HMI celebrates World Refugee Day, honoring this year’s theme: “Love Over Fear”

Human 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.

The program opened with remarks from HMI Executive Director Selin Nielsen and continued

with speeches from Media and Outreach Coordinator, Allison Severns and Tutoring and

Classroom Assistant, Asma Safi.

During her speech, Safi called for a more compassionate future: “We need a world where no

one is punished for seeking safety, a world where every child can go to school,” she said.

A certificate ceremony honored the contributions of HMI’s community members, board members

and volunteers. Certificates were awarded by Nielsen and Academic and Outreach Director,

Hsu-Contreras. Among those honored were U.S. Rep. Mark Takano and Riverside County

Supervisor Jose Medina, both supporters of HMI’s mission. Takano represents California’s 39th

Congressional District, while Medina, a former state assemblymember, now serves the county’s

First District.

The event also featured food and drinks, bringing attendees together in a celebration of

solidarity and shared purpose. Reinforcing HMI’s mission to build inclusive support systems for

refugees.