Meet the Team
The Faces of Our Organization
Since our founding in 2004, Refugee and Immigrant Self-Empowerment has developed and grown in a positive direction. We’re very proud of the diversity of our staff, and their abilities to contribute their own lived experience and skills to our success. Find out more about some of our team members below.

haji@refugeeandimmigrant.org
Haji Adan
Executive Director

ebfasama@refugeeandimmigrant.org
Euphemia Fasama
Associate Executive Director

bcolebrook@refugeeandimmigrant.org
Brandy Colebrook
Director of Programs

fhradil@refugeeandimmigrant.org
Frances B. Hradil
Director of Development

richard@refugeeandimmigrant.org
Richard Whitson
Director of Education

leah@refugeeandimmigrant.org
Leah Ifraimova
Director of Resettlement

lucy@refugeeandimmigrant.org
Lucy Spence
Director of Agriculture Programs (SYRap)

mmuse@refugeeandimmigrant.org
Mohamed Muse
Case Management Supervisor, Buffalo Office

oliviersekarore@refugeeandimmigrant.org
Olivier Sekaror
Individual Development Account Program Director

sergeilambo@refugeeandimmigrant.org
Serge Ilambo
Employment & Case Management Director
Board Members

Thomas Nimineh
Board Chair
Nan Fechtner
Board Treasurer
Kelechi Ibe-Lamberts
Board Secretary
Derek Galloway
Board Member
Faith Nimineh
Board Member
Nancy Smith
Board Member
Philip Thayaparan
Board Member
Photos By: Solon Quinn Studios