Mahsa, a young, bright, and promising student, had recently completed her high school education in Afghanistan and was eagerly pursuing her academic aspirations at a public university. During the Utah legislative session, she used her voice and her story to help pass a bill that enabled refugees to obtain in-state tuition rates at Utah universities.

Hear from an Afghan woman working against the odds to help others and work for gender equality.

Netflix’s Transatlantic is based on a historical fiction book that tells the story of Varian Fry and his team’s work evacuating refugees from Vichy France during World War II. Their legacy is a central part of the IRC’s foundation. Find out more about our origin story and the inspiration behind Transatlantic here.

The IRC is governed by a volunteer, unpaid Board of Directors. In addition, the IRC Board of Advisors provides advice on policy, advocacy, fundraising and public relations.

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