Chandra Upreti named director of Twin Falls refugee center

There’s a new leader at the helm of the Twin Falls refugee center. The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) in Twin Falls has selected Chandra Upreti as field office director.

Chandra has a personal understanding of what people resettling in Twin Falls are experiencing. Born in Bhutan, he experienced displacement at a very young age, fleeing to Nepal as a refugee. After spending 17 years in refugee camps, Chandra was eventually resettled in Twin Falls in 2008, where he found a new home and purpose.

“Being able to advocate for and support others in similar situations allows me to give back to the community that welcomed me,” Chandra said.

Read on to learn more about Chandra, USCRI, and resettlement in Twin Falls.

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Twin Falls has been welcoming refugees to the community since 1980. Chandra resettled in 2008 and was hired to join the team at the refugee center. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in human resources and Master of Business Administration from Idaho State University. He also owns a restaurant with his wife and has done work in real estate.

Chandra fills the role previously held by Zeze Rwasama, who last year accepted the position of Associate Director of Community Integration with USCRI at its Arlington, Virginia, headquarters.

Zeze has seen Chandra’s progress over the years, from arriving with limited English to working hard to get to where he is today. Chandra has a firsthand understanding of every aspect of resettlement, Zeze said.

“He’s a very caring man, and he’s been advocating for the quality of services for refugees,” Zeze said. “Chandra is a man of the community.”

Chandra has strong relationships with local leaders and serves on the board of the Unity Alliance of Southern Idaho, EveryBody House, and Housing Coalition Region IV.

“He’s an unbelievable human being, just so caring,” said Unity Alliance Executive Director Alejandra Hernandez. “He can have hard conversations with anybody and disagree, but people really receive him well, because he’s gentle, he’s very compassionate, he listens.”

RESETTLEMENT IN TWIN FALLS
With a history of more than four decades of resettlement, the refugee center in Twin Falls currently welcomes between 150 to 200 individuals each year, primarily from Afghanistan, Burma, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, and Syria. The center’s services include housing placement, cultural orientation, school enrollment, coordination of initial health appointments, referrals to ESL classes, and employment preparation and placement.

Twin Falls Mayor Ruth Pierce said the community is excited to see Chandra named director.

“Chandra is the perfect person for the director job. He is highly respected by both the refugee and non-refugee communities,” Pierce said.  “His greatest attribute is ‘Service above Self.’ He’s so genuine and gives back to a community that has given so much to him.”  

​For the mayor, welcoming refugees has personal meaning. Her father came to U.S. in the late 1930s as an 11-year-old boy fleeing Hitler.

“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for immigration,” she said.
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Twin Falls residents who resettled through the refugee program bring diversity of culture and strong work ethic as they plant roots in their new community, she said.

“Having a long history and having a majority of the citizens of Twin Falls accept the refugee community with open arms is really important and it makes me proud,” Pierce said. “They want to provide for their family, so they hit the ground running. In addition to working for major employers in our community, we see all sorts of entrepreneurial businesses popping up.”

Since its start in 1980, the refugee center in Twin Falls has been affiliated with USCRI. In March of 2024, the center transitioned from the College of Southern Idaho’s administration to be fully administered by USCRI in the same location.

Q&A with Chandra 
1) Why is working in resettlement meaningful for you?
Working in resettlement is deeply meaningful to me because I am a product of that system. Having experienced displacement firsthand, I understand the challenges and triumphs that refugees face when seeking a new life. Being able to advocate for and support others in similar situations allows me to give back to the community that welcomed me. It is a privilege to help individuals and families navigate their journey toward safety and stability while fostering a sense of belonging in their new home.

2) What is your approach to leadership at the agency? 
My approach to leadership is centered around collaboration, empathy, and empowerment. I believe in creating an inclusive environment where every team member feels heard and valued. By fostering open communication and encouraging innovative ideas, I aim to strengthen our programs and improve the services we offer to our clients. I also prioritize building partnerships with community stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to refugee resettlement.

3) How does the refugee resettlement program contribute to and benefit Twin Falls and the surrounding community?  
The refugee resettlement program brings significant benefits to Twin Falls and the surrounding community. It not only enriches the cultural diversity of our area but also contributes to the local economy by filling workforce gaps and fostering entrepreneurship. Refugees bring unique skills and perspectives that can lead to innovation and collaboration within the community. Additionally, as they settle and thrive, they contribute to local schools, churches, and organizations, creating a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.

4) Anything else you'd like to add?
I am genuinely excited about my role as the Field Office Director at USCRI Twin Falls. Together with our dedicated team and community partners, I am committed to enhancing our services and supporting our refugees in their journey to rebuild their lives. I believe that by working together, we can create a welcoming environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our society. Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts, and I look forward to collaborating with all of you as we pursue this important mission.
 
CONNECT

• USCRI Twin Falls website: refugees.org/uscri-twin-falls/
• Phone: 208-736-2166
• Director Chandra Upreti: [email protected]