Leadership Project & Reflection

As a selected member of the School of Public Affairs Leadership Program at American University, I conducted an individual social action project my sophomore year. Based on research and creating a questionnaire to interview professionals in the field, I conducted the following social action project whereby I raised money to support refugee resettlement into the U.S. via a fundraiser with Nandos restaurant and The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society.

Research Findings: Many refugees face mental turmoil such as PTSD that results from difficult post-migration conditions. The HIAS organization that I chose to fundraise for acknowledges this and provides free community-based mental health services for all, to address this issue.

Results: After a successful fundraiser with the Tenleytown Nandos location, I successfully raised over $100 in funds for the HIAS organization as well as raised awareness for refugee resettlement in my local area. This is significant because I was able to successfully organize a fundraiser during less than desirable conditions due to COVID-19, and expand advocates in support of long-term successful refugee resettlement into the U.S.

For more information on the details of my project, view the following document: Policy Memo SPA Leadership Project