Henny Ohr is a co-founder and executive director of Refugee & Immigrant Voices in Action (RIVA), formerly known as EMBARC. Ohr previously served as the Executive Officer for the Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs and the Status of Women at the Iowa Dept. of Human Rights, where she advocated for equitable access to resources for marginalized communities. A child of Korean immigrants, Ohr has been committed to working for immigrant and refugee rights throughout her career. Ms. Ohr received her J.D. from the City University of New York School of Law.
DAYOUNG LIM
AmeriCorps Program Coordinator dayoung@rivaiowa.org
Hi! I am Dayoung Lim. I am from South Korea, and I have a bachelor's degree in Spanish and international business, as well as a master's degree in multilingual and multicultural education. I’ve worked closely with people from diverse backgrounds in education. Serving refugees and immigrants is especially rewarding to me, as I understand their hardships of adjusting to a new country, language, and culture without support. I am passionate about serving and supporting these communities through my skills and experiences as an immigrant. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and camping. It's a great way to recharge and explore new places.
Born to refugee parents fleeing Cambodia, Alvin has always been inspired by his mother’s journey to seek out a better life for herself and for generations to come. His upbringing inspired him to serve refugee and immigrant communities by bridging the gap between cultural barriers to life in America.
In his current role at RISE AmeriCorps, Alvin is responsible for assisting with member resources, engagement, trainings, and professional development. He believes in the power of compassion and a smile.
Alvin studied English at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. He also spent a semester studying abroad in England, and often returns to visit. Outside of work, Alvin enjoys gaming, spending time with friends, and searching for the best food spots.
NAFISSATOU LAMIDI
NE Iowa Regional Program Coordinator nafissatou@rivaiowa.org
Passionate about community progress, I am a dedicated and results-driven Program Development and Evaluation Specialist. I am Benenese and fluent in Yoruba, French, and English. My background encompasses a diverse range of experiences, from my work as an Adult Education and Workforce Coordinator, where I guided individuals in overcoming barriers to employment, to my role as a Data Analysis Consultant, where I turned complex data into actionable insights. My academic background includes a Master's in Development Studies, a Master's in Project Management, and a Bachelor's in Planning and Local Development. I'm excited to join Refugee & Immigrant Voices in Action, an organization that aligns with my deep commitment to advocating for marginalized communities. Through my skills and experience, I aim to amplify the voices of refugees and immigrants, making a meaningful contribution to their empowerment and fostering positive change.
