Egette was born and raised in a refugee camp in Tanzania, Africa. In 2021, she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from George Mason University and became the first person in her family to obtain both a high school diploma and a college degree. She also received her Master of Arts in Psychology with a focus in cognitive and
Egette was born and raised in a refugee camp in Tanzania, Africa. In 2021, she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from George Mason University and became the first person in her family to obtain both a high school diploma and a college degree. She also received her Master of Arts in Psychology with a focus in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience from George Mason University in 2022. Egette has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness.
Egette’s work with Safe Haven was inspired by her experience as a refugee. She founded Safe Haven Space, to empower and increase mental health resources and services to refugee families in the US . Egette’s passion for advocacy and humanitarianism extends to her work helping children worldwide. She served as President for George Mason’s chapter of UNICEF and on the Leadership Development Team for the UNICEF USA National Council.
Egette believes that Safe Haven Space will ease the transition to the American life. She also believes that it will help student perform better in school overall, while working on solving unresolved trauma and challenges.
Marissa is thrilled to be part of the dedicated and dynamic team at Safe Haven Space working to offer a safe space and well-being services to refugee and immigrant students and their families. She brings to the team 30 years of experience in diplomacy, strategic planning, public affairs, and program management. As a Foreign Service Off
Marissa is thrilled to be part of the dedicated and dynamic team at Safe Haven Space working to offer a safe space and well-being services to refugee and immigrant students and their families. She brings to the team 30 years of experience in diplomacy, strategic planning, public affairs, and program management. As a Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State, Marissa served in Washington DC and at several U.S. embassies and consulates overseas. She started her professional career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand. In addition to her government service, Marissa has worked with several organizations focusing on refugee assistance, human rights, and education. She has degrees in National Security Studies (National Defense University), International Politics (American University), and Education (Bowling Green State University).
One of her favorite wellness activities is taking daily walks with her dog Tambi.
Juliana has spent two decades moving across 5 countries in 3 continents as an immigrant, and speaks Japanese, Chinese and English. She is a CPA and has worked in public accounting and management consulting. She has used her personal experiences to publish a novel about the lives of immigrants in Japan, which explored themes such as cultur
Juliana has spent two decades moving across 5 countries in 3 continents as an immigrant, and speaks Japanese, Chinese and English. She is a CPA and has worked in public accounting and management consulting. She has used her personal experiences to publish a novel about the lives of immigrants in Japan, which explored themes such as cultural and linguistic adaptation, loss of homeland, belonging, and marginalization. She has a deep interest in promoting a beneficiary-centered approach to aid, and an agile and adaptive approach to financial controls as a treasurer. She believes in the value Safe Haven Space brings in promoting well-being and education for refugee communities, removing stigmas around mental health, and supporting community members to lead full and dignified lives. She is currently studying towards a Masters in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins SAIS, and holds a M.S. in Accounting from American University, and a B.A. in Economics from University of Toronto.
Lisette is a first-generation Mexican American who is a seasoned operations professional. She has over 15 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector and advocating for social justice, equity, and community development. Lisette has driven initiatives in talent management, organizational design, strategic planning and change manage
Lisette is a first-generation Mexican American who is a seasoned operations professional. She has over 15 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector and advocating for social justice, equity, and community development. Lisette has driven initiatives in talent management, organizational design, strategic planning and change management. She excels in developing programs, policies, and processes that streamline operations and strengthen the organization’s impact, all while ensuring alignment with mission-driven goals. Lisette has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Social Work.
As she steps into the role of Director of Operations, Lisette is committed to Safe Haven Space’s mission. She is poised to leverage her experience to enhance operational excellence and further the organization’s work of empowering refugee students and their families with tailored support for mental health as they transition to American life.
Amritha Vure is currently a junior at Freedom High School. She has completed an online psychology course with Yale University propelling her interest in mental health. She has taken psychology courses online and is familiar with working in the mental health and psychology field. Although she was born and raised in the United States, she i
Amritha Vure is currently a junior at Freedom High School. She has completed an online psychology course with Yale University propelling her interest in mental health. She has taken psychology courses online and is familiar with working in the mental health and psychology field. Although she was born and raised in the United States, she is incredibly passionate in the destigmatisation of mental health concerns in immigrant families, especially in younger people.
Outside of work and school, you can find me listening to music and spending time with her friends. She joined Safe Haven Space to impact the community on a large scale and to really make a difference.
Karolina graduated from Boston University in May 2023 with a degree in International Relations, Public Health, and Chinese. In previous professional and volunteer experiences, she has consistently focused on community service and empowerment. She has worked with international organizations, city government agencies, and university-affilia
Karolina graduated from Boston University in May 2023 with a degree in International Relations, Public Health, and Chinese. In previous professional and volunteer experiences, she has consistently focused on community service and empowerment. She has worked with international organizations, city government agencies, and university-affiliated research and social improvement committees. Most recently, Karolina was a HIV/AIDS Local Government Capacity Building Volunteer with the Peace Corps.Maike is an early career professional, with university degrees in Global Health (BSc) and Crisis and Security Management (MSc) from Erasmus University and Leiden University in the Netherlands. With a drive for addressing global and public health challenges, Maike has worked as a (senior) medical science consultant for companies, governments and international organizations, including NATO, in several countries such as the United Kingdom, United States and the Netherlands. She has also contributed her knowledge and expertise to several non-for-profit organizations, for example by offering support and mentorship to rare disease patient group leaders, writing health information guidance and documents and executing projects in various low- and middle-income countries.
Having experienced the challenges of international relocations and settling into an unfamiliar environment herself, Maike is well aware of the associated challenges and the benefits of mental health support and the presence of a supportive community. She is therefore passionate to support Safe Haven Space in providing access to mental health support among minority and refugee communities.
Sana received her dual Bachelor’s degree from George Mason University in Global Affairs and Psychology with a concentration in Media, Communications and Culture. She is currently pursuing a MS in Data Analytics and Engineering. Her interests are in strategy, insights, analytics, and digital experience.
She has been actively involved in n
Sana received her dual Bachelor’s degree from George Mason University in Global Affairs and Psychology with a concentration in Media, Communications and Culture. She is currently pursuing a MS in Data Analytics and Engineering. Her interests are in strategy, insights, analytics, and digital experience.
She has been actively involved in non-profit work relating to mental health and global healthcare through previous internships with a strong foundation in communications, business analytics and knowledge management.
Sana hopes that her work for Safe Haven Space will help refugees receive the mental health support they need while also promoting open conversations and furthering the need to acknowledge the stigma surrounding refugee mental health.
Crystal is a graduate holding a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree with a major in Political Science from the University of Mary Washington.
Over the past two years, she has immersed herself in various roles related to social media, digital marketing, and communications, honing her skills in these fields. What propels her forward is an unwav
Crystal is a graduate holding a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree with a major in Political Science from the University of Mary Washington.
Over the past two years, she has immersed herself in various roles related to social media, digital marketing, and communications, honing her skills in these fields. What propels her forward is an unwavering commitment to personal growth and advancement. She thrives on the challenge of pushing her boundaries, refusing to settle or become complacent. Her family's well-being and happiness are fundamental drivers, propelling her to strive for a better future not only for herself but also for those she holds dear. Her journey is characterised by determination and a resolute sense of purpose. As a highly motivated individual, she is consistently dedicated to self-improvement within the realms of social media and digital marketing. Her eagerness to acquire new skills and broaden her knowledge base fuels her professional pursuits. Beyond her career, she is passionate about travel, viewing it as an avenue to explore diverse cultures, gain fresh perspectives, and expand her horizons. Whether savouring exotic cuisines, embracing adventurous activities, or immersing herself in different environments, she relishes the excitement of trying new things. She firmly believes that by embracing these experiences, I not only foster personal growth but also contribute positively to both her personal and professional development.
Crystal became a part of Safe Haven Space with the intention of making a meaningful impact on people's lives. The prospect of collaborating with the Safe Haven Team and its founder presented an exciting opportunity to build valuable connections. Her goal is to not only contribute to the mission of Safe Haven Space but also to enhance her skill set, ultimately propelling her career forward.
Vyshnavi is an undergraduate at VCU, majoring in psychology on the pre-med track. She is passionate about accessible health care, especially mental health care. She aspired to be a psychiatrist in the future and looks forward to helping people with their mental health.
She has been looking for opportunities to give back to the community a
Vyshnavi is an undergraduate at VCU, majoring in psychology on the pre-med track. She is passionate about accessible health care, especially mental health care. She aspired to be a psychiatrist in the future and looks forward to helping people with their mental health.
She has been looking for opportunities to give back to the community and when she found SHS it felt like the perfect fit. She is first generation here and mental health is heavily stigmatised in the Asian community so she has grown up feeling the effects of it. It has made her passionate about making mental care accessible to all, even in communities where it may not be prioritised or normalised.
Gisselle is an undergraduate junior at George Mason University majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology and minoring in Philosophy. As an advocate for healthy and inclusive mental health resources, Gisselle is passionate about providing communities with spaces to share immigrant and refugee stories. Gisselle was a summer research intern at
Gisselle is an undergraduate junior at George Mason University majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology and minoring in Philosophy. As an advocate for healthy and inclusive mental health resources, Gisselle is passionate about providing communities with spaces to share immigrant and refugee stories. Gisselle was a summer research intern at the National Eye Institute and National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism studying the cholinergic control of striatal dopamine release. In addition, her research interests are trauma and grief in immigrant families. Through Safe Haven Space, she hopes to contribute to both destigmatizing and demystifying mental health by increasing accessibility and spaces for open and honest conversations.
Rida Jamal, received a Bachelor’s degree in Bioinformatics from Virginia Commonwealth University, and has previously interned at the prestigious National Cancer Institute where she primarily conducted research on cell line SW480 and CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knock-ins. In addition to research, Rida also has a strong interest in global health
Rida Jamal, received a Bachelor’s degree in Bioinformatics from Virginia Commonwealth University, and has previously interned at the prestigious National Cancer Institute where she primarily conducted research on cell line SW480 and CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knock-ins. In addition to research, Rida also has a strong interest in global health and international development, and has developed winning citizen engagement initiatives to provide funding to NGOs during her time as an intern at the World Bank Group, IMF, and IDB.
As an aspiring physician, Rida hopes to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and to provide refugees with resources, community, and support as they adjust to life in the United States.
Mahlaqa received an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto. She always tries to find ways
to work where she is able to help in strengthening communities, to allow them to become even better.
Mental health is not a topic that is commonly spoken about in the South Asian community. Within the
community she has seen the amoun
Mahlaqa received an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto. She always tries to find ways
to work where she is able to help in strengthening communities, to allow them to become even better.
Mental health is not a topic that is commonly spoken about in the South Asian community. Within the
community she has seen the amount of courage it takes for someone to talk about their emotions or
share their struggles with mental health.
She hopes to help Safe Haven Space in achieving their goal and destigmatize mental health in refugee
communities. She hopes to spread awareness on mental health to make discussions easier and safe to
have.
At Safe Haven Space, our mission is to provide education and resources to support mental health and wellness to refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers in our community.
Please consider donating to allow us to continue and expand our efforts.