Chairperson

Deborah became involved with refugees in the fall of 2021 right after retiring from CCSU. As a volunteer, she helped with resettlement effort for eight families, doing everything from collecting furniture to driving clients to doctor appointments. She was instrumental in establishing the sewing program at RWC.

Vice-Chairperson

Stan has 40 years experience in the non-profit sector as a housing developer, manager and advocate of affordable and supportive housing. He holds a Masters in Community Economic Development.

Secretary

Michelle Walker, LMSW, is the cofounder of the Refugee Women’s Center and serves on its Board of Directors as Secretary. She has devoted her professional career to advancing the rights of immigrants and refugees and is deeply committed to women’s empowerment and to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces that promote dignity, self-sufficiency, and long-term stability. Michelle holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University, with a concentration in International Social Work with Immigrants and Refugees.

Treasurer

At a young age, Abby embodied volunteerism. As a teen, Abby volunteered with the children’s ministry at her church then went on to tutor high schoolers in mathematics and mentor hundreds of students as they transitioned to college. Abby has served as an active alumni of various groups such as the National Academy of Finance since 2011. With her bright smile she derives pleasure in making the world a better place and wouldn’t miss an opportunity to transfer her smiles unto others. Abby has exposure and experience in the world of Finance/Insurance and Higher Education and currently devotes her time serving as treasurer on the board while pursuing her illustrious career.

Sean-Michael Green is an attorney, author, educator, and entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience.   He is a United States Marine Corps veteran who continues to serve his community as a volunteer and board member. 

Jennifer has been a refugee advocate for more than four years, working with IRIS, West End Welcome, and Jewish Family Services to support the resettlement of refugee families. She has served on the board of the Refugee Women’s Center for the past two years. Jennifer leads the ESL tutoring program and assists clients with visa preparation, in addition to helping refugees navigate a wide range of day-to-day needs. 

Nagy has been supporting refugee's and immigrant's resettlement efforts for the past 10 years.  Prior to joining the Refugee Women's Center board, he was an Employment Specialist with Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Servicer (IRIS).  He was also an active member of a co-sponsorship group and assisted families with housing, education, employment, career development, and healthcare

Emily’s work with refugee and immigrant communities began in the early 1990s, when she assisted newly arrived Russian refugees in Hartford with resume writing, interview preparation, and employer connections. In more recent years, she has deepened this commitment as a refugee advocate helping to resettle refugees from Afghanistan, Myanmar and other places, supporting them as they navigate education, employment, and community resources.