Plenaries & Performances
MONDAY
Opening Performance - 8:30 am, Monday, February 3rd
Mladi Behar
“Mladi Behar” (Young Blossom) - The Bosnian-Herzegovinian Cultural Center of Idaho - was formed in July 2000 in Boise, Idaho. The name Young Blossom was chosen to signify a new beginning in a new country. We use traditional dance to transcend cultural barriers and as a means of sharing culture with the people of Idaho and to preserve Bosnian tradition for the future generations. We are a volunteer-driven non-profit organization with 501-c status under IRS code. Mladi Behar was founded by lrvaz Husić who invited local Bosnian teenagers to be part of a performing youth group, a place for the teenagers to come together and learn about their culture.
“Mladi Behar” (Young Blossom) - The Bosnian-Herzegovinian Cultural Center of Idaho - was formed in July 2000 in Boise, Idaho. The name Young Blossom was chosen to signify a new beginning in a new country. We use traditional dance to transcend cultural barriers and as a means of sharing culture with the people of Idaho and to preserve Bosnian tradition for the future generations. We are a volunteer-driven non-profit organization with 501-c status under IRS code. Mladi Behar was founded by lrvaz Husić who invited local Bosnian teenagers to be part of a performing youth group, a place for the teenagers to come together and learn about their culture.
Welcome Remarks - 8:45 am, Monday, February 3rd
Salome Mwangi, Idaho Office for Refugees
Salome Mwangi is a Kenyan-born American speaker who inspires, challenges and equips others to overcome their real or perceived obstacles, live up to their full potential, work with diverse teams, and grow professionally and personally.
Drawing from her own experiences Salome seeks to encourage, build up and support others as they journey through their own lives. Her life is a living testimony that regardless of what life hands you, only the smallness of your dreams limits your opportunities.
Salome resettled in Boise, Idaho in 2004 as a refugee, where she lives with her teenage daughter.
The values, tenacity and spirit of never giving up that were instilled by the “village” as she grew up have not only helped her navigate life as a single parent, but also her work as a Cultural Broker, working with Limited English Proficient clients and their service providers.
Salome Mwangi is a Kenyan-born American speaker who inspires, challenges and equips others to overcome their real or perceived obstacles, live up to their full potential, work with diverse teams, and grow professionally and personally.
Drawing from her own experiences Salome seeks to encourage, build up and support others as they journey through their own lives. Her life is a living testimony that regardless of what life hands you, only the smallness of your dreams limits your opportunities.
Salome resettled in Boise, Idaho in 2004 as a refugee, where she lives with her teenage daughter.
The values, tenacity and spirit of never giving up that were instilled by the “village” as she grew up have not only helped her navigate life as a single parent, but also her work as a Cultural Broker, working with Limited English Proficient clients and their service providers.
Kara Fink, Idaho Office for Refugees
Kara serves as the Outreach & Partnership Manager of the Idaho Office for Refugees, where she builds relationships with providers and refugee organizations, facilitates outreach opportunities, and works to create more welcoming communities. She serves on the board of Learning Lab and the St. Luke's NICU Family Advisory Council, and previously worked in Student Involvement and Leadership at Boise State University. Kara was a Fulbright Research Scholar at Brandenburg Technical University in Cottbus, Germany from 2006-2007 and completed fieldwork in Cambodia while obtaining her MS in Development Anthropology from Durham University in England. She also holds a BBA in International Business and a certificate in Foundation of Refugee Services from Boise State University.
Kara serves as the Outreach & Partnership Manager of the Idaho Office for Refugees, where she builds relationships with providers and refugee organizations, facilitates outreach opportunities, and works to create more welcoming communities. She serves on the board of Learning Lab and the St. Luke's NICU Family Advisory Council, and previously worked in Student Involvement and Leadership at Boise State University. Kara was a Fulbright Research Scholar at Brandenburg Technical University in Cottbus, Germany from 2006-2007 and completed fieldwork in Cambodia while obtaining her MS in Development Anthropology from Durham University in England. She also holds a BBA in International Business and a certificate in Foundation of Refugee Services from Boise State University.
Roger Brown, Boise State University
Roger Brown began his role as director of government and community relations at Boise State University in 2016, after spending a year serving as the director of community relations. Prior to joining Boise State, Brown served in the Office of Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter. Brown’s duties included time as an analyst at the Division of Financial Management, education advisor and deputy chief of staff.
Before moving to Idaho in 2007, Brown worked in the Washington, D.C. office of U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard. Brown handled Sen. Allard’s work on the Senate Budget Committee and served as legislative director. Brown is originally from Grand Junction, Colorado, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Affairs and English from the University of Denver.lations
Roger Brown began his role as director of government and community relations at Boise State University in 2016, after spending a year serving as the director of community relations. Prior to joining Boise State, Brown served in the Office of Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter. Brown’s duties included time as an analyst at the Division of Financial Management, education advisor and deputy chief of staff.
Before moving to Idaho in 2007, Brown worked in the Washington, D.C. office of U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard. Brown handled Sen. Allard’s work on the Senate Budget Committee and served as legislative director. Brown is originally from Grand Junction, Colorado, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Affairs and English from the University of Denver.lations
Opening Plenary - 9:00 am, Monday, February 3rd
Jonathan Hayes, Office for Refugee Resettlement
Jonathan H. Hayes serves as the director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in the Administration for Children & Families at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Prior to being named the director in February 2019, he served as the chief of staff and acting director for ORR.
Prior to joining HHS, Jonathan served as chief of staff to two members of Congress spanning over eight years. Additionally, he has experience in the private sector working in broadcast television, sales and marketing, business development, international trade and customs and commercial airline operations.
Jonathan received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Florida State University.
Born in Greenwood, Mississippi, and raised in Panama City, Florida, he now lives in northern Virginia with his wife Tammy and their five children.
Jonathan H. Hayes serves as the director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in the Administration for Children & Families at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Prior to being named the director in February 2019, he served as the chief of staff and acting director for ORR.
Prior to joining HHS, Jonathan served as chief of staff to two members of Congress spanning over eight years. Additionally, he has experience in the private sector working in broadcast television, sales and marketing, business development, international trade and customs and commercial airline operations.
Jonathan received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Florida State University.
Born in Greenwood, Mississippi, and raised in Panama City, Florida, he now lives in northern Virginia with his wife Tammy and their five children.
Kenneth Tota, Office for Refugee Resettlement
Ken Tota is the Deputy Director for the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). He has served as ORR Deputy Director since 2008, and also served as Acting ORR Director in 2006, 2015, and 2017.
Prior to joining ORR, Ken served as Senior Program Specialist at the Immigration and Naturalization Service, where he provided oversight to the Unaccompanied Children’s Program and the program transfer from the U.S. Department of Justice to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Since coming to ORR, he has worked to significantly increase capacity and enhance care and services for unaccompanied children.
While at ORR, Ken has worked to enhance funding and services for refugees by focusing on the most vulnerable populations, technical assistance and expanding intensive case management. He has also been instrumental in the creation of an ORR division to focus on refugee health-related issues and developing partnerships in support of services for refugees.
Before entering civil service, Ken was the Cuban/Haitian Program Coordinator for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in Washington, D.C., and Miami, Fla.
He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from American University in Washington, DC.
Ken Tota is the Deputy Director for the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). He has served as ORR Deputy Director since 2008, and also served as Acting ORR Director in 2006, 2015, and 2017.
Prior to joining ORR, Ken served as Senior Program Specialist at the Immigration and Naturalization Service, where he provided oversight to the Unaccompanied Children’s Program and the program transfer from the U.S. Department of Justice to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Since coming to ORR, he has worked to significantly increase capacity and enhance care and services for unaccompanied children.
While at ORR, Ken has worked to enhance funding and services for refugees by focusing on the most vulnerable populations, technical assistance and expanding intensive case management. He has also been instrumental in the creation of an ORR division to focus on refugee health-related issues and developing partnerships in support of services for refugees.
Before entering civil service, Ken was the Cuban/Haitian Program Coordinator for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in Washington, D.C., and Miami, Fla.
He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from American University in Washington, DC.
Lunch Program - 12:15 pm, Monday, February 3rd
Patrick Wangoi, Refugee Speakers Bureau
Patrick Wangoi was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has lived a life of resilience and hope, one of not giving up on one’s dreams. After 15 years along the west bank of the Lualaba River in Kongolo, war broke out and Patrick fled the country with his mother and three brothers. After five and a half years in Tanzania, Patrick and his family were granted entry to the US in 2010 and settled in Boise. He began to learn English and earned his high school diploma while working part-time at Walmart. Patrick Wangoi graduated from BSU in May 2019, majoring in Social Science at Boise State University. He plans to continue his education by attending graduate school for Mental Health Counseling at University of Idaho. He has extensive experience as a professional staff supporter, working with people with developmental disabilities. He is currently a manager at one of the agencies. Patrick has been engaged in public speaking since 2015 by sharing his personal life experience to break down the cultural bridge between Americans and refugee community. He is an active member of the Refugee Speakers Bureau.
Patrick Wangoi was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has lived a life of resilience and hope, one of not giving up on one’s dreams. After 15 years along the west bank of the Lualaba River in Kongolo, war broke out and Patrick fled the country with his mother and three brothers. After five and a half years in Tanzania, Patrick and his family were granted entry to the US in 2010 and settled in Boise. He began to learn English and earned his high school diploma while working part-time at Walmart. Patrick Wangoi graduated from BSU in May 2019, majoring in Social Science at Boise State University. He plans to continue his education by attending graduate school for Mental Health Counseling at University of Idaho. He has extensive experience as a professional staff supporter, working with people with developmental disabilities. He is currently a manager at one of the agencies. Patrick has been engaged in public speaking since 2015 by sharing his personal life experience to break down the cultural bridge between Americans and refugee community. He is an active member of the Refugee Speakers Bureau.
Mayor Lauren McLean, City of Boise
In 2019, Lauren McLean became the first woman ever elected to the office of Boise Mayor, winning a record-setting number of votes in a historic runoff. Mayor Lauren McLean was sworn in on January 7, 2020, and immediately set to work towards her campaign promise of a 21st-century Boise for everyone, powered by clean renewable energy, with shared prosperity across all neighborhoods, and a commitment to transparency and openness in government.
Lauren McLean was born in Boston, raised in Texas, and moved to upstate New York before college. After graduating with honors from Notre Dame in 1997, Lauren married her high school sweetheart, Scott, and the two settled in Boise. In the middle of building a life and raising two children, Lauren jumped into politics and civic engagement work while earning her MPA in environmental policy from Boise State University.
In 2001, at just 27, Lauren led the historic Boise Foothills Open Space Campaign and successfully protected the Boise Foothills for future generations. In 2011, Lauren was appointed to Boise’s City Council, was twice re-elected, and selected by her peers to serve as Council President in 2017. During her time on City Council, Lauren served as the liaison to Neighbors United. Her passion for connecting with people of all cultures, studying languages – she speaks French fluently – and exploring new places made her the natural fit for the role.
On the weekends, Mayor McLean is an avid trail runner, backpacker and skier. Most days she can be spotted running on Boise’s Foothills trails and biking to City Hall. She and Scott have two children, Madeleine (a college sophomore) and Aiden (a high school sophomore).
In 2019, Lauren McLean became the first woman ever elected to the office of Boise Mayor, winning a record-setting number of votes in a historic runoff. Mayor Lauren McLean was sworn in on January 7, 2020, and immediately set to work towards her campaign promise of a 21st-century Boise for everyone, powered by clean renewable energy, with shared prosperity across all neighborhoods, and a commitment to transparency and openness in government.
Lauren McLean was born in Boston, raised in Texas, and moved to upstate New York before college. After graduating with honors from Notre Dame in 1997, Lauren married her high school sweetheart, Scott, and the two settled in Boise. In the middle of building a life and raising two children, Lauren jumped into politics and civic engagement work while earning her MPA in environmental policy from Boise State University.
In 2001, at just 27, Lauren led the historic Boise Foothills Open Space Campaign and successfully protected the Boise Foothills for future generations. In 2011, Lauren was appointed to Boise’s City Council, was twice re-elected, and selected by her peers to serve as Council President in 2017. During her time on City Council, Lauren served as the liaison to Neighbors United. Her passion for connecting with people of all cultures, studying languages – she speaks French fluently – and exploring new places made her the natural fit for the role.
On the weekends, Mayor McLean is an avid trail runner, backpacker and skier. Most days she can be spotted running on Boise’s Foothills trails and biking to City Hall. She and Scott have two children, Madeleine (a college sophomore) and Aiden (a high school sophomore).
Tara Wolfson, Idaho Office for Refugees
As the state refugee coordinator and director of the Idaho Office for Refugees (IOR), Tara Wolfson oversees resettlement programs in the state. Tara is committed to the continued development of Idaho as a welcoming home to new Americans, where people have the opportunity to reach their full potential and to contribute to a stronger community. Tara has presented the work of Neighbors United, a refugee collaborative, at the White House Convening on Building Welcoming Communities and in Berlin, Germany at the Transatlantic Exchange. Prior to IOR, Tara ran political campaigns and worked to bring together people with often-divergent views, from Palestinians and Jewish Israelis to environmental and civic leaders in the U.S. Tara is a graduate of the University of Vermont and a recipient of the Coro Fellowship for Civic Leadership in San Francisco. Tara has studied and worked in Zimbabwe, Israel, and Palestine and has traveled extensively throughout Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. She lives in Boise with her husband, two daughters, and a puppy.
As the state refugee coordinator and director of the Idaho Office for Refugees (IOR), Tara Wolfson oversees resettlement programs in the state. Tara is committed to the continued development of Idaho as a welcoming home to new Americans, where people have the opportunity to reach their full potential and to contribute to a stronger community. Tara has presented the work of Neighbors United, a refugee collaborative, at the White House Convening on Building Welcoming Communities and in Berlin, Germany at the Transatlantic Exchange. Prior to IOR, Tara ran political campaigns and worked to bring together people with often-divergent views, from Palestinians and Jewish Israelis to environmental and civic leaders in the U.S. Tara is a graduate of the University of Vermont and a recipient of the Coro Fellowship for Civic Leadership in San Francisco. Tara has studied and worked in Zimbabwe, Israel, and Palestine and has traveled extensively throughout Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. She lives in Boise with her husband, two daughters, and a puppy.
TUESDAY
Opening Performance - 8:30 am, Tuesday, February 4th
The Dove Mission Initiative
The Dove Mission Initiative is a non-profit that provides opportunities for children and youth to improve skills in literacy and to understand and appreciate the importance of reading and writing in their daily lives. It promotes multiculturalism and diversity, promote dialogue between people, promote different social development initiative and projects
The Dove Mission Initiative is a non-profit that provides opportunities for children and youth to improve skills in literacy and to understand and appreciate the importance of reading and writing in their daily lives. It promotes multiculturalism and diversity, promote dialogue between people, promote different social development initiative and projects
Welcome Remarks - 8:45 am, Tuesday, February 4th
Shadi Ismail, Refugee Speakers Bureau
Shadi Ismail was born in Syria and lived with his dad, step mom, 3 brothers, and 4 sisters. In 2008, he fled from Syria due to his sexual orientation and registered with UNHCR in Jordan as a refugee. From there he was resettled in Boise, Idaho in May 2012. He was able to secure
employment within 15 days of arriving in Boise and learned English through the different jobs he had. Shadi started out cleaning offices and was able to get a better job soon after that. He married his husband on 9/10/2018, and they have a cat and a dog. He recently started his own business making pillows and blankets just like his family does back in Syria. Shadi appreciates the amazing support he has received here in Idaho, which has allowed him to grow. He recently participated in Apple TV’s “Little America” series, which showcases the stories of immigrants.
Shadi Ismail was born in Syria and lived with his dad, step mom, 3 brothers, and 4 sisters. In 2008, he fled from Syria due to his sexual orientation and registered with UNHCR in Jordan as a refugee. From there he was resettled in Boise, Idaho in May 2012. He was able to secure
employment within 15 days of arriving in Boise and learned English through the different jobs he had. Shadi started out cleaning offices and was able to get a better job soon after that. He married his husband on 9/10/2018, and they have a cat and a dog. He recently started his own business making pillows and blankets just like his family does back in Syria. Shadi appreciates the amazing support he has received here in Idaho, which has allowed him to grow. He recently participated in Apple TV’s “Little America” series, which showcases the stories of immigrants.
Lunch Program- 12:15 pm, Tuesday, February 4th
Robert Paye - Refugee Speakers Bureau
Robert Paye was born and raised in Monrovia, Liberia, of West Africa. During his time as a child, the country fell into a brutal civil war. He and his family were forced into refugee camps in nearby African countries including Guinea and Ghana. Through their struggles for survival, he was able to successfully complete high school and later became a teacher. In 2006, he was opportune to immigrate to the United States as an asylee. He has since gained an advanced certificate in Network System Administration and a BS in Network and Communication Management. He is currently the president of the Julius David Family Association of North America and president of the Liberian United Association of Idaho. He has a deep passion for education and has dedicated his life to helping others.
Robert Paye was born and raised in Monrovia, Liberia, of West Africa. During his time as a child, the country fell into a brutal civil war. He and his family were forced into refugee camps in nearby African countries including Guinea and Ghana. Through their struggles for survival, he was able to successfully complete high school and later became a teacher. In 2006, he was opportune to immigrate to the United States as an asylee. He has since gained an advanced certificate in Network System Administration and a BS in Network and Communication Management. He is currently the president of the Julius David Family Association of North America and president of the Liberian United Association of Idaho. He has a deep passion for education and has dedicated his life to helping others.
Reframing the Refugee/Immigrant Divide- 1:15 pm, Tuesday, February 4th
Although immigrants seeking safety in the United States must satisfy the same legal standards to be protected, those who enter the United States through a formal refugee resettlement program are refugees, while those who ask for protection after crossing a land border are deemed asylum seekers. Increased world migration patterns, immigration and refugee policies in the U.S. and abroad dilute a suggested divide between non-citizens admitted to the U.S. refugees, and those who seek asylum at a land border, or after entering the U.S. This panel includes individuals who have entered the U.S. within and outside of the refugee system, and legal workers adapting to this phenomena.
• Who is migrating and why?
• What routes are taken to safety and why?
• Comparing processes for seeking protection.
• Rejecting a refugee/immigrant divide to the benefit of all.
• Who is migrating and why?
• What routes are taken to safety and why?
• Comparing processes for seeking protection.
• Rejecting a refugee/immigrant divide to the benefit of all.
Maria Andrade, Immigrant Justice Idaho
Maria Andrade serves as Immigrant Justice Idaho’s first Executive Director. Ms. Andrade has practiced immigration law for over 20 years. Before becoming the ED of IJI, Ms. Andrade founded and grew a private firm, Andrade Legal, from a one attorney office to become the state’s largest immigration firm, with six lawyers in two states. Ms. Andrade has extensive experience in asylum and protection related immigration having led teams of attorneys and volunteers to work at detention centers in New Mexico and Texas since the summer of 2014 and most recently in July of 2018.
Ms. Andrade serves on the board of directors of the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild. She previously served on AILA’s first federal litigation section steering committee, that national ICE liaison committee, and on the American Immigration Council’s litigation training faculty and steering committee. Ms. Andrade obtained her J.D. from the University of Notre Dame in 1995 and B.A. from Loyola Marymount University in 1990.
Maria Andrade serves as Immigrant Justice Idaho’s first Executive Director. Ms. Andrade has practiced immigration law for over 20 years. Before becoming the ED of IJI, Ms. Andrade founded and grew a private firm, Andrade Legal, from a one attorney office to become the state’s largest immigration firm, with six lawyers in two states. Ms. Andrade has extensive experience in asylum and protection related immigration having led teams of attorneys and volunteers to work at detention centers in New Mexico and Texas since the summer of 2014 and most recently in July of 2018.
Ms. Andrade serves on the board of directors of the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild. She previously served on AILA’s first federal litigation section steering committee, that national ICE liaison committee, and on the American Immigration Council’s litigation training faculty and steering committee. Ms. Andrade obtained her J.D. from the University of Notre Dame in 1995 and B.A. from Loyola Marymount University in 1990.
Garly L-M
Garly L-M was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and currently resides in
Boise, Idaho. Garly fled from D.R. Congo after his life was threatened as a result of his work as an investigator with a human rights organization in his home country. His journey was long and difficult. To get to the U.S., Garly traveled through Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya,
Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico. He was not able to seek safe passage to the U.S. other than by traveling overland. Upon his arrival in the U.S., he was detained at various detention centers in the South. While detained in Georgia in 2018, Garly told an asylum officer why he left the D.R. Congo. The officer found that Garly had established that he has a “reasonable fear” of future torture if he returns to his home country and Garly was released from detention in Georgia. Though he was free to move to Idaho, Garly had to travel to Georgia to attend court hearings until he was able to change the court location to Idaho. In November of 2020, he will have his final court date where he will present his full case for asylum and protection. Garly hopes to be able to remain in the U.S., and finally have a safe place to live in peace. If allowed to stay, Garly will work toward his goal of continuing his education and obtaining a masters degree in economics.
Garly L-M was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and currently resides in
Boise, Idaho. Garly fled from D.R. Congo after his life was threatened as a result of his work as an investigator with a human rights organization in his home country. His journey was long and difficult. To get to the U.S., Garly traveled through Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya,
Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico. He was not able to seek safe passage to the U.S. other than by traveling overland. Upon his arrival in the U.S., he was detained at various detention centers in the South. While detained in Georgia in 2018, Garly told an asylum officer why he left the D.R. Congo. The officer found that Garly had established that he has a “reasonable fear” of future torture if he returns to his home country and Garly was released from detention in Georgia. Though he was free to move to Idaho, Garly had to travel to Georgia to attend court hearings until he was able to change the court location to Idaho. In November of 2020, he will have his final court date where he will present his full case for asylum and protection. Garly hopes to be able to remain in the U.S., and finally have a safe place to live in peace. If allowed to stay, Garly will work toward his goal of continuing his education and obtaining a masters degree in economics.
Yasmin Aguilar, Agency for New Americans
Yasmin Aguilar came as a refugee from Afghanistan and has over 20 years of experience
working with ANA in different capacities. Currently, she serves as the Immigration Specialist (DOJ Accredited Representative) for the Agency of New Americans in Boise. Yasmin also
coordinates fundraising activities, publicity, and sponsorships for the Agency for New
Americans. Prior to her involvement with ANA, Yasmin was a physician in a refugee hospital in Quetta, Pakistan, and later the Community Development Coordinator in Health Sector Quetta, Pakistan for Mercy Corp International. Yasmin received her Bachelor of Science in Medicine from Purkinj Medical University in Brno, Czech Republic and completed her residency at Kabul University in Kabul, Afghanistan. Yasmin was a participant in the Welcoming Communities Transatlantic Exchange in Germany in 2016 in 2016-2018. Yasmin has been honored by these awards:
Yasmin Aguilar came as a refugee from Afghanistan and has over 20 years of experience
working with ANA in different capacities. Currently, she serves as the Immigration Specialist (DOJ Accredited Representative) for the Agency of New Americans in Boise. Yasmin also
coordinates fundraising activities, publicity, and sponsorships for the Agency for New
Americans. Prior to her involvement with ANA, Yasmin was a physician in a refugee hospital in Quetta, Pakistan, and later the Community Development Coordinator in Health Sector Quetta, Pakistan for Mercy Corp International. Yasmin received her Bachelor of Science in Medicine from Purkinj Medical University in Brno, Czech Republic and completed her residency at Kabul University in Kabul, Afghanistan. Yasmin was a participant in the Welcoming Communities Transatlantic Exchange in Germany in 2016 in 2016-2018. Yasmin has been honored by these awards:
- Refugee Championship Award by IOR 2017
- Tribute To Women & Industry 2013 TWINs Award by Women’s & Children Alliance
- Featured Citizen in Boise Weekly October 2009
- Nominated for Governor Butch Otter’s Brightest Star Award 2008
- Seven’s Hero Chanel 7 2007
- Winner of the Award Distinguished Leadership in Human Rights By Hewlett-Packard Company 2007
- Woman Who Makes History in Idaho by Boise State University, Women’s Center March 2003
- Voice of Faith by Human Rights Office 2002
- Valuable contribution for the success of Leadership Training by Refugee Women Network July 2002
- Women Helping Women by Soroptimist International April 2002
Ms. C-P
Ms. C-P fled for her life to escape violence in Guatemala in July 2015. She traveled through Mexico atop a train known as “La Bestia,” (The Beast). She made it to the border of the
United States and spent seven days lost in the desert. Near death from having run out of food and water, she was found by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officers patrolling the area by helicopter in early August of 2015. Desperate for help, Ms. C-P- told the officers that she feared for her life if forced to return to Guatemala as she was subject to severe beatings and death threats back home to the point she felt she had no choice but to leave her home and two daughters behind. Lacking protection in Guatemala, the asylum officer who interviewed her found that she had a “credible fear of persecution or torture” if returned to her home county, allowing her a chance to have an immigration judge hear her case. The immigration judge granted Ms. C-P’s asylum application in April 2019. She will be eligible for lawful permanent residence in April 2020. Ms. C-P is currently in the process of being reunited with her two daughters who are in Guatemala awaiting decisions on their applications to join her in Idaho. Her goal in the United States is to work hard to become the best person she can be and to give her daughters the best life that she possibly can and a life free from violence. She is thankful to God for the safety that she now lives in. Ms. C-P- was represented by the University of Idaho Immigration Clinic, in cooperation with Immigrant Justice Idaho.
Ms. C-P fled for her life to escape violence in Guatemala in July 2015. She traveled through Mexico atop a train known as “La Bestia,” (The Beast). She made it to the border of the
United States and spent seven days lost in the desert. Near death from having run out of food and water, she was found by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officers patrolling the area by helicopter in early August of 2015. Desperate for help, Ms. C-P- told the officers that she feared for her life if forced to return to Guatemala as she was subject to severe beatings and death threats back home to the point she felt she had no choice but to leave her home and two daughters behind. Lacking protection in Guatemala, the asylum officer who interviewed her found that she had a “credible fear of persecution or torture” if returned to her home county, allowing her a chance to have an immigration judge hear her case. The immigration judge granted Ms. C-P’s asylum application in April 2019. She will be eligible for lawful permanent residence in April 2020. Ms. C-P is currently in the process of being reunited with her two daughters who are in Guatemala awaiting decisions on their applications to join her in Idaho. Her goal in the United States is to work hard to become the best person she can be and to give her daughters the best life that she possibly can and a life free from violence. She is thankful to God for the safety that she now lives in. Ms. C-P- was represented by the University of Idaho Immigration Clinic, in cooperation with Immigrant Justice Idaho.
Closing Program - 4:15 pm, Tuesday, February 4th
Chantal Masoyinyana - Refugee Speakers Bureau
Chantal Masoyinyana was born and raised in what was called Zaire, now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Like many others, due to the war that plunged her life and the lives of millions of others into chaos, she would flee her country, seeking refuge in neighboring countries and returning when the situation seemed like it had improved.
Eventually, when her husband and father who were in the military were killed because of their tribal affiliation, she fled for the last time. With the help of empathetic neighbors, she ended up in the Gatumba refugee camp in neighboring Burundi. But life threw them another curve ball when her family and hundreds of others were ambushed as they prepared to go to bed on August 13th, 2004. In the ensuing massacre, she lost a daughter and a son, and barely lived to tell the story. She spent more than 18 months in recovery from numerous surgeries and before being resettled in Boise, Idaho in 2007.
She shares her story of moving from death and despair to surviving, to resilience and hope, forgiveness and new
beginnings. Boise is now home to her and her 4 sons.
Chantal Masoyinyana was born and raised in what was called Zaire, now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Like many others, due to the war that plunged her life and the lives of millions of others into chaos, she would flee her country, seeking refuge in neighboring countries and returning when the situation seemed like it had improved.
Eventually, when her husband and father who were in the military were killed because of their tribal affiliation, she fled for the last time. With the help of empathetic neighbors, she ended up in the Gatumba refugee camp in neighboring Burundi. But life threw them another curve ball when her family and hundreds of others were ambushed as they prepared to go to bed on August 13th, 2004. In the ensuing massacre, she lost a daughter and a son, and barely lived to tell the story. She spent more than 18 months in recovery from numerous surgeries and before being resettled in Boise, Idaho in 2007.
She shares her story of moving from death and despair to surviving, to resilience and hope, forgiveness and new
beginnings. Boise is now home to her and her 4 sons.
