Sarah Abdullah Alsubayai is an inspiring individual from Iraq now lives in Jordan since 2014 as a refugee.  Sarah’s dedication and commitment to youth empowerment led to her nomination as a Youth on the Move Fellow by UNICEF in 2023, where she worked in partnership and resource mobilization and led a youth group for the No Lost Generation initiative. 

Following her impactful experience with UNICEF, Sarah began an internship at World Vision in advocacy and communication, continuing to lead her youth group and drive positive change. Currently, she is enrolled in a Refugee Studies course with the RSC and is furthering her studies in graphic design and translation, demonstrating her passion for making a difference in the lives of others.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-alsubayai-885350227/

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Sherece Brown, the visionary founder of Dr. Pabs -Pineapple is a Berry, has always been passionate about health and wellness. Born to Jamaican immigrant parents, Sherece graduated from Howard University, a prestigious institution known for its rich history and commitment to excellence. 

With a degree in hand, she embarked on a successful 16-year career in corporate America. However, her passion for health and her desire to create something meaningful led her to a new path.

Driven by her personal experiences and a strong belief in the power of nutrition, Sherece founded Dr. Pabs Pineapple is a Berry. Her goal is to provide high-quality, plant-based vitamins that support children’s health, growth, and overall well-being. 

She wanted to create products that were not only nutritious but also inclusive and accessible to all children.

Dr Pabs Vitamins-Pineapple is a Berry

https://drpabs.com/

https://drpabs.com/pages/my-story?srsltid=AfmBOopACTfX1uHC8paN9DOtEuMojOX32P-yKYq-sjCQbHAo5fj8cyQh

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Martin Ndungu is an inspiring immigrant who made the bold decision to leave his home in Kenya for new opportunities in the USA during his early 2000s. With the support of his family and friends, who raised funds to cover his one-way ticket, and a generous loan of $200 from his best friend, Martin embarked on a journey that would change his life.

Today, he is a successful entrepreneur, owning over four businesses that generate eight-figure incomes and employ more than 100 people across three countries. Despite his busy professional life, Martin prioritizes spending quality time with his family. He is a dedicated homeschooling parent, believing that purpose-driven education is far more impactful in the marketplace than traditional schooling.

In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Martin is the host of "The Immigrants Nation PODcast” (T.I.P), where he shares stories and insights about the immigrant experience and the journey toward success.

Connect/follow Martin

www.linkedin.com/in/martin-ndungu-203829116 https://www.theimmigrantpodcast.net/contact https://www.youtube.com/@TheImmigrantNationPodcast

[email protected]

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Papsher Babu (Kikuni Papy Victor) is a multi-talented artist from Congo DRC, living in Kampala, Uganda. He's a singer, hip-hop rapper, poet, dance teacher, social entrepreneur, and community activist.

Founder and Executive Director of Refugee Talent Group (RTG).

Refugee Talent Group  aims to empower young refugees and Ugandans through life skills, music, dance, poetry, and art.

Awards and Recognition:

- Youth Ambassador, United People Global (UPG) Sustainability Leadership Class of 2021

- Winner, Wezesha Impact Award 2022 for Refugee Talent Group Center (RTG)

- Member, Africa Union's Youth, Peace and Security Network for East African Region (AU-EA YPS Network)

Contact/Connect with Papsher

https://www.instagram.com/papsherbabuofficial/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/papsher-babu-716b04b5/

https://www.youtube.com/@papsherbabu6524

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Dr Dennis  Matanda is Chief Executive of Morgenthau Stirling, Inc., a Washington, DC-based public affairs firm that leverages data-driven insights & strategies to promote U.S. direct investment abroad (USDIA) to Africa. He was one of the first African Staff Directors of the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Global Human Rights.

Before that, he served as an Advisor on Strategic Communication to the Chief Executive of the Trade & Development Bank (TDB) and International Advisor on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, and the Gambia. Before moving back to Africa, Dennis was Head of Government Affairs at Manchester Trade, Inc. and transitioned to support the African Union, African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI), the Common Market for Eastern & Southern Africa (COMESA), USAID, and the Economic Commission for West African States (ECOWAS).

Dr. Matanda has worked extensively on trade & investment policy in 40+ developed and developing countries, and is proficient at designing strategic communication and engagement programs. He facilitated AfCFTA negotiations in Niger, the Gambia and Sierra Leone, designed export promotion strategies for COMESA & ECOWAS, and initiated a 2-year multi-stakeholder campaign to ensure AGOA 2.0. passed in 2015. 

Dr Matanda,A prolific reader, writer, publisher, and researcher-Dennis has under-grad, graduate and post-graduate degrees in International Relations, Diplomatic Studies, American Politics, and International Business. 

Contact/Connect with Dr Dennis Matanda

linkedin.com/in/dennismatanda

https://www.morgenthaustirling.com/

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Two time APVA Nominee

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Rahildaris Marchena is a talented Venezuelan animator and digital artist who has transformed her personal journey as a former refugee in Mexico into a powerful advocacy platform. Now based in Spain, she completed her studies in Digital Animation as a DAFI Scholar. Her commitment to social justice has led her to engage in various capacity-building initiatives, including leadership courses with UNHCR and the RSC Pathways program at the University of Oxford.

Rahil’s work focuses on highlighting the challenges faced by refugees and advocating for their equal rights, particularly in education. Through her illustrative projects, she brings refugee stories to life, providing a safe outlet for refugees to share their experiences and express themselves.

In her role within the Global Refugee Youth Network (GRYN), Rahil leads the communications department, empowering young refugees and facilitating community initiatives through funding and capacity-building resources. As a global leader of the Tertiary Refugee Student Network (TRSN), she champions the inclusion of refugee youth in higher education, firmly believing that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Her dedication is centered on amplifying the voices of young refugees and ensuring their stories are heard and valued.

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@Rahildaris (instagram)

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Rahildaris Marchena (LinkedIn)

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Samantha Miyanda is a passionate advocate for girls' empowerment through sports and mentorship . She founded the Girls Sports Mentorship Program in 2017, which aims to Empower girls in sports.The program pairs girls with influential female mentors to help them become leaders in their respective sports.

The program also offers no-collateral small business loans with low interest rates, flexible payment plans, and mentorship to help girls grow their businesses and reduce the likelihood of dropping out of sports due to economic disempowerment. 

Lastly, the program aims to achieve gender equality on and off the field by providing girls with the necessary support and resources to succeed in sports.

Samantha’s passion for girls' empowerment through sports stems from her personal experience of facing gender discrimination in sports . She was a Young Ambassador at the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games and has worked with the IOC's Young Change-Maker+ Program to develop her mentorship initiative . She is currently the regional general secretary for Football Association of Zambia Lusaka Province where her duty is to over see all football operations in the region.

Contact/Connect  with Samantha

https://www.facebook.com/samanthamwiche.miyanda

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Kwangu Liwewe is the Africa Editor at New Lines magazine, bringing a wealth of experience as a seasoned multimedia journalist. With roots in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, she has worked across the continent, including in South Africa, where she covered significant political, economic, and societal shifts across neighboring countries.

In Nigeria, Kwangu served as the West Africa Bureau Chief for eNews Channel Africa (eNCA), one of Africa’s leading 24-hour news channels. She established the bureau, assembled a team of reporters, camera crew, and producers, and reported on high-profile stories, including elections, coups, and terrorism. Her expertise led to a promotion to eNCA's Johannesburg headquarters, where she hosted Africa 360, an innovative current affairs program covering Africa and reaching audiences across the continent.

Now based in Washington, D.C., Kwangu works with New Lines, a global affairs magazine focused on in-depth essays, thought-provoking reporting, and political narratives from the Global South. She is also a graduate of Columbia University’s School of Journalism, further enhancing her skill set for impactful journalism.

Contact/Connect with Kwangu

X: @kliwewe

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Krista Rivas is a young refugee advocate ,an Architecture and  an International Relations student at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). As a DAFI Scholar, she is recognized for her academic excellence and her dedication to advocating for the rights of forcibly displaced people. Based in Mexico City, Krista holds prominent leadership roles that drive change on both regional and global levels.

Krista’s advocacy focuses on education, support, and creating opportunities for self-reliance among displaced communities. She has represented young refugees in various international forums, bringing attention to the challenges faced by forcibly displaced people and emphasizing the need for education and empowerment. Through her leadership, she continues to foster collaboration and drive solutions that promote a brighter future for refugee youth.

As the Regional Leader of the Tertiary Refugee Student Network (TRSN) in Latin America, she works to ensure refugee students are included in higher education and leadership opportunities. She is also an active member of the Youth in Mobility Network (REJUMOVI), where she helps shape policies that address the needs of displaced youth across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Contact/follow Krista

https://linktr.ee/kristarivasutm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=833dfda9-2d89-4925-8c64-299a1a21a3a1

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With his camera, Mr CHESTER HIGGINS “wrestles with issues of memory, place and identity, he sees his life as a narrative and his photography as its expression. His art gives visual voice to his personal and collective memories. It is inside ordinary moments where he finds windows into larger meaning. 

Light, perspective, and points in time are the pivotal elements he uses to reveal an interior presence within his subjects as he searches for what he identifies as the Signature of the Spirit. The work of Chester Higgins challenges us to see the full breadth of our humanity. 

Through his portraits and studies  traditional ceremonies and the monuments and ruins of ancient civilizations, viewers gain a rare insight into cultural behavior — a window to another place and time. 

Higgins is the author of eight collections: Black Woman, Drums of Life, Some Time Ago, Feeling the Spirit: Searching the World for the People of Africa — a comprehensive look at the African Diaspora — and Elder Grace: The Nobility of Aging. His memoir entitled, Echo of the Spirit: A Photographer’s Journey and illustrated Ancient Nubia: African Kingdoms on the Nile. His most recent book, Sacred Nile, explores the ancient migratory route of faith along the River Nile.

In 2014 he retired from The New York Times as a staff photographer after 38 years of contributing images to the paper. 

Higgins was recently honored with his induction into the International Photography Hall of Fame.

Lived in Ghana for six months and since 1971 vist some place in Africa for six weeks annually.

Connect/Follow Chester

https://www.chesterhiggins.com

linkedin.com/in/chester-higgins-bab127292

ChesterHiggins.com

SacredNile.com

@chesterhiggins12

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