This July, the IRC in Seattle welcomed a new member to our team, and bid a fond farewell to a valuable employee and friend. Leann Price – whom you may remember from her days as an IRC AmeriCorps VISTA – became our new Employment Assistant. Leann took over the job of Igor Voloshin who is headed for new adventures at UC Hastings College of Law with his fiancé, Maggi.
Igor joined the IRC team in October 2009, and quickly proved himself as an exceptionally fast learner and collaborative team player. His work provided opportunities to countless refugees as they sought their first jobs in the U.S. Igor diligently followed up on job placements, effectively troubleshooting challenging situations with both employers and refugees. In addition to his work locally, he also participated in the IRC Job Developers network. Through this network, Igor helped develop relations with multi-city employers in order to create new job placement opportunities for refugees. Along with the refugees who benefited from his efforts, we at the IRC will miss Igor’s positive outlook and excellent work.
While we are sad to see Igor go, we are also excited to welcome back former IRC volunteer and AmeriCorps VISTA, Leann. Leann first got involved with the IRC in 2008 helping with our annual fundraising dinner. Soon after, Leann decided she needed a change in career, and left her job in accounting and finance to move to Thailand. There she worked with an organization called Burma Volunteer Program for several months teaching English, global conflict and history to Burmese students. Upon her return to Seattle, Leann began an AmeriCorps VISTA position with the IRC. Through April 2011, she served as the Educational Services Coordinator leading the IRC’s Pre-Employment class, helping refugee youth register for school, and coordinating IRC volunteers.
Now, after only a few short months away, Leann is happy to be back at the IRC: “I love education and teaching English to refugees, so I’m excited that I’ll still be a part of the IRC’s ESL Pre-Employment class. I’m looking forward to having a more integrated role in the employment program, forging partnerships with local businesses, and working with our clients as they establish economic self-sufficiency.” We are glad to have you back, Leann. We know you’ll do great things in the IRC’s employment program, as Igor did before you!
Return to the IRC in Seattle
