Driven by purpose, shaped by lived experience, and committed to justice, I founded Mental Health Education and Legal Code for Refugees in Rochester, NY, to bring a lifelong vision to life supporting, educating, and advocating for refugees and immigrants navigating systems that often overlook them.

Before resettling in the United States, I spent 16 years living in a refugee camp, an experience that deeply shaped my understanding of trauma, resilience, and the urgent need for culturally rooted support systems. As a New American who completed high school at School Without Walls in Rochester, NY, I carried those early hardships as fuel to pursue education and service, determined to transform struggle into strength, not only for myself but for others like me.

My educational journey reflects a steadfast commitment to community and growth. I earned an Associate Degree in Human Services from Monroe Community College, followed by a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Keuka College. I then completed a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from SUNY Brockport, where I deepened my expertise in clinical practice, advocacy, and trauma-informed care.

Over the years, I have worked across the human services and mental health fields in Rochester supporting underserved families, guiding individuals through crisis, and building bridges between law enforcement, healthcare, and immigrant communities. My personal journey, combined with professional experience, inspired the founding of my organization, which now serves as a lifeline for refugees and immigrants facing challenges with mental health, legal barriers, and systemic inequality.

My mission is clear: To empower those who are too often unheard and unseen, by creating a platform where their rights, voices, and wellbeing are prioritized. Through education, outreach, and compassionate advocacy, I am proud to lead work that transforms lives, uplifts communities, and builds lasting change.