Graduation party for Eliana G

Eliana G., the youngest daughter of Zufan G., just graduated from high school. Their family came from Eritrea as refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic, and have worked hard to build a life in their new home. Eliana was a leader in her school, and has received a scholarship to attend college in the fall. The refugee relief committee of my havurah, Fabrangen, has been sponsoring and working with them after being linked up by ECDC, the Ethiopian Community Development Council. We are very proud of Eliana and her entire family for their strength, hard work, and courage, and wish them a bright future. 

Plus, great injera and homemade Eritrean food. Thanks also to the dedicated and kind members of Fabrangen who have been there for the family.

Refugee Integration in Virginia. | ECDC

 Work I did for the Ethiopian Community Development Council on Refugee Integration in Virginia. a while back Most of these portraits are mine.Thanks to Dr. Teferra and the wonderful staff at ECDC.

For more information see this post by ECDC.

ECDC- refugees (web project)

I recently completed a project for ECDC (the Ethiopian Community Development Council) to provide pictures for their website and publications.  

These pictures are of volunteers, staff, and two refugee families they serve; one from El Salvador, the other from Afghanistan.

Thanks to Lullit Paulos, Emily Gilkenson, and Dr. Teferra of ECDC. Blessings on their good work.

Refugee Integration in Virginia | Stories - for the Ethiopian Community Development Council

I was the chief photographer for the project "Refugee Integration in Virginia,"  for the Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC). ECDC profiled a number of refugees to the state as well as organizations and individuals that provide support for new immigrants in need. The work was sponsored by a grant from Virginia Humanities.

A storytelling event and exhibition was held at ECDC's headquarters on July 15, 2022.

Pictured are: Ahmad Luqman, Engeela Sharifi and family, Kenneth Speicher, Lisa McQuail, Mohammad Dawar Hakimi, Reza Yawari  and family, Todd Endo, Wendy Chan, and Zakira Qayum and family.

Thanks to Aleen Wright, Dr. Tsehaye Teferra, Dr. Azeb Girgai, and the rest of the staff at ECDC, and to the brave refugees and their kind-hearted helpers who participated in the project.