A Weekend of Purpose: HMI Representing Refugee Voices Across Our Community
This past weekend was a powerful reminder of why community matters. Across multiple gatherings, conversations, and celebrations, HMI had the honor of representing the voices, stories, and resilience of the refugee families we serve. From academic spaces to philanthropic circles to local community events, our mission was carried forward with purpose and unity.
Deepening Understanding Through Community Dialogue
Last Saturday, December 6, the Human Migration Institute participated in an inspiring convening hosted by the CBU Center for Community Engagement and Social Innovation (CESI), bringing together community members, practitioners, and scholars to deepen our collective understanding of the impact of displacement.
Our Founder and President, Dr. Selin Nielsen, served on the expert panel. HMI’s Program and Communications Director, Allison Severns, Grant Writer and CBU graduate, Kaycee Cannon, and Career Navigator and current CBU student, Matthew Silguero, led an engaging interactive session on perceptions of refugees and how narratives shape community responses.
The event featured roundtable discussions, breakout sessions, and rich dialogue that highlighted the importance of informed, compassionate approaches to supporting displaced populations.
We are grateful to CESI for creating this space for meaningful conversation and collaboration, and proud of our HMI team for representing our mission with clarity.
Later that evening, HMI was honored to be one of ten nonprofits invited to A Day of Giving, a special holiday gathering hosted by philanthropists Ergun and Juliana Kırlıkovalı at their Mission Viejo residence. The event offered guests an opportunity to learn about humanitarian and nonprofit work taking place in their own communities. Several prominent entrepreneurs, local politicians, and diplomats attended, creating a warm and engaged atmosphere of generosity and civic responsibility.
Dr. Nielsen and HMI’s Operations Director, Sedef Altuğ, attended the event, joining a remarkable group of guests including our major donors of HMI like Turan and Judy Kahraman.
That same night, at a separate Riverside community gathering, Dr. Nielsen also had the chance to connect with local community members — including Riverside’s Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson — continuing conversations about the needs of displaced populations and how organizations like HMI contribute to a more inclusive and resilient community.
A Sunday of Storytelling, Community, and Impact
On Sunday, December 7, HMI joined fellow Riverside nonprofits at the Alternative Gift Fair hosted by First United Methodist Church. This annual event brings local organizations together to offer meaningful, mission-driven gifts that support their work. HMI was grateful for the opportunity to share our programs, connect with community members, and raise support through handcrafted items and story-centered gifts that highlight the impact of our refugee initiatives.
Founder and director Dr selin Nielsen, Operations director Sedef Altuğ, academic director Teresa hsin-yu. Hsu, volunteer coordinator Valerie Morgan, MESC intern Anahita, as well as afghan women entrepreneurs Tahmina and Nasreen and volunteer Hosai Dawar attended.
As the weekend wrapped up, one truth shined through every conversation and gathering: our community is strongest when we show up for one another. HMI is grateful for the partnerships, the shared learning, and the collective commitment to building a future where every newcomer feels seen, supported, and at home. Here’s to continuing this work together.
