By Hong Vang
A conference sponsored by the Washington State Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Program will be held at the Seatac Double Tree hotel to celebrate 30 years of refugee contributions to local communities on Friday, Sept. 16 and Saturday, Sept. 17.
According to Someireh Amirfaiz, executive director of the Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA), this year’s conference – titled “Celebrating Refugee Achievements: Past and Present” – “marks the 30th anniversary of refugee arrival in Washington State.”
Hundreds of refugees, immigrants and community stakeholders are expected to gather for this two-day event to dialogue about pressing issues impacting refugee and immigrant communities and learn about resources available to help address these concerns.
Amirfaiz feels that some of the most critical issues for refugees include employment, social justice, housing, women’s issues and more.
Minnesota State Senator Mee Moua is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the event.
“I think the refugee conference, especially this year, highlights [the] contributions of refugees and immigrants [to] this country,” Amirfaiz said.
For more information or to register for the conference, please visit www.refugeeweb.org. .
