Migration & Leadership in Resettlement and Belonging
Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, there was a significant increase in Afghan refugees arriving in the United States. A U.S. government initiative called Operation Allies Welcome, aimed at evacuating Afghan nationals who had assisted U.S. forces and were at risk under Taliban rule.
In 2022, I volunteered at Houston Welcomes Refugees, received extensive training, and became “Welcome Team Lead” to help Afghan refugee families to settle in Houston and find belonging. My journey began with welcoming refugee families from the airport when they landed in Houston. During the first couple months, I helped the Afghan families find furniture, find groceries, and assisted with their urgent needs such as baby formula. I read books to their children to help with their anxiety, support them with language, social integration, and school transition. I organized initiatives such as the donation of toys and books, picnic in the park, etc.
Inspired by inspired by service with refugee families, I created a podcast channel featuring diverse perspectives of guests: refugees, immigrants, and experts, on migration and displacement, exploring social impact, policy, and assimilation. As such creating awareness and sensitivity in the general population regarding the challenges faced by migrants to produce a more welcoming and tolerant environment for these new communities.
