Colorado Refugee Speakers Bureau
The Colorado Refugee Speakers Bureau creates connection and understanding between refugees and the receiving community in order to build a more inclusive, vibrant, and cohesive Colorado.
We do this through speaking and storytelling engagements of all types, from speaking with school, business, and faith communities to special events and conferences.
Our values as a bureau drive all aspects of our work, from how we collaborate and learn to how we engage with the community.
Our Values
Storytelling
We believe in the power of storytelling to change hearts and minds. Our personal stories are the vehicle for connection and change.
Learning
We are committed to the growth and development of our speakers and to the audiences with whom we engage.
Individuality
We believe that each member is unique and offers value to the group and to our community as a result of their individual experience and perspective.
Community
We strive to build and strengthen the community through our work.
Integrity
We commit to telling our stories in venues and ways that promote welcoming and integration of refugee populations.
Founding of Colorado Refugee Speakers Bureau
The Colorado Refugee Speakers Bureau (CRSB) was founded in 2016 as a way to share the rich stories and experiences of Colorado’s refugee, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holder, and immigrant community members with other communities across our state.
CRSB was founded by staff members from the International Rescue Committee, ECDC/African Community Center of Denver, Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, and the Colorado Refugee Services Program. The bureau was brought to life by the founding CRSB speaker members, who helped to build the bureau and share their stories with our community.
Our Speakers
Abdullah Noori
Afghanistan
Ahmed Bakhit
Sudan
Amani Abdallah
Tanzania/Burundi
Dunia Jama
Somalia
Eyni Jama
Somalia
Farduus Ahmed
Somalia
Heleena Kakar
Afghanistan
Homayoon Milad
Afghanistan
Hnin Aung
Burma
Jacqueline Umurisa
Democratic Republic of Congo
Janvier Mbilizi
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Juma
Sudan
Kansiime Shalom
Uganda
Karina Urrego
Colombia
Lojohomoi Lokonobei
South Sudan
Mais Al-Nima
Iraq
Malika Azad
Afghanistan
Maryam Abdilah
Somalia
Maytham Alshadood
Iraq
Mirwais Baheej
Afghanistan
Mobarakeh Nouri
Afghanistan
Mosawer Akbari
Afghanistan
Mousa Al Khafaji
Iraq
Mulania Bathin
Burma
Nermina Mujkanović
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nga Vương-Sandoval
Việt Nam
Nisa Kobir Ahmed
Burma
Oliver Fon
Southern Cameroon
Rasha Alhalaichi
Iraq
Raoudha Zelaya
Tunisia
Sabe Kemer
Ethiopia
Sabitra Niroula
Nepal
Sahar Al-Nima
Iraq
Samiya Azizi
Afghanistan
Sara Bright
Syria & Iraq
Soad Altaai
Iraq
Tetiana Stratilat
Ukraine
Thai Nguyen
Vietnam
Tukano Salat
Somalia
Walid Sharif Alani
Iraq
Yusif Sardarzade
Azerbaijan
Zahra Nouri
Afghanistan
Colorado Refugee Speakers Bureau Showcase
Join us in celebration of refugee voices! Each year, in recognition of World Refugee Day, the newest members of the Colorado Refugee Speakers Bureau present their stories on stage for the first time.