Refugee Advocate Testimonials

“As a PhD student specializing in Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Clark University, my academic journey and professional experiences have shaped my deep commitment to refugee advocacy. Having dedicated over a decade to legal education and research, my work has often focused on marginalized communities and human rights violations. My research on the persecution of the Rohingya and their statelessness has allowed me to engage with the profound challenges refugees face, including systemic discrimination, displacement, and the erosion of their dignity.

Becoming a Refugee Advocate aligns seamlessly with my lifelong commitment to social justice. I am inspired by ARISE’s mission to empower displaced individuals and connect communities through support and advocacy. This role would allow me to extend my research into practical action, fostering social stability and inclusivity while addressing the structural challenges
refugees face.

Moreover, my multilingual abilities, including fluency in English and Bengali (my mother tongue), as well as an understanding of Hindi and the Rohingya dialect, position me to connect with and support diverse refugee communities effectively. My first-hand experiences, academic expertise, and passion for storytelling uniquely equip me to bridge cultural gaps and contribute
meaningfully as a Refugee Advocate.

The opportunity to work with and learn from ARISE would enable me to channel my expertise into impactful advocacy, furthering my goal of ensuring justice and dignity for all refugees. I am eager to collaborate with others who share this mission and to help create a more equitable and compassionate society.”

“Attending the Refugee Advocate Training has been an incredibly enlightening and eye-opening experience. The comprehensive 2-day training agenda provided a deep understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and equipped us with practical tools and strategies to advocate effectively. The speakers were exceptionally knowledgeable, approachable, and passionate about their work, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.

The real-life case studies and interactive sessions allowed us to gain valuable insights and develop a strong sense of empathy and commitment. I particularly appreciated the focus on cultural sensitivity and the importance of amplifying refugee voices. This training has not only broadened my perspective but also strengthened my resolve to make a positive impact on the lives of refugees.

I highly recommend this training to anyone interested in advocacy and making a meaningful difference in the world. It has been an inspiring journey that has prepared me to be a more effective and compassionate advocate for refugees.“

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“I am Rishabh Shukla, an MBA student at Boston University. I learned about ARISE and the refugee advocate training from a friend. I instantaneously volunteered for the training to gain insights into the challenges faced by refugees in the US.

Attending the refugee advocate training with ARISE has been a transformative experience. The comprehensive sessions provided me with invaluable insights into the challenges refugees face and the tools necessary to effectively advocate for their rights and well-being, be it legal, emotional, etc. The trainers were exceptionally knowledgeable, and their passion for the cause was truly inspiring. Through engaging discussions, practical workshops, and live interactions with refugees, I gained a deeper understanding of the refugee experience and how I can make a meaningful impact. I feel more empowered and equipped to support refugees and contribute to creating a more inclusive and compassionate community for them in the US. “

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“I am a student at Smith College majoring in Philosophy, Buddhist Studies, and Community Engagement and Social Change. I became a refugee advocate after completing ARISE’s training in February 2024. I hope to connect with and support more families. I am passionate about education and work to make course resources more affordable and transparent. In my free time, I enjoy stargazing and nighttime landscape photography. “

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“I found out about ARISE through a friend, who reckoned that my language skills –I am a native Swahili Speaker– would contribute meaningfully to the group’s efforts. I was delighted at the prospect of making a lasting impact on the lives of others by serving as their voice when they most needed it. I believe that everyone deserves a safe haven and an opportunity to rebuild their lives, and I am grateful to be part of a team that is dedicated to advocating for the rights and dignity of immigrants and refugees.”

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“As an individual, it is very easy to feel completely helpless when it comes to addressing major international crises. Going into the ARISE training I was hoping to combine what I was about to learn with my understanding of American bureaucracies in order to create lasting change for the people I would work with. I am new to this kind of advocacy, but I have already learned so much and I am excited to contribute whatever I can in the future. 

My first language is English, I speak a little French and am learning Spanish.

I am a Film and Media Studies major, Philosophy minor, and Community Engagement and Social Change concentrator.”

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As an immigrant myself, my path intersects with immigrants and refugees every day. I have observed the motivation of refugees to learn a new language and understand their new society. I am touched by the perseverance and the work they do for successful integration, despite all the linguistic and cultural barriers refugee families face. The new country is complex to navigate even for people who have no language or cultural barriers. I have always believed in giving back to my community. Being a refugee advocate provides me with an opportunity to do just that. I am excited to be a Refugee Advocate, understand the family’s needs, and help them navigate through the complexities they deal with during their resettlement.

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“I have watched my family, family friends, and people simply in my city experiencing the stress from lack of resources. You cannot love a home that has only shown you the cold shoulder, especially after leaving the home that used to be a warm embrace.

I chose to be a refugee advocate to bring a significant sense of trust to a new family. I have the chance to experience a life they will grow in; a life where I can listen, interact, and soon to eventually grow fond of while fulfilling my job to assist in every way I can.
To know Spanish and Portuguese is one less barrier and one more learning experience because as a refugee advocate, I wish to learn.”

Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese

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“Being part of community outreach programs, I realized there had never been a thing that gives me greater happiness than what I derive from seeing people happy and knowing I was able to contribute to that. Being away from home, I chose to become an advocate to continue this work because an extra hand always goes a long way. “

Languages: English, Twi, Haiti

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“Moving to a new country with a different culture, language, and system is a difficult adjustment for anyone. However, the gaps in the US refugee resettlement process make this adjustment even more of a challenge for forcibly displaced individuals. As a Refugee Advocate, I hope to assist refugees through this difficult process by advocating for their needs and being a reliable source of support. It’s an honor to be able to work with refugees and do my part in helping them create a home in a new country. “

Languages: English, French, Japanese

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“Ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and that their needs are fulfilled equitably is why I want to be a Refugee Advocate. I also hope to connect refugee families with a sense of belongingness and community in a new home and make doing so as easy as my capabilities will allow.”

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