active involvement in volunteering with Ukrainian community organizations like "ParaSolka", where she is committed to supporting fellow Ukrainians in their journey to adapt and thrive in a new country. Olya draws on her personal experiences, language skills, and professional knowledge to guide Ukrainian immigrants, connecting them to critical resources for smooth integration into their new communities.

Farhad Noorzada’s journey from Afghanistan to the U.S. highlights his dedication to empowering refugees, asylees, and trafficking survivors. With an MBA from Kardan University and personal experience as a displaced individual, he offers deep insight into the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Mr. Noorzada began as a Refugee Employment Services Specialist and currently serves as the Site Director of ARI Refugee Support Center, where he leads efforts to provide resources and opportunities for newly arrived communities. His international experience further reflects his dedication to community development and education. Fluent in English, Dari, Pashto, and Urdu, Mr. Noorzada uses his linguistic and cultural expertise to foster connections and ensure inclusive support for those he serves.

Shannin is the Special Projects Manager at Alchemist Community Development Corporation. Shannin’s work includes serving as Alchemist’s lead manager and coordinator on the construction of the Alchemist Public Market and the Oak Park Art Garden. Shannin is also overseeing the development of Alchemist's newest program, Alchemist Workforce Academy (AWA). AWA will be a formal workforce development program which will provide classroom and paid on-the-job training and experience as well as case management for newcomers and opportunity young adults seeking to pursue careers in the hospitality and food-service industries.

Neptoune Nilofar Amin is the Refugee Program Manager at Opening Doors, where she has spent nine years serving refugee and immigrant communities. She has worked closely with newly arrived refugees, ensuring access to housing, employment, education, and healthcare. For the past two years, she has led the refugee program, overseeing service delivery and program development. In 2024, she received the Community Championship Award from Molina Healthcare for her leadership. An immigrant herself, Neptoune is passionate about creating culturally responsive programs that empower refugees. She enjoys family time, traveling, and advocating for refugee rights.

Hilda Khairallah is the Director of Wellness Programs at REDA, leading efforts to integrate mental health into services for Arab, Afghan, and Farsi-speaking newcomers in Sacramento. She holds a B.S. and M.S. in Management Information Systems from George Washington University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from the Education University of Hong Kong. With over 20 years of experience in educational leadership, training, and data analysis, she designs impactful, culturally sensitive programs for REDA’s communities. Hilda is also a certified HeartMath trainer from the HeartMath Institute in California.

Kawser Amine is the NorCal Refugee Organizer with CHIRLA, as well as an activist, speaker, and former professional athlete. She serves on more than 20 philanthropic, nonprofit, coalition, and refugee forums across the state and globally. Kawser brings deep expertise in foreign policy, conflict resolution, public service, advocacy, sports diplomacy, government relations, and strategic and policy analysis. Her work spans local to international levels, uplifting marginalized voices and addressing urgent community needs. She is especially passionate about advancing the rights and safety of women, girls, refugees, and immigrants through a justice-centered agenda.

If interested in filling this position, please reach out to Genevieve Levy at Genevieve@SolveraConsult.com