LEARN ABOUT
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 non-profit and social service organizations throughout the Sacramento region, including the previous successful iteration of the Sacramento Refugee Forum. Genevieve has also 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.

Walid Jailani is the President & Founder of School of Freedom, a Sacramento-based nonprofit advancing education for refugee and immigrant communities. A UC Davis alumnus in Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior, Walid brings experience in both leadership and teaching. He previously served as Vice President of Willow Way Tutoring, supporting youth mentorship programs, and was an active member of the San Juan Students Leadership Council. Walid also worked as a teaching assistant in newcomer summer programs and volunteered at Shifa Community Clinic, shaping his trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach. His leadership has been recognized through NPR, Aggie Life, and the UC Board of Regents.

Yesenia Lemus is the Program Supervisor for Ukrainian Support Services at the International Rescue Committee in Sacramento, overseeing trauma-informed case management for over 300 Ukrainians. She has improved program efficiency, quality, and compliance, and leads cultural orientation sessions tailored to client needs. Yesenia began as an IRC intern, later becoming a caseworker serving asylum seekers, refugees, parolees, undocumented immigrants, and SIVs. She holds a BA in International Relations with a concentration in Peace and Security and a Minor in Human Rights from UC Davis. As a proud daughter of immigrants, she is committed to serving diverse communities.

Megan Alford is a Workforce Development Planner II with the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA). With over seven years at SETA, she is driven by a passion for employment services and community support. Her experience as a Head Start teacher revealed the link between work, community resources, and educational outcomes, inspiring her shift to Workforce Development. For the past two years, she has worked in Refugee Support Services, partnering with providers across Sacramento to support newly arrived individuals and families through job readiness, training, and employment. Megan takes pride in helping others gain the tools, support, and confidence needed to achieve self-sufficiency. Outside of work, she enjoys time outdoors with her family, weekend road trips across California, and movies.

Ivonne Ellis is a dedicated Human Services Program Planner with over a decade of experience at the Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance. Originally born in Comayagua, Honduras, Ivonne moved to Sacramento, California at the age of 11, with her mother who had immigrated to the United States in hopes of giving her children an opportunity of a better life. Due to her background, she has developed a strong passion for community empowerment and public service.
With a degree in Community Health Education, Ivonne combines her academic background with real-world experience to design and implement programs that support the well-being of underserved populations. Her work focuses on improving access to vital services, promoting equity, and fostering inclusive community engagement.

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.

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.

Olya Bulda, a native of Ukraine, immigrated to the U.S. in 2022 due to the ongoing war. Her firsthand experience with displacement fuels her commitment to helping others navigate the challenges of starting over.
She currently serves as a Community Wellness Specialist at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Sacramento, where she supports Ukrainian refugees through trauma-informed care, wellness programming, and connection to essential resources.
Alongside her work at IRC, Olya remains actively involved in the local Ukrainian community, volunteering with organizations like ParaSolka to help newcomers adapt, heal, and thrive in their new environment.

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 Director of Advancement 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.

Kathleen Babin volunteered for 20 years at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. In 2021, as multiple Afghan families arrived at Sacramento Airport every night, and housing and hotels were at capacity, she took in an Afghan family of 10 (who lived in her Air B&B apartment for 1 year).
Within weeks, others Afghans began contacting her for help. Over the last 3 years, she has assisted approximately 300 families settling in Sacramento.
She currently volunteers with NorCal Resist and primarily assists asylum seekers and humanitarian parolees who do not have Resettlement Agencies and, often, no government assistance. She speaks Spanish and is fluent in Afghan food.

Fabian is the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Manager at CommuniCare+OLE where he leads inclusive organizational development across Napa, Solano, and Yolo counties, supporting 800+ staff who serve over 70000 people.
Originally from The Netherlands, Fabian’s global upbringing and lived experience as a cultural and racial minority shape his empathetic, systems-focused approach.
He is known for connecting communities and advocating for those facing systematic barriers.
Before relocating to California, he collaborated with state legislators in Idaho to address systemic inequities at state agencies.
He also founded a soccer club for immigrant and refugee youth in Idaho, creating a pathway to scholarships and stronger community ties.
He holds a degree in History and Political Science from Boise State University and enjoys soccer, music, and spending time with his family.