OUR TEAM
SARAH CADY
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah Cady, LICSW, brings over 20 years’ experience working with foreign-born populations in the education, health, and refugee resettlement arenas. She has been a refugee case manager, job developer, and director of programs at both the national and local levels. Prior to joining REACT DC, she served as the Executive Director of the Refugee and Immigrant Services Department at Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) overseeing large-scale employment and initial resettlement programs for refugees, SIVs, and Afghan and Ukrainian Parolees. Additionally, she opened and directed the LIRS Alexandria Field Office which resettled over 1,400 Afghan Allies after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Sarah is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in DC and Virginia and speaks French. When she is not working you can find her chasing around her 7-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter. She is an avid reader and loves riding her bike, practicing yoga, running, and gardening.
Directors
Senior Programs Consultant
ALLISON AGOGLIA
Allison lived the life of a military brat and grew-up all over the US and abroad. That sense of never staying in one spot for too long, learning about different cultures, and being able to explore new places through travel sparked her desire to work overseas and with diverse populations. She has worked with several NGOs around the world to provide assistance to women and children, access to education, and lessons on women’s health. She’s previously worked in a refugee resettlement office and assisted with their women’s and cultural orientation programs. Allison believes in the boots on the ground approach— interacting with the families directly, building relationships, learning people’s stories, and making those personal connections drive her to keep going. She approaches situations with empathy and compassion, a willingness to listen, and grit so that she can support and empower those she works with. Allison attended James Madison University and studied International Affairs with a Concentration in Africa along with a minor in French.
REACTresettlement Director
AHMAD AMIRY
Ahmad Amiry is an accomplished professional with a rich background in international rights politics and law, boasting over 8 years of experience in various domains such as operations, case management, procurement, and capacity building. Previously serving as an IDA Program Coordinator at Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Services, Amiry demonstrated exceptional proficiency in project management, financial analysis, and program coordination, playing a pivotal role in empowering refugees and immigrants to thrive in their new communities. Currently, Amiry brings his wealth of expertise to his role as REACT DC's Resettlement Manager, where he leads initiatives to support the successful integration of displaced individuals and families into the fabric of society. His strategic mindset, coupled with his dedication to fostering community partnerships, enables him to navigate complex challenges with grace and efficacy. With a degree in Political Law/International Rights and certifications in Microsoft Office Suite and Information Technology, Amiry combines practical experience with a robust educational foundation to drive impactful change and uplift those in need within his sphere of influence.
REACTlegal Supervising Attorney
ALEXA AUGUST, Esq.
alexa@reactdc.org
Alexa August, Esq. founded August Legal, LLC to help immigrants navigate our complex, asymmetrical, and constantly changing immigration system in the United States. Alexa graduated from American University’s Washington College of Law with a Juris Doctor cum laude and barred in Maryland in 2019. She also holds a Master of Arts in International Affairs with a concentration in U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security from American University’s School of International Service. Since Alexa was a first year law student, she knew she wanted to become an immigration attorney. Alexa has traveled the world providing volunteer legal aid to refugees, including in Greece and Jordan. With a passion for travel, she has been to 13 countries and counting. Alexa met with Congressional offices on The Hill to advocate for Afghan SIV reform, beginning in 2017. Since the collapse of the democratic Afghan government in August 2021, she has specialized in immigration services for our Afghan allies. She also works closely with the Latin American community, having briefly lived in Argentina, and speaks Spanish. Alexa believes that the attorney working on a client’s case should be accessible. The close relationships she maintains with clients has been instrumental to achieving successful outcomes for her clients.
REACTsponsors Private Sponsorship Director
ALLY BROWN
Ally is a military spouse, family advocate, and substitute teacher in Arlington, Virginia. During her many years of activism, Ally shaped and developed policy for the Virginia Department of Education as part of the Military Child Education Coalition and was selected for U.S. Senator Tim Kaine's Military Family Roundtable, which informed the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee on various issues affecting military families. Ally previously spent 11 years as a software engineer in the telecommunications industry. As a mother of three--including two children with special needs--and a survivor of 14 military moves, Ally more than knows how to be resilient, resourceful, and ready. She is a passionate advocate for both refugee and military families and has experience engaging public officials and senior organizational leaders, especially on issues related to families with special needs.
REACTlegal Supervising Attorney
JESSICA CEDILLO, Esq.
Jessica Cedillo, a seasoned immigration attorney based in Rockville, Maryland, brings over a decade of experience advocating for her clients' rights and navigating the complexities of immigration law. As the owner of the Law Office of Jessica Cedillo, LLC, she serves as a dedicated solo-practitioner representing individuals before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and immigration courts, offering expert counsel on relief eligibility and diligently preparing and filing various applications, including asylum, family petitions, and naturalization. With prior roles in local non-profits and private practice, Jessica has honed her expertise in diverse immigration matters, managing complex caseloads and conducting impactful community outreach initiatives. Holding a Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law and fluent in Spanish, Jessica remains committed to serving her clients' needs with compassion and professionalism, leveraging her legal acumen to navigate their immigration journey with care and expertise.
Employment Director
FARIHA DAUD
Fariha is a graduate of George Mason University. For over a decade, she managed the administrative affairs at Northern Virginia Community College. Fariha is fluent in Farsi, Dari, Uzbek, Turkmen and she is also proficient in Russian, Turkish. She has put her language skills to use in her past roles as an interpreter and case manager. As a mentor to young refugees, Fariha leverages her past experiences to guide refugees and help them with navigating the American education system, both K-12 and college. Fariha enjoys taking drives to new places, watching movies and most importantly spending quality time with her family. Helping others and making her community a better place are two things that drive her.
REACTlegal Director
SAFIULLAH DELAWAR
Safiullah Delawar is a highly accomplished professional with over 13 years of experience in government and nonprofit organizations. Previously serving as an asylum specialist at REACT DC, he holds master's degrees in International Relations and Political Science. His career highlights include roles as a Project Manager - Activity Coordinator at Lutheran Social Services National Capital Area (LSSNCA), Diplomat - Economic Counselor and Consul at the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington, D.C., and Foreign Policy Coordinator at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Afghanistan. With a commitment to human rights and international conventions, he has also worked as the Director of reporting to international conventions. Through his diverse expertise, linguistic proficiency, and dedication to public service, Mr. Delawar continues to make a positive impact in his field and the lives of those he supports.
Refugee Career Pathways Director
HASIB DELLAWAR
Hasib Dellawar has a master’s of criminal law and criminology from Avicenna University in Kabul in 2019 and a bachelor’s of Political Science from the University of Pune in India in 2011. He has worked as a manager, community mobilizer, cultural advisor, interpreter, translator, Lecturer in university and teacher in Afghan and American companies over the last ten years. Hasib is fluent in Dari/Farsi, Pashto, Urdu/Hindi, and English. Hasib likes to travel and visit new places. He plays chess and soccer in his free time. Hasib was born and raised in the northern Baghlan province of Afghanistan where he also attended school.
Director of Development and Communications
DEVON McCUAN
Devon is a former Army Signal Officer, a devoted military spouse, and a proud mother of three wonderful sons. Her journey has taken her across three continents and to all four corners of the Continental United States, instilling in her a deep appreciation for diversity and a commitment to breaking down barriers. Transitioning from active duty in 2010, Devon continued her service to both the military and broader communities through extensive volunteering. She lent her time and expertise to multiple army units, mothering groups, and spouse clubs across the US and Europe, fostering connections and support networks wherever she went. Devon understands the transformative power of community, and she actively cultivates it wherever she goes. With an infectious, glass-half-full enthusiasm, Devon brings a vibrant energy to any team she joins. Her adventurous spirit fuels her zest for life, and she eagerly seeks out new experiences at every turn. In her free time, she finds joy in walking her dogs, diving into books that broaden her horizons, and orchestrating family reunions and friendcations that bridge the miles between loved ones scattered across the globe. Devon holds a B.A. in Government and International Politics from George Mason University, a testament to her commitment to understanding the complexities of the world she navigates with grace and determination.
REACTlegal Supervising Attorney
ALISON TABOR, Esq.
alison@reactdc.org
Alison Tabor is a dedicated attorney with a compassionate approach to advocacy and a firm commitment to effecting positive change. With a passion for defending human rights and supporting marginalized communities, Alison's journey in advocacy stemmed from a heartfelt desire to offer assistance to those in need. Her impactful work with Afghan evacuees began at the Operation Allies Welcome legal clinic in Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin in 2021, where she led special initiatives to assist the 13,000 Afghan guests. After Ft. McCoy, she collaborated to create, develop, and facilitate pro se asylum workshops for hundreds of Afghan parolees. Alison's representation spans various immigration processes, including affirmative asylum representation with USCIS and defensive asylum representation at immigration courts. She firmly believes in compassionately guiding clients through the complex immigration system and working to ensure access to justice for all. Alison champions the right of every individual to humane treatment, striving to collaboratively drive positive change and foster a more equitable world.
Staff
REACTresettlement Housing Coordinator
BATOOL BEHNAM
Batool Behnam is a dedicated and results-oriented researcher with a strong background in public health, boasting four years of experience in research and project management. She holds a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Global Health from Brown University, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from the Asian University for Women. Batool has led and managed various projects, including founding the Rise Again School for Afghan refugees and managing community engagement initiatives at Brown University. Fluent in multiple languages and skilled in mixed-method research, she has contributed to significant research projects and published work on environmental and occupational health hazards. Batool is passionate about using her expertise to drive impactful community and public health initiatives.
Sponsorship Operations Manager
A MEG EAST
Meg is a military spouse and devoted mother to three wonderful children and has embraced a life rich in diversity, empathy, and community support. Being a military spouse has instilled in her a profound sense of duty and sacrifice, as well as a deep appreciation for the importance of support networks. Through these experiences, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of solidarity and compassion. With 1.5 years of experience in nonprofit work focusing on humanitarian efforts and refugees, she has expanded her commitment to serving those in need beyond the military community. Beyond Meg's dedication to nonprofit support, she cherishes moments spent with her family; hiking through scenic trails and planning family trips allows her family to create lasting memories and strengthen their connections, fostering a sense of adventure and exploration. Through her experiences as a military spouse, volunteer, nonprofit worker, and devoted parent, Meg has come to appreciate the beauty of diversity, the power of empathy, and the importance of building a supportive and inclusive community. Meg holds a B.A. in Culture Anthropology from University of Alaska, Fairbanks.
REACTlegal Program Manager
LIMA HOTAK
Lima Hotek was born in 1993 in Kabul, Afghanistan, and grew up in a family that valued open-mindedness and education. After completing high school in 2013, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Law. In 2019, Lima immigrated to the United States and began her career as a Linguist and Interpreter, contributing her expertise to renowned organizations such as Mackellar Corporation and Mission Essential. In addition to her linguistic roles, Lima gained experience working with the Legal team at Lutheran Social Services National Capital Area. She is also an active member of the Afghan American Women Association (AAWA), where she selflessly volunteers her services to support the community. As an immigrant woman living independently, she is deeply committed to supporting her community and promoting social welfare. Lima is fluent in multiple languages, including Dari/Farsi, Pashto, English, and Urdu, which enables her to communicate effectively and bridge cultural gaps.
REACTlegal Program Manager
PAIGHAM AHMAD ROSHAN
Paigham A Roshan is a versatile professional passionate about serving immigrant communities and advancing social justice initiatives. With a background spanning refugee resettlement, legal affairs, information technology, and aviation management, Roshan brings a wealth of experience to any endeavor. Having served multifaceted positions such as Application Specialist, Legal Team Member, and Aircrew/Standardization Officer, Roshan has consistently demonstrated exceptional case management, legal support, and operational leadership proficiency. With fluency in Pashto, Dari, English, and Urdu, Roshan facilitates communication and cultural understanding across diverse environments. With a steadfast dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need, Roshan is deeply committed to leveraging his diverse skill set and experiences to serve organizations devoted to aiding immigrants, fostering inclusivity, and advancing societal well-being.
REACTresettlement Case Manager
DAMARIS TURCIOS
Damaris Turcios is a Certified Public Notary in Virginia with extensive administrative and customer service experience. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and has held various roles in human resources, office management, and client-facing positions. At Champion Title & Settlements, Inc., she handled administrative duties, prepared title document packages, and managed office operations. Previously, as a Human Resources Assistant at Cuisine Solutions, she coordinated onboarding, translated training sessions, and assisted with event planning. Damaris holds a Career Studies Certificate in Business Information Technology from Northern Virginia Community College and is recognized for her strong organizational and communication skills.
Ahmad Tamim Ahmadi
REACTresettlement Intern
Freshta Ansari
REACTlegal Specialist
Ahmad Fawad Azizi
REACTressetlement Lead Case Manager
Kaylan Brett
Grants Acquisition Specialist
Ailis Brown
Cultural Orientation Coordinator
Amanullah Chamkani
REACTlegal Specialist
Belqees Hurmat
Digital Literacy Instructor & Sewing Workshop Assistant
Omid Kamal
REACTlegal Specialist
Khalid Massoudi
REACTlegal Specialist
Javed Naseer-Ahmed
REACTlegal Specialist
Mohammad Zareef Nizami
REACTlegal Specialist
Mirza Rafat
REACTlegal Specialist
Zuhra Rahimi Safi
Child-Minding Instructor
Shoaib Khan Shinwari
REACTlegal Specialist
Mansora Sultani
Sewing Workshop Instructor
Samina Yousofi
English Language Instructor
Board of Directors
AMY MARDEN
Founder | Board Chair Emeritus
Amy has dedicated thirteen years to giving voice and agency to at-risk and transitional populations. She served six years as a resource and referral liaison for the U.S. Navy domestically and in Japan, where she worked with military families facing reintegration hardships after multiple tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and at sea. On the heels of the Afghanistan evacuations, Amy founded REACT DC to assist Afghan allies with their resettlement. She is currently the Chairman of the Board of that organization, which serves over 800 Afghan and Ukrainian newcomers per month. Amy is a practicing attorney and former federal law clerk for the Northern District of Florida, where she assessed the validity of prisoners’ last right appeals. She is also the author of The Parts We Lost, which she published on the eve of the last evacuation flight out of HKIA.
Founding Member | Interim President, Board of Directors
JOSH BURGESS
Josh is a social entrepreneur passionate about creating regenerative solutions to the Earth's most pressing challenges. He previously served 25 years in the United States Air Force as a special operations advisor, pilot, and international affairs expert. Through his deployment experiences in Afghanistan, Josh is deeply immersed in Afghan culture and committed to empowering our Afghan allies to build successful futures in America.
Treasurer, Board of Directors
PAUL KIEKHAEFER
Paul is a community builder who is passionate about helping drive action at the intersection of the public, private, and social sectors. He works as a Delivery Leader for Delivery Associates, where he helps governments and social impact organizations deliver improved outcomes. He previously worked in management consulting at Alvarez and Marsal, where he helped state governments manage operational crises and tackle financial problems. Paul believes it is the duty of those with much to help those with less, particularly providing welcome to refugees. Paul brings direct experience as a member of a SponsorCircle that helped settle an Afghan couple in the Northern Virginia area in 2022 with REACT DC as the fiscal sponsor.
Secretary, Board of Directors
LISA MADDOX
Lisa served 15 years as an intelligence officer for the Federal Government. Her work included war zone assignments, one of which took her to Afghanistan. An expert in Middle East and South Asia security issues, Lisa developed a dedication to issues in Afghanistan and stepped up during the August 2021 fall of Kabul to support fleeing families. Lisa’s expertise and insights can be found in recent New York Times articles and a Showtime documentary entitled, “The Longest War.” Now a small business owner working in the field of family history and genealogy, Lisa continues to support newly arrived Afghan allies, helping them adjust and thrive.
Board of Directors
JAFAR HUSSAINI
Jafar Hussaini is a meticulous and detail-oriented financial professional with a rich background spanning auditing, budgeting, reporting, and taxation. With a sharp focus on accuracy and compliance, he has adeptly handled complex individual income tax returns and spearheaded the implementation of robust financial controls across various organizations. Holding pivotal roles such as Accounting Officer for the Office of Chief Financial Officer in D.C. Hussaini has demonstrated exemplary leadership in driving strategic financial initiatives while ensuring transparency and accountability. In his previous positions as Director of Financial Analysis, Comptroller, and Director of Finance & Accounting, Hussaini demonstrated exceptional proficiency in managing global finances, optimizing payroll systems, and refining accounting protocols. With a keen eye for detail, he navigated intricate financial landscapes and regulatory requirements with finesse. Hussaini spearheaded numerous audits with an unwavering commitment to GAAP standards while implementing a resilient internal control structure. His innovative approach to financial operations bolstered fiscal effectiveness and transparency, marking significant advancements in organizational accountability. Armed with an Executive MBA in Accounting/Finance from George Washington University and a Bachelor's in Political Science from Hunter College, Hussaini brings a unique blend of financial expertise and strategic insight to every endeavor. Recently accredited as an Enrolled Agent, the highest credential awarded by the IRS, he is poised to offer expert guidance and representation in navigating the complexities of tax law, further solidifying his role as a trusted advisor and leader in the financial arena.
Board of Directors
Join REACT DC's Board of Directors
Shape the Future of Refugee Support!
Are you passionate about empowering refugees and making a lasting impact in the community? Do you have the leadership, vision, and dedication to help guide a growing organization in its mission to support newcomers? REACT DC is seeking dynamic individuals to join our Board of Directors and help steer our efforts to provide vital services to refugees and immigrant families.
About REACT DC
Founded by veterans and military spouses, REACT DC is dedicated to supporting refugees and newcomers as they integrate into American society. We provide a wide range of services, including legal assistance, job placement, education, and women’s empowerment programs. Our goal is to help individuals and families build successful, self-sufficient lives in their new communities.
Why Join the Board?
As a member of the Board of Directors, you will:
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Lead Strategic Growth: Play a key role in shaping the future direction of REACT DC, helping us expand our programs and outreach.
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Champion Our Mission: Advocate for refugee rights and influence policy that affects the lives of displaced people.
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Leverage Your Expertise: Utilize your professional skills to contribute to areas such as fundraising, program development, community partnerships, or governance.
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Make a Tangible Difference: Help ensure that refugees receive the resources they need to thrive in their new homes.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking board members with diverse backgrounds and skill sets, particularly in:
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Nonprofit Leadership
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Finance & Fundraising
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Legal & Advocacy
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Community Relations
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Corporate Partnerships
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Immigrant and Refugee Services
Candidates should be committed to REACT DC's mission and able to dedicate time for quarterly board meetings and occasional committee work.
How to Apply
Interested in joining a team that’s making a meaningful impact? We would love to hear from you! To learn more or to apply, please email us at info@reactdc.org.
Help us make a difference—together, we can build brighter futures for refugees and their families!
Key Volunteers
Molly Sepulvado
Founding Member
Caroline Bello
Employment Assistance
Sarah Hawkes
Grants Acquisition
Sofia Joucovsky
Summer Intern 2023
Tomoko Kawasumi
Inventory Manager
Betsy Keenan
Community Engagement
Caroline Lavin
Summer Intern 2022
Kim Lundberg
Community Engangement
Kim Mestre
Workflow Specialist
Jackson Sepulvado
Youth Engagement
Kelly Smith
Public Relations Manager
Amy Zheng
UMD Impact Intern Summer 2024