MISSION &VISION.
We celebrate 30 years of RIAC.
Welcome to RIAC! Since 1993, we’ve been empowering refugees and immigrants in Boston, Lynn, and Worcester. Formerly the Somali Women And Children’s Association, RIAC proudly celebrates 30 years of service.
As a grassroots non-profit, we offer comprehensive support, including refugee resettlement, counseling, outreach, education, and various social services. We’re all about fostering cultural development, socioeconomic growth, and self-sufficiency.
At RIAC, our mission is simple: For Refugees, By Refugees. We’re committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment, working hand in hand to build a stronger, more inclusive community. Join us on this journey of empowerment and inclusivity at RIAC, where every story contributes to our diverse and vibrant community.
Our Mission
At RIAC, our mission is simple yet powerful: to provide comprehensive services that support successful resettlement and promote self-sufficiency within the refugee and immigrant community. We are committed to creating a more inclusive society where newcomers can thrive, regardless of their background or origin.
Our Vision
At Refugee & Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC), we strive to promote acceptance and enhance the quality of life for refugees, asylees, and immigrants. Our vision is to create a society that embraces newcomers, celebrates diversity, and provides equal opportunity for all to thrive.
Our Core Values
At the heart of RIAC are its Core Values, which serve as the fundamental principles and ideals the agency strives to uphold and be accountable for in
carrying out its mission.
These values also influence the agency's culture and public image as a community-based non-profit organization serving refugees, asylees, and
immigrants in Massachusetts.
Caring
RIAC demonstrates compassionate support, service, and concern for refugees, asylees, and immigrants and their families. As part of this caring attitude, it will educate and inform the population groups it serves and their families.
Diversity
RIAC understands that refugees, asylees, and immigrants are part of all races, ethnicities, and religions and seeks to assist as many individuals as its financial resources allow.
Advocacy
RIAC educates the public and advocates for the long-term inclusion and participation of refugees, asylees, immigrants, and their families.
Financial stability
RIAC believes its work as an advocate and service provider will be necessary for many years into the future. Therefore, it strives to deliver on its mission with thoughtful strategic choices that ensure it has sufficient financial resources.
Meet our Team
Leadership
Mariam Gas
Executive Director & Founder
Dr. Jean Wilkinson, PhD
Chief Clinical Operations Officer
Dr. Lisa Fortuna, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Sadia Fadil
Chief Resettlement & Integration Officer
Anab Egal
Director of Finance & Administration
Naima Agalab
Director of Community Services
Resettlement & Integration (Boston Office)
Frank Barnabas
Program Director
Abdul Yusuf
Program Officer
Ayan Warfa
Program & Development Officer
Nihad Jassam
Program Officer
Olena Bokhenik
Program Officer
Nataliia Durnieva
Program Coordinator
Sheema Kharooti
Program Coordinator
Mariia Pohoretska
Program Coordinator
Abdikareem Egal
Case Specialist
Asma Kharooti
Case Specialist
Resettlement & Integration (Worcester Office)
Meg Gallo
Program Director
Heinrich Mukalazi
Program Officer
Emal Khairkhwa
Program Coordinator
Liona Ngaira
Program Coordinator
Murad Ali Zada
Program Coordinator
Shukri Ali
Program Coordinator
Oleksandr Martseniuk
Case Specialist
Mohammad Palizban
Case Specialist
Oleksandra Koada
Case Specialist
Nicole Okonji
Case Specialist
Community Services & Advocacy
Fatuma Hassan
Program Coordinator
Shafi Ratea
Case Specialist
Abdul Wahed Safi
Case Specialist
Atia Walizada
Program Liaison/ Advocate
Mental Health Clinic
Dr. Alisa Miller, PhD
Clinic Supervisor
Maka Osman
Program Director
Carmel Drewes, LICSW
Program Officer
Sarah Bansen, NP
Nurse Practitioner
Hessah Al-Asousi
Clinical Intern
Administration & Finance
Shawnette Foote
Administrative Officer
Abdi Aden
Financial Officer
Ahmed Al-Rubaye
Financial Officer
Mohamed Mohamed
Financial Coordinator
Aklilu Haile
Financial Specialist
Alexander Le
Financial Specialist