ORIS’s multi-lingual staff deploy into the ethnic communities they both live in and serve. ORIS focuses on recruiting staff at all levels that represent the New American Communities in the cities we serve.
Today, ORIS’s staff represent 8 different nationalities and speak a combined 16 languages. ORIS’s 7 member Board of Directors is entirely composed of refugees, immigrants, and first-generation Americans. ORIS is an ethnic community-based organization, with 90% of the staff and board reflecting the ethnicities of the communities that we serve.
Mukhtar has led ORIS since its inception in 2005. In this role he harnesses the needs, skills, and dreams of the clients, board, staff, and partner agencies that make up ORIS, to guide the organization along a path true to the community it serves. A native of Somalia, Mr. Idhow attended secondary school in Kenya and worked as the Farm Training Coordinator for the non-profit organization GT2, where he trained refugee camp residents on basic crop production. In the U.S., Mr. Idhow worked as an interpreter for the Manchester Community Health Center and for Southern New Hampshire Services before founding the Somali Bantu Community Association.
Emily Filiano joined ORIS in 2022 as Program Design Manager. Emily is responsible for guiding ORIS’s programs through the design life-cycle. She collaborates with staff to plan new programs, establish systems for effective operation, and ensure that programs align with ORIS’s mission, and uphold the integrity of its service model. Emily has a strong background of work with immigrant and refugee communities, and is a qualified medical interpreter. Emily earned a Masters Degree in Social Work at Boston College, where she specialized in Macro Practice, received a certificate in Policy and Community Organizing, and was a member of the Latinx Leadership Initiative. Emily is passionate about racial and cultural equity, and dedicated to promoting human dignity through sustainable systems change.
Rita Al Suhairi became a part of ORIS in January 2024, taking on the role of Extended Services Program Manager in the Worcester area. A 2022 graduate of Assumption University, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, complemented by a double minor in Sociology and Criminology. Rita’s career trajectory has seen her excel in various roles, starting as a behavioral technician , advancing to a mental health technician, then progressing to case manager, and finally to program coordinator. Her extensive background in the mental health field has equipped her with valuable knowledge and experience. Outside of her professional life, Rita enjoys painting, reading, hiking, and cooking. Her commitment to ORIS stems from a deep-seated desire to effect positive change and support her colleagues in providing the best care to our ever-growing community.
Touria graduated from Moulay Ismail University in Morocco. In 2001, and after working for the American Peace Corps Organization, Touria moved to the United States where she started a new career as an advocate for survivors of domestic violence and their children at the International Women’s House in Georgia. In 2008, she moved with her family to New Hampshire where she started working at the YWCA, as a culturally specific advocate until 2018. At ORIS, Touria continues to serve refugee and immigrant communities as Case Manager, Advocate, and in her new position as Healthy Families Program Manager.
Catie Cohen is the Farm Share and Wholesale Manager at Fresh Start Farms Food Hub. She works to ensure that the day-to-day operation of the Food Hub, CSA program, and wholesale partnerships are efficiently distributing farm products. Catie transitioned from a career in engineering to food service 6 years ago and has always found roles that enabled her to learn more about cultural, local, and nutritious food. She recently moved from Denton, Texas where she ran a whole grain-focused bakery that specializes in sourdough bread. When not at the Food Hub, Catie enjoys baking bread for her family and friends, hiking, reading, and playing ping pong.
Azizi’s great passion is to support those who have gone through traumatic/difficult experiences and face barriers carrying out daily activities. Hamayuon Azizi is a Bilingual Case Manager for ORIS in Worcester. At ORIS, he helps his clients, including adults and families, find solutions to their obstacles, and empowers them to live their lives self-sufficiently. Azizi spent 7 years working with the Afghan government and accomplished many projects successfully. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Azizi also helps Afghans socialize with their new community in the US.
Miranda LeBlanc became part of the ORIS team in April 2024, taking on the role of Youth Development Manager. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Texas Christian University in 2021, with a specialization in International Relations and a minor in Sociology. Prior to her position at ORIS, Miranda dedicated her efforts to developing youth and educational programs for schools, international nonprofits, and mental health organizations. Outside of work, she delights in reading, gardening, and quality time with her family.
Nedina joined ORIS in June 2024 as the Human Resource Manager. With over nine years of experience in Human Resources, Nedina brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Born and raised in Boston, MA, she has deep roots in the community and is particularly passionate about her Haitian heritage. Nedina takes pride in actively contributing to and supporting the Haitian community, especially by assisting newcomers to the United States.
Outside of work, Nedina enjoys various hobbies including going to the gym, spending quality time with her family, and exploring new food recipes. Fluent in both English and Haitian Creole, Nedina’s proficiency in her native language developed at an early age. Her command of Haitian Creole was so advanced that educators initially recommended she be placed in a bilingual program upon starting school. Known for her unwavering positivity and supportive nature, Nedina is dedicated to helping others achieve their goals and fostering a welcoming environment wherever she goes.
Fakherah joined ORIS in Feb 2023 as a bilingual case manager specializing in Afghan case management and empowerment program in Worcester. She is from Afghanistan. Fakherah earned her master’s degree in law from Necmettin Erbakan University in Konya, Turkey. Fakherah worked as a defense lawyer in the German International Organization. Fakherah is the founder of an organization in Afghanistan named Afghan sisters’ Legal Organization which focuses on providing legal resources for the Afghan community.
Jean N. Mugabo has been fulfilling the role of Program and Outreach Coordinator with the New American Sustainable Agriculture Program (NASAP) within ORIS since July 2023. His journey in assisting refugees began in 2021 when he diligently guided clients through various resettlement processes. Jean is an adept and versatile professional communicator, bringing a decade of experience in online, radio, and print media to his role.
Originally a civil engineer in Afghanistan, Zarif later transitioned into a role as an assembler before joining the team at ORIS in Worcester. Beyond his professional life, Zarif is passionate about a range of hobbies. He enjoys immersing himself in books, staying active through workouts, hiking, and swimming. Camping allows him to connect with nature and unwind from the demands of everyday life. He is proficient in three languages: English, Dari (Farsi), and Pashto. Zarif looks forward to this new chapter of his career.
Hayden joined ORIS in 2024 as the Development and Grants Manager. Before joining ORIS, Hayden worked as a proposal writer and manager at multiple companies, focusing on developing new systems and processes to track and manage funding opportunities. As the Development and Grants Manager, he works to both write and track grants and other funding opportunities for ORIS. In his free time, he has a passion for creative writing and views writing as a fundamental tool for connecting people with new perspectives.
Farahnaz Sharify is from Afghanistan and holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a master’s degree in Talent Management and Human Potential Development in Organizations from the American University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan. Her professional background includes roles in HR and Administration with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Quality Assurance with Assess Transform Reach (ATR), and similar positions with the USAID Ramp Up North project. Prior to joining ORIS, she gained experience working with Centria Autism and Baystate Interpreter Company. She is proficient in Dari, Pashto, English, Russian, and Urdu. In her spare time, Farahnaz likes to read and dance.
Ibrahim joined ORIS in January 2024 as an R&P Case Manager, overseeing the reception and placement program and core services for refugees. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in French Education and an MSc in Global Studies and International Relations from Northeastern University Boston. Previously, Ibrahim served as the managing director of a fish production company, where he spearheaded strategic plans and company policies, fostering significant growth through innovative approaches. His experience extends to managing culturally diverse environments as a residence coordinator of a group home, ensuring a secure and supportive atmosphere for residents. His proficiency in English, French, as well as African languages such as Twi, Fanti, and Bambara, not only adds depth to his personal identity but also strengthens his professional ability to engage with and assist a diverse community.
Silvia Vega joined ORIS in June 2024 as the Shelter & Overlap Services Manager. Originally from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Silvia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences. She has previously served as the Bilingual Family Support Coordinator for Thrive Support & Advocacy and spent eight years working with the Worcester Public Schools STEP program. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her four children and fiancé. Silvia is proficient in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Sarah is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Food Hub and is your contact for all things FarmShare. Sarah brings experience in food justice work and sustainable farming to the team, as well as a passion for building food systems where everyone has access to fresh, healthy, affordable food.
Our board of thought leaders, movers, and shakers who form the backbone of the ORIS mission.
MR. MUKHTAR IDHOW
ORIS Executive Director
MR. CRISPIN MILELE
Board Chair
Medical Interpreter at Manchester Community Health Clinic
MS. VICTORIA ADEWUMI
Vice Chair
Community Liaison/Public Health Specialist at City of Manchester Health Department
MR. ALI SEKOU
Treasurer
Hannaford Supermarkets
MR. GARETH ORSMOND
Board Member
Partner, Pierce Atwood
MS. LINA SHAYO
Board Member
Immigration Lawyer at Mesa Law
MR. FAMOH TOURE
Board Member
Program Manager at Pinpoint Translations/ International Institute of New England
MS. LEA TUYISABE
Board Member
Accounting Technician, City of Manchester
