Meet Our Team
LAUREN
Immigration Attorney, Founder, and Executive Director
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MICHELLE H
Program Manager
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CORI
Youth Advocate and Avodah Fellow
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JESSIE
Mentorship Coordinator
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KETIA
The Brave Pod Host and The Brave Space Co-Founder
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TENZIN
App Navigator
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SHIYULLI
Mentorship Advisor
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MABEL
Growth Coordinator
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ERIKA
Outreach Coordinator
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KELSY
English School Coordinator
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Board of Directors
PRIYA
Chair of the Board
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SABRINEH
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MIKELINA
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EMILY
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LORETTA
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ASHLEY
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Youth Advocates
HANNAH K
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ELIZABETH
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MICHELLE L
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HANNAH M
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CRISTINA
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CHUMI
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Lauren BlodgettFounder & Executive Director.
Job. Immigration Attorney and Executive Director at The Brave House Home. Brooklyn, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Having hope, finding joy, and spreading love, despite the fear, pain and obstacles that you encounter. |
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Biography.
Lauren is an immigration attorney and founder of The Brave House. Lauren was previously an attorney & Equal Justice Works fellow the Safe Passage Project, where she provided legal representation to refugee children & youth fleeing gender-based violence. Lauren co-founded Las Mariposas (“the butterflies”), a girls empowerment group at Safe Passage, where she organized monthly activities aimed at wellness and community, such as self-defense, photography, and dancing. Lauren was honored on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Law and Policy and was in the New York Times regarding the challenges that immigration attorneys face during the Trump Administration. Lauren graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School, where she served on the board of the Harvard Immigration Project and worked in non-profits in Morocco, Thailand, Jordan, Tanzania and Cambodia on various human rights issues. Before law school, Lauren spent a year as a Fulbright scholar in Innsbruck, Austria, and worked at a refugee center in Cape Town, South Africa. Originally from Boston, Lauren graduated summa cum laude from Boston College in 2011 with a double major in Political Science and German. When not in the courtroom, Lauren can be found going for a run in Prospect Park or on the dance floor at Daybreaker, an early-morning sober dance party hosted at locations throughout New York City.
Lauren is an immigration attorney and founder of The Brave House. Lauren was previously an attorney & Equal Justice Works fellow the Safe Passage Project, where she provided legal representation to refugee children & youth fleeing gender-based violence. Lauren co-founded Las Mariposas (“the butterflies”), a girls empowerment group at Safe Passage, where she organized monthly activities aimed at wellness and community, such as self-defense, photography, and dancing. Lauren was honored on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Law and Policy and was in the New York Times regarding the challenges that immigration attorneys face during the Trump Administration. Lauren graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School, where she served on the board of the Harvard Immigration Project and worked in non-profits in Morocco, Thailand, Jordan, Tanzania and Cambodia on various human rights issues. Before law school, Lauren spent a year as a Fulbright scholar in Innsbruck, Austria, and worked at a refugee center in Cape Town, South Africa. Originally from Boston, Lauren graduated summa cum laude from Boston College in 2011 with a double major in Political Science and German. When not in the courtroom, Lauren can be found going for a run in Prospect Park or on the dance floor at Daybreaker, an early-morning sober dance party hosted at locations throughout New York City.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you / your family immigrate from?
Portugal and Ireland |
Michelle HendersonProgram Manager.
Home. Harlem, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Being afraid of things, acknowledging that fear, and doing those things anyway! Not letting fear hold you back from your dreams. |
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Biography.
Michelle was born and raised in Chicago but is thrilled to call New York her second home! She is currently pursuing her MPA in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy with a focus on quantitative methods at NYU. Michelle joined the team at The Brave House as a Brave Buddies mentor and is excited to be part of the full-time team as Program Manager. In her free time, you can find Michelle experimenting in her kitchen, singing along to YouTube karaoke, and exploring the city with friends!
Michelle was born and raised in Chicago but is thrilled to call New York her second home! She is currently pursuing her MPA in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy with a focus on quantitative methods at NYU. Michelle joined the team at The Brave House as a Brave Buddies mentor and is excited to be part of the full-time team as Program Manager. In her free time, you can find Michelle experimenting in her kitchen, singing along to YouTube karaoke, and exploring the city with friends!
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Where did you / your family immigrate from?
West Africa, Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Germany |
Cori Ana StrellYouth Advocate and Avodah Fellow.
Home. San Diego, CA Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Following your intuition for a better future, even when it is uncomfortable. |
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Biography.
Cori Ana graduated UCSC with a bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Sustainability studies in 2019. She’s worked a variety of stints with a variety of jobs and internships both in the nonprofit and for profit realm. Cori packed her bags for Brooklyn and waved goodbye to her west coast home to head towards the land where the ancestors on both of her parents side had bravely fled their home countries in search of a better life, in Brooklyn NY. In her new city, you’ll probably find Cori thrifting, skateboarding, and writing songs around the city.
Cori Ana graduated UCSC with a bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Sustainability studies in 2019. She’s worked a variety of stints with a variety of jobs and internships both in the nonprofit and for profit realm. Cori packed her bags for Brooklyn and waved goodbye to her west coast home to head towards the land where the ancestors on both of her parents side had bravely fled their home countries in search of a better life, in Brooklyn NY. In her new city, you’ll probably find Cori thrifting, skateboarding, and writing songs around the city.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you / your family immigrate from?
Russia and Austria |
Jessie HimmelMentorship Coordinator.
Home. Manhattan, NY Pronouns. He/ him/ his What "Brave" means to you. Brave means feeling the fear, and doing what you’re afraid of anyway. |
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Biography.
I was born and raised in Manhattan. I am majoring in Sociology and minoring in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies at NYU. By way of background, I interned for 18 months with “Safe Passage Project,” a non-profit legal organization that provides free counsel and support to immigrant children facing deportation. I also help Wizard World, a national science-fiction/pop culture convention tour, to research and facilitate the donation of used graphic novels/books to local non-profit organizations. To date, I have successfully organized the donation of over 2,500 books/graphic novels to different non-profit organizations around the country. As for future goals, I plan to attend law school and pursue immigration law in the next few years. I am passionate about ethics. Specifically, as part of my independent study this semester at NYU, I researched and designed a semester-long middle school curriculum to teach students normative ethics through superhero comics. The curriculum includes robust lesson plans, discussion points, projects and readings. In my free time, I like to run around the reservoir, rollerblade around central park, take my dog for walks around the city, read comics and hang out with my friends.
I was born and raised in Manhattan. I am majoring in Sociology and minoring in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies at NYU. By way of background, I interned for 18 months with “Safe Passage Project,” a non-profit legal organization that provides free counsel and support to immigrant children facing deportation. I also help Wizard World, a national science-fiction/pop culture convention tour, to research and facilitate the donation of used graphic novels/books to local non-profit organizations. To date, I have successfully organized the donation of over 2,500 books/graphic novels to different non-profit organizations around the country. As for future goals, I plan to attend law school and pursue immigration law in the next few years. I am passionate about ethics. Specifically, as part of my independent study this semester at NYU, I researched and designed a semester-long middle school curriculum to teach students normative ethics through superhero comics. The curriculum includes robust lesson plans, discussion points, projects and readings. In my free time, I like to run around the reservoir, rollerblade around central park, take my dog for walks around the city, read comics and hang out with my friends.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you / your family immigrate from?
Ireland, Hungary, Poland and Germany |
Ketia Miriam JeuneThe Brave Pod Host and The Brave Space Co-Founder. Home. Brooklyn, NY
Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What "Brave" means to you. To be fearless. |
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Biography.
Ketia believes her life is art, and she embodies that in everything she does. She’s been a part of the performing arts community since elementary school where she immersed herself in music, dance, and poetry. By high school, she was accepted to New World School of the Arts in Miami, Fl where she was surrounded by the most talented students in Miami-Dade County.After graduating from FSU, Ketia went on to New York University (NYU) and obtained her Masters in Public Relations with a concentration in Corporate Business Communications. Recently, Ketia became the host of the Brave Pod, a weekly podcast that features members, volunteers, and immigrants from all over the world to share their experiences. She's also one of our many youth advocates and works directly with our members.
Ketia believes her life is art, and she embodies that in everything she does. She’s been a part of the performing arts community since elementary school where she immersed herself in music, dance, and poetry. By high school, she was accepted to New World School of the Arts in Miami, Fl where she was surrounded by the most talented students in Miami-Dade County.After graduating from FSU, Ketia went on to New York University (NYU) and obtained her Masters in Public Relations with a concentration in Corporate Business Communications. Recently, Ketia became the host of the Brave Pod, a weekly podcast that features members, volunteers, and immigrants from all over the world to share their experiences. She's also one of our many youth advocates and works directly with our members.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you / your family immigrate from?
Haiti |
Tenzin ChoeyangApp Navigator.
Home. Queens, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What "Brave" means to you. Being able to speak your mind. |
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Biography.
I was born and raised in India. I am of Tibetan descent. I speak Tibetan, Hindi and English. I went to St. Lawrence University to study Economics and currently work in finance. My passion includes educating people on financial literacy and creating space for Tibetan Americans to speak about their experiences through Positionality podcast.
I was born and raised in India. I am of Tibetan descent. I speak Tibetan, Hindi and English. I went to St. Lawrence University to study Economics and currently work in finance. My passion includes educating people on financial literacy and creating space for Tibetan Americans to speak about their experiences through Positionality podcast.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you / your family immigrate from?
India |
Mentorship Advisor.
Job. Client Solutions Partner at ClassPass Home. Brooklyn, NY What “Brave” means to you. Speaking up for yourself and others (especially when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular); not letting trauma or obstacles define you; bringing kindness, humility, and tenacity to everything you do. |
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Biography.
Shiyulli currently works for ClassPass, a fitness and wellness membership that allows you to book thousands of fitness classes, gym services, and wellness services all over the world through one easy app. She partners with large companies to bring a custom ClassPass membership to their employees. Previously she worked at Taproot Foundation, a nonprofit that builds the capacity of other social change organizations, where she worked with multinational companies to design and scale high-impact skill-based volunteering programs. Shiyulli also sits on the Junior Board of Hour Children, a New York-based nonprofit providing wraparound services for women re-entering society and reuniting with their families after incarceration. When she’s not at work, you can find her rock climbing with friends in the Shawgunks, tinkering in her kitchen, or buried in a great book.
Shiyulli currently works for ClassPass, a fitness and wellness membership that allows you to book thousands of fitness classes, gym services, and wellness services all over the world through one easy app. She partners with large companies to bring a custom ClassPass membership to their employees. Previously she worked at Taproot Foundation, a nonprofit that builds the capacity of other social change organizations, where she worked with multinational companies to design and scale high-impact skill-based volunteering programs. Shiyulli also sits on the Junior Board of Hour Children, a New York-based nonprofit providing wraparound services for women re-entering society and reuniting with their families after incarceration. When she’s not at work, you can find her rock climbing with friends in the Shawgunks, tinkering in her kitchen, or buried in a great book.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you / your family immigrate from?
Sri Lanka |
Mabel SmithGrowth Coordinator.
Home. Manhattan, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What "Brave" means to you. Being comfortable out of your comfort zone. |
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Biography.
I grew up in Berkeley, CA, playing rugby and jazz trombone in my free time. I am now attending Columbia University studying Economics and Hispanic Studies, and am interested in continuously finding ways to constructively apply the logic of Economics to the social justice world. Besides landscaping, construction, and pizza slinging, I've worked in youth development programs in the Bay Area and in New York, including Mexico City based non-profit Education for Sharing.
I grew up in Berkeley, CA, playing rugby and jazz trombone in my free time. I am now attending Columbia University studying Economics and Hispanic Studies, and am interested in continuously finding ways to constructively apply the logic of Economics to the social justice world. Besides landscaping, construction, and pizza slinging, I've worked in youth development programs in the Bay Area and in New York, including Mexico City based non-profit Education for Sharing.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you / your family immigrate from?
Greece and Sweden |
Erika GamaOutreach Coordinator.
Home. Mexico City, MX Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What "Brave" means to you. Acting with empathy and being relentlessly optimistic. |
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Biography.
Erika recently graduated from Universidad Anáhuac in Mexico City with a bachelor’s in International Relations. She’s interned for Ashoka, a global non-profit that supports social entrepreneurs, and is passionate about exploring different strategies to advance women’s rights. In the next few years, Erika plans to attend grad school and pursue international development with a focus on gender issues. During her free time, you can find her reading books, watching basketball, and hanging out with friends.
Erika recently graduated from Universidad Anáhuac in Mexico City with a bachelor’s in International Relations. She’s interned for Ashoka, a global non-profit that supports social entrepreneurs, and is passionate about exploring different strategies to advance women’s rights. In the next few years, Erika plans to attend grad school and pursue international development with a focus on gender issues. During her free time, you can find her reading books, watching basketball, and hanging out with friends.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Kelsy DiazEnglish School Coordinator.
Home. Queens, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What "Brave" means to you. Overcoming all obstacles no matter how big or small. |
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Biography.
I attend college in New York City College of Technology and my major is Human Services I am going to be a 2021 Fall graduate with a Bachelors degree. I work for Heavens Hands Community Services as a DSP (Direct Support Professional) for almost 4 years now. I also intern with the Brave House for about a year now as well. My area of focus is helping people in whichever way I can. I am also a single mother to an almost 1 year old named Jeremiah and he is my world I am trying to be the best role model for him.
I attend college in New York City College of Technology and my major is Human Services I am going to be a 2021 Fall graduate with a Bachelors degree. I work for Heavens Hands Community Services as a DSP (Direct Support Professional) for almost 4 years now. I also intern with the Brave House for about a year now as well. My area of focus is helping people in whichever way I can. I am also a single mother to an almost 1 year old named Jeremiah and he is my world I am trying to be the best role model for him.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you / your family immigrate from?
Dominican Republic |
Priya RamanathanChair of the Board of Directors.
Home. Brooklyn, NY Job. General Assembly Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Being brave means not letting things scare you from achieving your dreams or supporting the dreams of others. |
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Biography.
Priya was formerly the Vice President of Growth & Strategy at Per Scholas, a national tech training organization that provides no-cost technology training to adults from communities that are often underserved, connecting them to careers in the IT industry. In her role, Priya helped expand the work of Per Scholas nationally, identifying and launching sites in future cities to help grow the number of people who are making huge changes in their careers every year. Priya has a decade of experience in the workforce development field, working for both government and non-profit organizations in New York City. Priya received her BA at the George Washington University in Washington, DC and her Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.
Priya was formerly the Vice President of Growth & Strategy at Per Scholas, a national tech training organization that provides no-cost technology training to adults from communities that are often underserved, connecting them to careers in the IT industry. In her role, Priya helped expand the work of Per Scholas nationally, identifying and launching sites in future cities to help grow the number of people who are making huge changes in their careers every year. Priya has a decade of experience in the workforce development field, working for both government and non-profit organizations in New York City. Priya received her BA at the George Washington University in Washington, DC and her Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
France, Canada, Ireland and Italy |
Sabrineh ArdalanMember of the Board of Directors.
Job. Assistant Director and Clinical Professor of Law at Harvard Law School Home. Cambridge, MA |
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Biography.
Sabi is the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program’s assistant director, as well as assistant clinical professor of law at HLS. Sabi supervises and trains law students working on applications for asylum and other humanitarian protections, as well as appellate litigation and policy advocacy. She teaches courses on immigration and refugee law and advocacy and on trauma, refugees, and the law. Sabi previously clerked for the Honorable Michael A. Chagares of Third Circuit Court of Appeals and the Honorable Raymond J. Dearie, Chief District Judge for the Eastern District of New York. She also worked as the Equal Justice America Fellow at The Opportunity Agenda and as a litigation associate at Dewey Ballantine LLP.
Sabi is the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program’s assistant director, as well as assistant clinical professor of law at HLS. Sabi supervises and trains law students working on applications for asylum and other humanitarian protections, as well as appellate litigation and policy advocacy. She teaches courses on immigration and refugee law and advocacy and on trauma, refugees, and the law. Sabi previously clerked for the Honorable Michael A. Chagares of Third Circuit Court of Appeals and the Honorable Raymond J. Dearie, Chief District Judge for the Eastern District of New York. She also worked as the Equal Justice America Fellow at The Opportunity Agenda and as a litigation associate at Dewey Ballantine LLP.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Iran |
Mikelina BelainehMember of the Board of Directors.
Job. Program Associate at the Vera Institute of Justice Home. Roxbury, MA What “Brave” means to you. To be your most authentic self when the world tells you to be something or someone else. |
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Biography.
As a program associate in Vera’s Center on Sentencing and Corrections, Mikelina's work focuses on reducing jail incarceration and racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice system through research, writing, and providing technical assistance to local jurisdictions. Prior to joining Vera, Mikelina served as the Chief Program Officer for the nonprofit social enterprise InnerCity Weightlifting, a street violence reduction program serving street and gang-involved young adults by connecting them with new resources, networks, and opportunities. She now supports the organization's work in an advisory role.
Mikelina became interested in social justice issues in college, where she spent her four years organizing around LGBTQ issues in rural parts of Texas. In law school, she narrowed her focus to issues around criminal justice, recognizing it as a system that has implications for all areas of social justice, and therefore an opportunity to facilitate great impact. Mikelina holds a JD from Harvard Law School, where they served as co-president on the board of Lambda and co-founded the Queer and Trans People of Color student organization. Mikelina also has a BA with honors from the Texas A&M University. Mikelina was born and raised in Arlington, TX, where her family and community settled after immigrating from Ethiopia.
As a program associate in Vera’s Center on Sentencing and Corrections, Mikelina's work focuses on reducing jail incarceration and racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice system through research, writing, and providing technical assistance to local jurisdictions. Prior to joining Vera, Mikelina served as the Chief Program Officer for the nonprofit social enterprise InnerCity Weightlifting, a street violence reduction program serving street and gang-involved young adults by connecting them with new resources, networks, and opportunities. She now supports the organization's work in an advisory role.
Mikelina became interested in social justice issues in college, where she spent her four years organizing around LGBTQ issues in rural parts of Texas. In law school, she narrowed her focus to issues around criminal justice, recognizing it as a system that has implications for all areas of social justice, and therefore an opportunity to facilitate great impact. Mikelina holds a JD from Harvard Law School, where they served as co-president on the board of Lambda and co-founded the Queer and Trans People of Color student organization. Mikelina also has a BA with honors from the Texas A&M University. Mikelina was born and raised in Arlington, TX, where her family and community settled after immigrating from Ethiopia.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Ethiopia and Eritrea |
Emily NashMember of the Board of Directors.
Job. Associate, Foley Hoag LLP Home. Boston, MA What “Brave” means to you. Trusting yourself and your inner strength to carry you forward--in your principles, choices, words, and actions--despite whatever pressure you face to do the opposite. |
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Biography.
Emily is an associate at Foley Hoag LLP in Boston, where she works in litigation and labor and employment, and a pro bono practice including civil rights litigation and immigration. She received her JD from Harvard Law School in 2016, after which she clerked for the Honorable Denise J. Casper, in the U.S. District Court for District of Massachusetts.
Emily grew up in Armonk, NY, and she received her BA in sociology from NYU in 2011. Emily's experience working with nonprofit organizations began in college, when she spent a semester as an intern at Amnesty International USA. After graduating, she spent a year teaching English to children in Metz, France, after which she worked as a project manager at Innovative Philanthropy, providing development consulting and assistance--largely through grant review and major fundraising event planning--to nonprofits and foundations in New York City.
Emily is an associate at Foley Hoag LLP in Boston, where she works in litigation and labor and employment, and a pro bono practice including civil rights litigation and immigration. She received her JD from Harvard Law School in 2016, after which she clerked for the Honorable Denise J. Casper, in the U.S. District Court for District of Massachusetts.
Emily grew up in Armonk, NY, and she received her BA in sociology from NYU in 2011. Emily's experience working with nonprofit organizations began in college, when she spent a semester as an intern at Amnesty International USA. After graduating, she spent a year teaching English to children in Metz, France, after which she worked as a project manager at Innovative Philanthropy, providing development consulting and assistance--largely through grant review and major fundraising event planning--to nonprofits and foundations in New York City.
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Italy and somewhere in Eastern Europe |
Loretta Lopez CarstensenMember of the Board of Directors.
Job. Case Manager, Sanctuary for Families Home. Queens, NY What “Brave” means to you. Listening to the voices of the unheard and recognizing that they have stories to tell. |
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Biography.
Loretta was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico. She immigrated to NY at 18 to study Creative Writing at Bard College. Since then she has lived in Texas, Vietnam, and Queens, NY, her current home. She is a writer, aspiring illustrator, and a non-profit professional focused on bettering the lives of refugees and survivors of gender based violence. She's currently a graduate student on the clinical track at Columbia's School of Social Work.
Loretta was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico. She immigrated to NY at 18 to study Creative Writing at Bard College. Since then she has lived in Texas, Vietnam, and Queens, NY, her current home. She is a writer, aspiring illustrator, and a non-profit professional focused on bettering the lives of refugees and survivors of gender based violence. She's currently a graduate student on the clinical track at Columbia's School of Social Work.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Mexico |
Ashley EzewuiroMember of the Board of Directors.
Job. Owner of & designer at EastTaylorInc.com, Financial Accountant at Big Bus Tours Home. New York, NY What “Brave” means to you. Following through when fear is holding you back from taking a leap of faith; realizing that if something scares you, it's all the more reason to face it. |
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Biography.
Ashley is currently an accountant at Big Bus Tours and the owner of East Taylor Inc. In 2014, Ashley graduated from Rutgers Business School (New Jersey) with a degree in accounting and a concentration in Supply Chain Management. After graduating, Ashley immediately began working for Enterprise Rent A Car as a staff accountant. In 2016, Ashley left Enterprise for a new accounting opportunity at Big Bus Tours in Manhattan. Being immersed in a such a stimulating city, she felt the urge to feed her creative side. Prior to working in finance full time, Ashley designed clothes as a hobby. With years of accounting experience, the heart of a designer, and being the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Ashley decided to create an Afrocentric Home Décor company called East Taylor.
Ashley is currently an accountant at Big Bus Tours and the owner of East Taylor Inc. In 2014, Ashley graduated from Rutgers Business School (New Jersey) with a degree in accounting and a concentration in Supply Chain Management. After graduating, Ashley immediately began working for Enterprise Rent A Car as a staff accountant. In 2016, Ashley left Enterprise for a new accounting opportunity at Big Bus Tours in Manhattan. Being immersed in a such a stimulating city, she felt the urge to feed her creative side. Prior to working in finance full time, Ashley designed clothes as a hobby. With years of accounting experience, the heart of a designer, and being the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Ashley decided to create an Afrocentric Home Décor company called East Taylor.
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Nigeria |
Hannah KrutianskyYouth Advocate.
Home. New York, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Following your dreams, no matter how outrageous they may seem. |
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Biography.
Hannah was born and raised in NYC to a Jewish immigrant family. Growing up hearing her grandparent’s stories of surviving the Holocaust has motivated her to advocate for refugee and immigrant rights. She is a recent graduate of Middlebury College, where she studied geography and minored in Spanish and Portuguese. Hannah has interned for the family detention team at RAICES (The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services) and for the Safe Passage Project, which represents minors in immigration court. She plans to attend law school and pursue public interest law in the next few years.
Hannah was born and raised in NYC to a Jewish immigrant family. Growing up hearing her grandparent’s stories of surviving the Holocaust has motivated her to advocate for refugee and immigrant rights. She is a recent graduate of Middlebury College, where she studied geography and minored in Spanish and Portuguese. Hannah has interned for the family detention team at RAICES (The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services) and for the Safe Passage Project, which represents minors in immigration court. She plans to attend law school and pursue public interest law in the next few years.
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Argentina, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine |
Youth Advocate.
Home. Queens, NY What “Brave” means to you. “Brave” means becoming the impossible change while standing boldly against all odds. |
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Biography.
Elizabeth Rivera is a Paralegal at the Safe Passage Project, where she works with attorneys in immigration and family court litigation. Elizabeth works with children in New York and assists in their cases to pursue immigration status in the United States. Elizabeth is the daughter of Mexican immigrant parents and is married to a former DREAMer. She is aware of the injustices that vulnerable and underrepresented communities face in this country due to their immigration status and as a result is a fierce advocate for immigrant rights and social justice. Elizabeth graduated from the City University of New York – John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a major in Law and Society in 2015.
Elizabeth Rivera is a Paralegal at the Safe Passage Project, where she works with attorneys in immigration and family court litigation. Elizabeth works with children in New York and assists in their cases to pursue immigration status in the United States. Elizabeth is the daughter of Mexican immigrant parents and is married to a former DREAMer. She is aware of the injustices that vulnerable and underrepresented communities face in this country due to their immigration status and as a result is a fierce advocate for immigrant rights and social justice. Elizabeth graduated from the City University of New York – John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a major in Law and Society in 2015.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Guerrero, Mexico |
Michelle LópezYouth Advocate.
Home. Queens, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Being unafraid and willing to break through the societal chains that are placed to hold you back from following your dreams. |
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Biography.
I’m a proud first generation Mexican American. My parents migrated to the United States a little over 30 years ago from Puebla, Mexico. I graduated from John Jay College in 2017 as a double major in Economics and Latin American Studies. I currently work at Safe Passage Project, a legal non profit dedicated to providing free legal services to unaccompanied minors. During my free time, I love exercising, spending time with my family and reading books. I’m very passionate about mental health and providing children with opportunities for self growth and self love.
I’m a proud first generation Mexican American. My parents migrated to the United States a little over 30 years ago from Puebla, Mexico. I graduated from John Jay College in 2017 as a double major in Economics and Latin American Studies. I currently work at Safe Passage Project, a legal non profit dedicated to providing free legal services to unaccompanied minors. During my free time, I love exercising, spending time with my family and reading books. I’m very passionate about mental health and providing children with opportunities for self growth and self love.
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Puebla, México |
Youth Advocate.
Home. Brooklyn, NY What “Brave” means to you. Extending grace to ourselves and acting always with love. |
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Biography.
Hannah strives to dismantle inequitable systems and foster environments where young people are empowered to reach their fullest potential. She is currently a College Persistence Counselor - partnering with students throughout their college careers to accomplish their educational goals. Hannah became a licensed school counselor after obtaining her Masters of Education and Certificate of Advanced Studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2019. Outside of her counseling work, Hannah partners with community mental health centers and consults with entrepreneurs and advocacy groups who are innovating ways to effectively support youth. Her previous career was as a professional trainer and coach at a healthcare and education consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. She graduated from Boston College in 2011 with a focus on International Business and Latinx Studies.
Hannah strives to dismantle inequitable systems and foster environments where young people are empowered to reach their fullest potential. She is currently a College Persistence Counselor - partnering with students throughout their college careers to accomplish their educational goals. Hannah became a licensed school counselor after obtaining her Masters of Education and Certificate of Advanced Studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2019. Outside of her counseling work, Hannah partners with community mental health centers and consults with entrepreneurs and advocacy groups who are innovating ways to effectively support youth. Her previous career was as a professional trainer and coach at a healthcare and education consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. She graduated from Boston College in 2011 with a focus on International Business and Latinx Studies.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Poland, Norway, Ireland |
Youth Advocate.
Home. Brooklyn, NY What “Brave” means to you. Coming soon |
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Biography.
Coming soon
Coming soon
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Mexico |
Chumi GonzalezYouth Advocate.
Home. Queens, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Being really good friends with the unknown. |
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Biography.
I was raised in Paraguay and have been living in New York for the last 10 years. I'm a first-generation Latin American and only child of two Paraguayan immigrants who mean everything to me. I think, dream and speak fluently in both Spanish and English. I'm passionate about my family, Latin culture, personal & spiritual development, bringing ideas to life, connecting with people, raising human consciousness, positively impacting our world and reggaeton.
I was raised in Paraguay and have been living in New York for the last 10 years. I'm a first-generation Latin American and only child of two Paraguayan immigrants who mean everything to me. I think, dream and speak fluently in both Spanish and English. I'm passionate about my family, Latin culture, personal & spiritual development, bringing ideas to life, connecting with people, raising human consciousness, positively impacting our world and reggaeton.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Paraguay |
