On the evening of Saturday, November 8th, 2025, Human Migration Institute (HMI) commemorated ten years of Home, Hope, and Voices of Humanity with our inaugural gala at the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture. This once in a decade celebration brought together sponsors, staff, newcomer families, volunteers, and special guests in one shared space of beauty, memory, and meaning.
Read MoreOn September 17th, the first-ever Inland Empire Refugee Forum was held at UCR, uniting Riverside and San Bernardino County forums into one collaborative platform. Hosted by Human Migration Institute and Lifting Humanity, the forum brought together community partners, state and county representatives, and international students to highlight newcomer challenges, share stories, and set a vision for the future of refugee support in the Inland Empire.
Read MoreHuman Migration Institute hosted its annual World Refugee Day event on June 21, 2025,
bringing together community members, public officials and volunteers under this year’s theme:
“Love Over Fear,” which emphasized choosing support over silence for refugees.
Read MoreOn March 8, 2025, HMI proudly hosted our largest International Women’s Day celebration yet! 🎉 In partnership with the Universalist Unitarian Church of Riverside and Riverside County National Organization for Women, we gathered over 100 refugee women, local leaders, and community members for an unforgettable afternoon of empowerment, storytelling, and cultural celebration.
Read MoreOn Saturday, March 15th, 2025, Human Migration Institute (HMI) proudly hosted its first-ever Riverside Community Resource Fair at the Stratton Community Center in Bordwell Park. This event was designed to connect individuals and families with essential resources, fostering a healthier and more connected community.
Read MoreOn Oct. 24th, Dr. Selin Nielsen, Friba Dawar, and Leen Kawas from the HMI team, attended the Afghan Refugee School Impact Grant Conference in Sacramento, where leaders, advocates, and educators gathered to address the critical needs of newcomer Afghan and Ukrainian communities in California…
Read MoreHMI recently had the pleasure of hosting two impactful events as part of the #LoveRiverside Serve Days. These projects brought together volunteers and community members to make a tangible difference, fostering connections and creating welcoming spaces for our refugee learners…
Read MoreMeeting Meryl Streep at the UN Headquarters was a profoundly moving experience. Her passionate speech about the dire situation faced by Afghan women under the Taliban’s rule struck a chord with many, including myself...
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