Board of Directors

Executive Director + Solidarity Partner

Pam’s dedication to international development began in the late ‘90s with a global NGO. Pam’s professional expertise lies in community-building, organizational leadership, program design, writing & social justice. After 15 years of advocacy/policy work with global populations (namely partnership-building with Latin American and African populations), Pam brought her talents to Omaha. Pam’s outreach and education experience to Omaha’s refugee populations thru local nonprofits and resettlement partners. Marrying her experiences of living and traveling in developing countries with relationship-based refugee knowledge, Pam founded Refugee Women Rising in 2021. Pam enjoys reading, traveling, board games and lives with her husband/college sweetheart, 3 children and 3 cats in a 115 year-old home.

Driving Program Coordinator

Jamila’s tenure as RWR’s driving program coordinator began in March 2023. She has called Omaha home for only three years, as her journey began in Ghazni, Afghanistan. Jamila’s family (she being the 4th of 5 daughters) supported her throughout school and after graduation, she moved to Kabul, for further opportunity. Jamila worked and pursued studies in mathematics and English in the capital city. Her strong values drove Jamila to professional advocacy as a Community Awareness Officer in the Afghan Ministry of Women’s Affairs. In fall 2021, Jamila resettled in the U.S., bringing extensive experience in education gender justice, in addition to lived experience. Jamila’s dedication to Omaha’s Hazara Afghan community led her to Refugee Women Rising. In her leisure time, Jamila enjoys music, volleyball, and bike riding.

Wellness Program Coordinator

Veronica brings to Refugee Women Rising a wealth of leadership experience & the recognition of an Omaha International Women’s Day award. Veronica coordinates RWR’s Health and Wellness program, where she and her team of community health workers seek to remove barriers for women and promote holistic health, integration and advancement through a welcoming, relational, peer -lead model. Prior to joining RWR, Veronica worked on the leadership team of Omaha Public Schools department of Refugee, Migrant and English Second Language. She co-led the OPS Migrant Education program, coached ESL teachers, & ran the Yates Community Center for adult refugee integration and learning. Veronica served on the Executive committee of the Omaha Refugee Task Force and as a State representative to the National Migrant OSY consortium. Other work experience includes literacy coaching & advocacy for women’s domestic worker literacy program, and as an adjunct professor of language and culture at Concordia University. Veronica has worked and studied locally & internationally. drawing insight from her own experience as an immigrant to the U.S. She holds a Masters degree in Education and is currently pursuing studies at the University of NE Med. Center College of Public Health. As leisure, Veronica enjoys hiking, biking, & the great outdoors. 

Executive Office Coordinator

Manali Kate, born in Pune, India

has a passion for creativity that led her to the USA. She holds a bachelor's degree in Studio Art with a focus on Graphic Design and a minor in Marketing from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Currently, she serves as the Executive Office Coordinator at Refugee Women Rising, where she supports culturally-sensitive programming for refugee women. Fluent in Marathi, Hindi, and Urdu, Manali enhances her role with her diverse linguistic skills. Her experience includes working at University as a Junior Dean's Assistant at Collage of IS & T and an Office Assistant at the Center for Afghanistan Studies, contributing to various projects. In addition to her professional background, Manali is a trained Kathak dancer. She holds a diploma in Fashion Designing from Anjuman Islam Polytechnic School in India. Having navigated the challenges of being an international student, she is dedicated to empowering resilient refugee women and fostering a vibrant community where they can thrive personally and professionally.

Community Health & Wellness Worker

Laila Hassan's journey in the United States began in 2015 when she arrived as a refugee from Sudan. Settling in Omaha, Nebraska, Laila worked various jobs to support her family while adapting to her new life. During this challenging transition, she met Pam, the Executive Director and Solidarity Partner of Refugee Women Rising (RWR), who became a crucial source of support. Laila immersed herself in RWR's programs, participating in HomeDish events and tea times, which helped her build connections and find a sense of community.

Through these experiences and her relationship with RWR, Laila discovered a second family in the United States. Her bachelor's degree from Sudan, combined with her work experience in the USA, paved the way for Laila to join Refugee Women Rising as a Health and Wellness Community Worker.

Laila's fluency in Arabic and English is a valuable asset, enabling her to bridge communication gaps with Arabic-speaking women in the community. Refugee Women Rising is delighted to have Laila recognizing her unique perspective as someone who has navigated the refugee experience firsthand. Her role now allows her to empower other women facing similar challenges, making her an inspiring example of resilience and community support.

Community Health & Wellness Worker

I am Mezhgan Halim, born and raised in Afghanistan. My educational journey led me to earn a Master's degree in literature and culture from Kabul University. My passion for education drove me to become a high school teacher in Kabul, where I had the privilege of shaping young minds. My career took an exciting turn when I joined the International Rescue Committee, allowing me to work in various provinces across Afghanistan. This experience broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by different communities.

Language has always been a fascination for me. I am proficient in five languages: English, Dari, Pashto, Hindi, and Urdu. This linguistic versatility has been a valuable asset in my professional and personal endeavors.

One of my proudest achievements is being the author of "Rangeen Kaman," a children's magazine that brings joy and knowledge to young readers. Additionally, I have translated nine books from Dari into Pashto and authored eleven children's books.

These projects have allowed me to contribute to the literary landscape and promote cultural understanding. In 2018, I embarked on a new chapter in my life by moving to the United States of America. Eager to continue my education, I attended Metro Community College for two years, taking credit classes to further enhance my skills.

A pivotal moment in my journey occurred in 2023 when I met Pamela Font-Gabel during my ESL classes. Her kindness and invaluable support ignited a spark within me to give back to my community. This encounter led me to an incredible opportunity to work with Refugee Women Rising, where I can now use my experiences and skills to empower and support other refugee women.

Driving Program Assistant

Dalinda Khairo is from Iraq and came to USA In 2016. She embarked on a new chapter in life by moving to the United States. About two years ago, Dalinda joined Refugee Women Rising (RWR) as a Driver Instructor.

Dalinda’s role at RWR, I have the privilege of helping many women gain independence through driving. It's incredibly rewarding to see these women grow in confidence and ability, knowing that I've played a part in their journey towards self-reliance.

Her strengths ability to communicate across cultures. She fluent in five languages: Kurdish, Arabic, Turkish, Spanish, and English. This linguistic versatility allows her to connect with and assist a diverse range of women, breaking down language barriers that might otherwise hinder their progress.

Dalinda’s work at RWR isn't just a job; it's a passion. She find immense satisfaction in empowering other women, many of whom may have backgrounds similar to her. The joy of seeing them succeed fuels her commitment to this work.

Ignatian Volunteer Corps Member

Nancy joined Refugee Women Rising as a volunteer through Ignatian Volunteer Corps in 2023. Her 40 year career in the travel industry included experience in operations, team building, strategic planning, and executive leadership. In 2022 she completed her bachelor degree in leadership and a Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership at Creighton University. Nancy’s education and experience brings talents in operations, organizational leadership, and strategic planning and execution. Nancy enjoys reading, gardening, and playing pickleball. However, her greatest joy is spending time with her husband, their two adult children, and twin grandchildren.