On Saturday, June 20 the IRC in Tallahassee celebrated World Refugee Day. The IRC hosted a live virtual panel discussion with community partners, refugee families and the Tallahassee community at-large. The event highlighted the contributions of the refugee community in Tallahassee, and elevated the voices of refugee families, community leaders and volunteers who ensure Big Bend communities continue to be welcoming places for all.

We are excited to welcome David Oliver, our new deputy director! David brings leadership and expertise in program design from his tenure at the IRC in Atlanta. David's commitment to serving the community and his deep understanding of client-centered programs will enable us to continue our growth in supporting our resilient clients as they seek to heal and rebuild their lives.

Natalie El-Deiry, former deputy director who co-founded Spice Kitchen Incubator and strived to expand and deepen other strategic initiatives, started in her new role as executive director in April 2019.

RYSA, now the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA), welcomes dozens of Peer Mentors as key team members each year. Alice, a Peer Mentor for RYSA 2020 - a virtual and unusual year - offers her reflections below. Inspired? Volunteer with NYSA 2021