Plenaries & Performances
MONDAY
Opening Performance - 8:30 am, Monday, February 28th
Elvice Mwenematale - “Boss Elvice”
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo - Life was good until the war, then we moved to Tanzania to live in a refugee camp and life became very hard but we survived by asking God to help us. Since I was very young I liked to sing. At first I sang cultural songs but as I grew up in the camp I opened my mind and heart to other types of music and developed a more diverse style.
When I first arrived in Boise in 2013 I met Dayo Ayodele. He gave me a chance to join the band, Afrosonics. Then an amazing thing happened, he told me that we had a gig at a Salsa event at the Knitting Factory. It was my first time to perform on stage in America and my first time to go to the Knight Factory. I will never forget it because from that first night Boise welcomed me with applause and cheers. Since that humble beginning I have performed at a variety of events including gigs with Afrosonics and at Treefort. After such warm response in Boise I now have big goals. I want to make people feel happy and relaxed. I want to share different songs from around the world which is why I enjoying singing in Swahili, French, English and Kibembe, African Zouk and with Bongo Flavor.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo - Life was good until the war, then we moved to Tanzania to live in a refugee camp and life became very hard but we survived by asking God to help us. Since I was very young I liked to sing. At first I sang cultural songs but as I grew up in the camp I opened my mind and heart to other types of music and developed a more diverse style.
When I first arrived in Boise in 2013 I met Dayo Ayodele. He gave me a chance to join the band, Afrosonics. Then an amazing thing happened, he told me that we had a gig at a Salsa event at the Knitting Factory. It was my first time to perform on stage in America and my first time to go to the Knight Factory. I will never forget it because from that first night Boise welcomed me with applause and cheers. Since that humble beginning I have performed at a variety of events including gigs with Afrosonics and at Treefort. After such warm response in Boise I now have big goals. I want to make people feel happy and relaxed. I want to share different songs from around the world which is why I enjoying singing in Swahili, French, English and Kibembe, African Zouk and with Bongo Flavor.
Welcome Remarks - 8:40 am, Monday, February 28th
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).
Dr. John Buckwalter, Boise State University
Dr. John Buckwalter joined Boise State in July 2021 after serving as the Betty L. Tointon
endowed dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences at Kansas State University, as well as a professor in the Department of Kinesiology.
Originally from Arkansas, Dr. Buckwalter earned a B.A. in Spanish and B.S. in Health and Physical Education at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, and both an MS and Ph.D. in Kinesiology from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He is a fellow in the American Physiological Society and the American College of Sports Medicine.
Dr. John Buckwalter joined Boise State in July 2021 after serving as the Betty L. Tointon
endowed dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences at Kansas State University, as well as a professor in the Department of Kinesiology.
Originally from Arkansas, Dr. Buckwalter earned a B.A. in Spanish and B.S. in Health and Physical Education at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, and both an MS and Ph.D. in Kinesiology from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He is a fellow in the American Physiological Society and the American College of Sports Medicine.
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.
Opening Plenary - 9:00 am, Monday, February 28th
Cindy Huang, Office for Refugee Resettlement
Cindy Huang serves as the director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She previously served as vice president of strategic outreach at Refugees International, where she co-founded the Refugee Advocacy Lab, and as a deputy VP at the Millennium Challenge Corporation, where she worked to reduce poverty and advance gender and social inclusion in developing countries. While in the State Department, Huang led initiatives to fight global hunger and directed policy in the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations. At the Center for Global Development, Huang led projects on supporting Syrian and Rohingya refugees and their host communities, and worked for Doctors Without Borders in Kenya, Nigeria and South Sudan. She holds a Ph.D. in sociocultural anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, a master in public affairs from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and a B.A. in ethics, politics and economics from Yale University.
Cindy Huang serves as the director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She previously served as vice president of strategic outreach at Refugees International, where she co-founded the Refugee Advocacy Lab, and as a deputy VP at the Millennium Challenge Corporation, where she worked to reduce poverty and advance gender and social inclusion in developing countries. While in the State Department, Huang led initiatives to fight global hunger and directed policy in the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations. At the Center for Global Development, Huang led projects on supporting Syrian and Rohingya refugees and their host communities, and worked for Doctors Without Borders in Kenya, Nigeria and South Sudan. She holds a Ph.D. in sociocultural anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, a master in public affairs from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and a B.A. in ethics, politics and economics from Yale University.
Kelly Gauger, State Department
Kelly Gauger is the Deputy Director in the Office of Refugee Admissions at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM/A) in Washington. As such, she contributes to the development and execution of U.S. policy on refugee admissions to the United States. Her work includes oversight of the Administration’s annual Report to Congress on Proposed Refugee Admissions; development of PRM’s budget for the refugee admissions program; and managing PRM’s oversight of its seven Resettlement Support Centers worldwide. She also helps manage PRM/A’s relationship with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and refugee resettlement colleagues in governments around the world. Kelly joined PRM in 1999 and served in a variety of positions in the Admissions office prior to becoming Deputy in 2011.
Kelly Gauger is the Deputy Director in the Office of Refugee Admissions at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM/A) in Washington. As such, she contributes to the development and execution of U.S. policy on refugee admissions to the United States. Her work includes oversight of the Administration’s annual Report to Congress on Proposed Refugee Admissions; development of PRM’s budget for the refugee admissions program; and managing PRM’s oversight of its seven Resettlement Support Centers worldwide. She also helps manage PRM/A’s relationship with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and refugee resettlement colleagues in governments around the world. Kelly joined PRM in 1999 and served in a variety of positions in the Admissions office prior to becoming Deputy in 2011.
Lunch Program - 12:15 pm, Monday, February 28th
Ava Steven, Refugee Speakers Bureau
My name is Ava Steven. I came to America in 2012 and my family was resettled in San Jose. Then we moved to Boise where I went to high school and then college at Boise State
University. Every time I feel sad or lonely, I find myself on a highway, traveling. I love traveling all the time and I like to meet new friends from all over the world.
My name is Ava Steven. I came to America in 2012 and my family was resettled in San Jose. Then we moved to Boise where I went to high school and then college at Boise State
University. Every time I feel sad or lonely, I find myself on a highway, traveling. I love traveling all the time and I like to meet new friends from all over the world.
Lana Graybeal, City of Boise
Lana Graybeal is the Senior Communications Manager, Strategic Initiatives and the Refugee Community Liaison for the City of Boise. She provides leadership, vision, and accountability for diverse communications, public engagement and policy to support the Mayor’s vision of making Boise a City for Everyone.
She came to the United States with her family as a refugee and is continuing in the footsteps of her mom who was a supporter and advocate for underserved communities. Lana is passionate about social impact, specifically immigrant/refugee outreach and collaboration, uplifting the voices of vulnerable populations and working to improve and promote Boise’s status as a Welcoming City.
She has a degree in Communications from the University of Washington and over 15 years of experience in public relations and communications.
Lana Graybeal is the Senior Communications Manager, Strategic Initiatives and the Refugee Community Liaison for the City of Boise. She provides leadership, vision, and accountability for diverse communications, public engagement and policy to support the Mayor’s vision of making Boise a City for Everyone.
She came to the United States with her family as a refugee and is continuing in the footsteps of her mom who was a supporter and advocate for underserved communities. Lana is passionate about social impact, specifically immigrant/refugee outreach and collaboration, uplifting the voices of vulnerable populations and working to improve and promote Boise’s status as a Welcoming City.
She has a degree in Communications from the University of Washington and over 15 years of experience in public relations and communications.
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 dog.
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 dog.
TUESDAY
Opening Performance - 8:30 am, Tuesday, March 1st
The Makatas Dancers
The Makatas Heart Foundation presents the Makatas Dancers, a traditional African dance group in Boise that promotes cultural diversity through music and arts, and contributes to their community as well as others.
The Makatas Heart Foundation presents the Makatas Dancers, a traditional African dance group in Boise that promotes cultural diversity through music and arts, and contributes to their community as well as others.
Welcome Remarks - 8:45 am, Tuesday, March 1st
Shadi Ismail, Refugee Speakers Bureau
Shadi Ismail was born and raised in Syria. In 2008, he fled from Syria due to his sexual orientation, which placed his life in danger. He registered as a refugee with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Jordan in 2009. After enduring hardships as a refugee, he was resettled in Boise, Idaho in May 2012, where he hoped to be loved and accepted just as he was. Shadi had to learn to communicate in English in this new culture that he had stepped into. An encounter with a stranger who showed him kindness in his early days in Boise wiped away any fear that he had about calling Idaho home.
He is a jack of many trades and is not afraid to showcase his passions. He is currently working fulltime and also hand makes pillows, blankets, etc. just like his family does back in Syria. Shadi is also an amazing cook and has participated in the cross culinary virtual classes organized and facilitated by the Idaho Office for Refugees, sharing the delights of Syrian cuisine with the community. His story was featured in Apple TV’s “Little America” series, which showcases the stories of immigrants. He is also an engaging speaker with the Refugee Speakers’ Bureau, an IOR program.
Shadi Ismail was born and raised in Syria. In 2008, he fled from Syria due to his sexual orientation, which placed his life in danger. He registered as a refugee with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Jordan in 2009. After enduring hardships as a refugee, he was resettled in Boise, Idaho in May 2012, where he hoped to be loved and accepted just as he was. Shadi had to learn to communicate in English in this new culture that he had stepped into. An encounter with a stranger who showed him kindness in his early days in Boise wiped away any fear that he had about calling Idaho home.
He is a jack of many trades and is not afraid to showcase his passions. He is currently working fulltime and also hand makes pillows, blankets, etc. just like his family does back in Syria. Shadi is also an amazing cook and has participated in the cross culinary virtual classes organized and facilitated by the Idaho Office for Refugees, sharing the delights of Syrian cuisine with the community. His story was featured in Apple TV’s “Little America” series, which showcases the stories of immigrants. He is also an engaging speaker with the Refugee Speakers’ Bureau, an IOR program.
Lunch Program- 12:15 pm, Tuesday, March 1st
Irfan Mohammad Hussaini - International Rescue Committee
Irfan Mohammad Hussaini was a graduate student at Kabul University studying International Relations & International Law and had just started the Fall 2021 semester before the Taliban takeover.
Prior to his resettlement in the United States, he worked for the Afghan government as a legal drafting & administrator and was also the legal advisor for a large construction company. During his time there, he successfully supported the construction of 4 innovative girls’ schools in the war zone while dealing with daily threats. He also has extensive experience as a linguist & culture advisor for the US army, the Canadian army, the Royal Air Force British army among others, interpreting and translating at senior levels of leadership. He is an articulate public speaker.
Irfan was an Operations officer for the Afghanistan Cricket board that oversees & regulates the game. In 2014, He started a non-profit in Afghanistan to provide awareness on health, environment, clean water, clean air, agriculture, education, Rights of the Child, capacity building, social services, poverty reduction, controversy with hunger, awareness of social legislation, Human Rights, Women Rights, and international laws. He is currently an Immigration Legal Assistant at the IRC in Boise, ID.
Irfan Mohammad Hussaini was a graduate student at Kabul University studying International Relations & International Law and had just started the Fall 2021 semester before the Taliban takeover.
Prior to his resettlement in the United States, he worked for the Afghan government as a legal drafting & administrator and was also the legal advisor for a large construction company. During his time there, he successfully supported the construction of 4 innovative girls’ schools in the war zone while dealing with daily threats. He also has extensive experience as a linguist & culture advisor for the US army, the Canadian army, the Royal Air Force British army among others, interpreting and translating at senior levels of leadership. He is an articulate public speaker.
Irfan was an Operations officer for the Afghanistan Cricket board that oversees & regulates the game. In 2014, He started a non-profit in Afghanistan to provide awareness on health, environment, clean water, clean air, agriculture, education, Rights of the Child, capacity building, social services, poverty reduction, controversy with hunger, awareness of social legislation, Human Rights, Women Rights, and international laws. He is currently an Immigration Legal Assistant at the IRC in Boise, ID.
A Day in the Life of a Resettlement Agency- 2:45 pm, Tuesday, March 1st
We all know that resettlement happens in a community context, but the resettlement agencies are the first point of contact for new families and play a crucial role in laying the groundwork for successful integration. Hear from frontline staff from Idaho’s resettlement agencies and learn more about the important work that they are doing.
Christina Bruce-Bennion, Idaho Office for Refugees
Christina Bruce-Bennion is the Service Coordination Program Manager for the Idaho Office for Refugees/JANNUS. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Willamette University and a master’s degree in international educational development from Boston University. Bruce-Bennion sits on the Parent Advisory Committee for the State Department of Education, Neighbors United Planning and Implementation Team, Housing and Homelessness Roundtable, the Advisory Board for the Central District Health Department, and is a board member for Anser Charter School. She has an established history of work with refugee communities and joins the WCA board driven by the strong belief in the basic human right to live in safety and with dignity.
Christina Bruce-Bennion is the Service Coordination Program Manager for the Idaho Office for Refugees/JANNUS. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Willamette University and a master’s degree in international educational development from Boston University. Bruce-Bennion sits on the Parent Advisory Committee for the State Department of Education, Neighbors United Planning and Implementation Team, Housing and Homelessness Roundtable, the Advisory Board for the Central District Health Department, and is a board member for Anser Charter School. She has an established history of work with refugee communities and joins the WCA board driven by the strong belief in the basic human right to live in safety and with dignity.
Breanne Fraley - Agency for New Americans
Breanne Fraley was born in southern California and has lived in Colorado, Kansas, Washington, Albania, and now Idaho. She has a BA in psychology and sociology, and a Master’s degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages (MA-TESOL). Before joining the Agency for New Americans as a case manager in 2019, she taught ESL for 14 years to adult immigrants and refugees at the community college level. Breanne is passionate about supporting, educating, and empowering refugees to live successfully in the Boise community. Breanne enjoys reading, yoga, baking, and spending time with her husband and three kids traveling and exploring new places.
Breanne Fraley was born in southern California and has lived in Colorado, Kansas, Washington, Albania, and now Idaho. She has a BA in psychology and sociology, and a Master’s degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages (MA-TESOL). Before joining the Agency for New Americans as a case manager in 2019, she taught ESL for 14 years to adult immigrants and refugees at the community college level. Breanne is passionate about supporting, educating, and empowering refugees to live successfully in the Boise community. Breanne enjoys reading, yoga, baking, and spending time with her husband and three kids traveling and exploring new places.
Chelsea Jordan, English Language Center
Chelsea Jordan has worked with refugees and multi-lingual students since 2013. Her career started at the English Language Center as a service-learning volunteer and research assistant at Boise State University before going to Northern Arizona University for her Master’s in Teaching English as a Second Language. She then worked as an English Instructor at a university in Ankara, Turkey for two years. She re-joined the ELC in the summer of 2019 and enjoys creating engaging lessons and developing the ELC’s curriculum as part of her role as the Program Manager.
Chelsea Jordan has worked with refugees and multi-lingual students since 2013. Her career started at the English Language Center as a service-learning volunteer and research assistant at Boise State University before going to Northern Arizona University for her Master’s in Teaching English as a Second Language. She then worked as an English Instructor at a university in Ankara, Turkey for two years. She re-joined the ELC in the summer of 2019 and enjoys creating engaging lessons and developing the ELC’s curriculum as part of her role as the Program Manager.
Hanna Suman
Hanna Suman came to Boise as a refugee with her parents from Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1999. To stay connected with her Bosnian heritage, Hanna created the “We Are” storytelling project and sits as the Vice President of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian Cultural Center of Idaho. She currently works on the Resettlement Team at the International Rescue Committee where she gets to apply her lived experiences to helping other refugee families. In her free time, Hanna enjoys hiking around Idaho.
Hanna Suman came to Boise as a refugee with her parents from Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1999. To stay connected with her Bosnian heritage, Hanna created the “We Are” storytelling project and sits as the Vice President of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian Cultural Center of Idaho. She currently works on the Resettlement Team at the International Rescue Committee where she gets to apply her lived experiences to helping other refugee families. In her free time, Hanna enjoys hiking around Idaho.
Bio for Carol Benson to come
Closing Program - 4:00 pm, Tuesday, March 1st
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.
