Natalie – Executive Director
Natalie became interested in refugees over 23 years ago when she sponsored a mother and daughter from Vietnam. After that experience, she sponsored six more families from places such as Romania and Bosnia. When circumstances permitted, she went back to school and obtained a Bachelor degree in International Affairs from Xavier University in December 1999. In 2000, she went to work for Catholic Social Services doing refugee resettlement until November 2001. This was followed by a time as a case manager at Hamilton County Children’s Protective Services and the co-founding of the Alliance for Immigrant Women.
In March 2003 the International Center of Greater Cincinnati was born to fill a need that wasn’t being addressed otherwise. Natalie has been the Director of the International Center since this time. The International Center of Greater Cincinnati provides access to social services and problem solving for immigrants, refugees and asylees living in the Greater Cincinnati area. They have been able to assist over 750 families and individuals.
Ibrahim – Youth and Education
Moro – Cultural and Social Services
Moro Jafuneh was born in The Gambia in West Africa. He graduated from The Gambia High School and studied general subjects. By profession, he is an interpreter and he speaks many different African dialects including Mandingo, Wolof, Bambara, Djula, and Malinke. In addition, he owns and manages International Translation Services, a business that provides services such as legal interpretation for the courts and attorneys as well as medical interpretation for area hospitals and clinics.
For the past twelve years he has been working with the African immigrant population in Cincinnati. Since 2004 he has been volunteering his services at the International Center of Greater Cincinnati, helping immigrants and refugees with limited English gain access to social services and and solve their unique problems.
Rachel Lawson- Youth and Young Adult Educational Advocate
For over three years Rachel Lawson has volunteered her time at the International Center. She is passionate about helping refugee and immigrant youth overcome the many impediments they encounter on their educational paths. Rachel has organized programs to tutor youth and young adults, assist clients with professional development, and to help provide access to much needed social services.
Rachel received her M.A in Anthropology from the University of Cincinnati in 2007 and her B.A. in English from the University of Dayton in 2004. Outside of the International Center, her professional and academic work exemplifies her commitment to social justice. As an ORISE fellow she was employed at NIOSH, the CDC, and EID as a Medical Anthropologist. She has also worked as a Civil Rights Advocate for the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. In addition to her many achievements academically and professionally, she also co-hosts an international talk radio program for the International Center.