Rania Mohamed arrived in the US nine years ago and offers invaluable firsthand insights into the challenges of rebuilding life in a new country. Rania started her career as a pharmacist in Sudan, and now serves as a Para Educator with the Iowa City Community School District. She holds a degree from Kirkwood Community College, an Associate of Pharmacy degree from the University of Alribat, and is fluent in English and Arabic.

Aimerance Nzinga immigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo, bringing a wealth of diverse experiences and a passion for community development. Aimerance has extended to assisting families with informal transitional living needs, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the betterment of her community. A skilled translator, Aimerance has also been an invaluable asset at the Iowa Community School District, bridging communication gaps and fostering understanding.

Simona Salih, a native of Romania, journeyed to the United States in 2005, seeking refuge and new opportunities. She is a Culinary Art graduate and serves as a Paraeducator at the Iowa City Community School District, contributing to the education and development of young minds. Her personal experience as a refugee and immigrant fuels her passion for helping others. Simona ensures immigrants and refugees feel embraced in their communities.

Sally Hartman’s passion for aiding immigrants began during her career as a school psychologist and has since blossomed into volunteer work. As a long-time Iowa City resident, Sally has sponsored or co-sponsored nine refugees and is dedicated to immigrant support, assisting with paperwork, and tutor placements. She also plays a crucial role on two trauma response teams in her additional volunteer capacity.

Rukhsar Azizi, originally from Afghanistan, arrived in Iowa City in June 2022. Fluent in three languages, she holds an accounting degree from Afghanistan and is currently pursuing studies at Kirkwood Community College. With aspirations in the culinary field, Rukhsar aims to utilize her skills as a chef. As a mother of three, Rukshar knows what it’s like to come to a new city with children.

Brady G’sell is a professor at the University of Iowa where she teaches about immigrants’ efforts to build new lives for themselves. She is also the secretary of the IWNJC. Her research and activism is primarily focused on African immigrants’ moves to South Africa and African-born resettlement in Iowa. Locally, she works with immigrant families connected with Mark Twain Elementary where her son is also a student.

Rima Patel is a dedicated and ambitious student at the University of Iowa, where she is pursuing a double major in Political Science and Business Management, alongside a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy. She is committed to building and growing impactful nonprofit organizations throughout her career. As a second-generation immigrant, she is particularly driven to support immigrants and refugees, drawing inspiration from her own family's journey.

Mohamed Noureldaem is a dedicated Iowa City resident who relocated from Dallas, TX in 2004. He is actively involved in the Sudanese community, the Iowa City Mosque, and the Muslim cemetery. Having witnessed the challenges faced by newcomers, Mohamed feels a deep connection to their experiences. Mohamed hopes to use his experience, empathy, and community-driven spirit to make immigrants' transitions smoother and more welcoming.

Will Kapp is the president of IWNJC’s board of directors and the manager of the Global Food Project. He works with immigrant families directly in their gardens. Through this work, he has learned a lot about the range of experiences that families have upon arriving in Iowa City. He believes that the Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson County can fulfill an important need by offering a smoother landing for families who seek to strengthen the Iowa City area by making it their home.

Kevin is a graduate from the University of Iowa. He has extensive experience empowering youth in Iowa City with his expertise and training in social services. In 2021, Kevin was promoted to lead the Successful Living Housing Program as Housing Director. Kevin's leadership and advocacy work in Iowa City was recognized by the Human Rights Commission in 2018 and 2019. Kevin serves as the President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Iowa City. He also serves as Director of Education for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Nancy Reincke retired from the Drake University English Department in 2021. They traveled with Drake students to Mexico studying the causes and conditions of immigration from Latin America. Nancy is a member of New Song Episcopal Church in Coralville which is committed to welcoming and supporting newcomers to Johnson County. Nancy and their spouse are active in the animal welfare community in Iowa and have fostered more than 200 dogs.

Aly Moustafa, originally from Egypt, arrived in November 2023. Participating in our resettlement program, he experienced firsthand the assistance provided to newcomers. Aly has dedicated himself to giving back to the immigrant community.

Trained as an engineer, Aly faced the challenges of starting over in a new country. He now serves as a Para Educator at the Iowa City School District, leveraging his skills and expertise to make a difference in students' lives. Through his role on the board and his work in education, Aly continues to advocate for and empower immigrants, embodying the spirit of resilience and community support.