Staff & Board

Amanda studied Finance at the University of Nebraska and graduated from college at the age of 19. She received her Masters in Business from Creighton and spent 7 years working at Union Pacific Railroad before starting KOVUS, a technology consulting firm. Amanda served on the Board of Directors and became Executive Director in 2019.  Amanda feels like its an incredible honor to get to do this work.

Jmal speaks three languages and was a high school math teacher – but his smile might be what he’s best known for. Originally from Darfur, Jmal was an employment caseworker at REC for 3 years before his current position as Manager of Programs. He really enjoys giving refugees hope for their future as he helps them become productive members of their new community in Omaha. 

Tarig is a numbers guy. He holds a degree in economics and has vast experience as a financial manager, but most importantly, as a refugee himself, he knows first-hand how refugees contribute to our bustling American economy. So, Tarig understands the importance of working closely with newly-arrived refugees on their monthly budgets and potential job opportunities within their first 90 days. 

Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, remembers fondly how her family received support when they arrived in the U.S., and she is passionate about providing the same help to others. She brings almost 2 years of experience working in social services, and speaks four languages: English, Karenni, Burmese and little bit of Karen.  In her role as a Preferred Communities caseworker, Lee helps refugees and refugee families who need additional case management beyond their 90-day initial resettlement period.

Kathy is one of REC’s longest-standing and most loyal employees.  She has been helping and encouraging refugees in our community to learn English for over 20 years.  When she’s at the office, it’s not unusual to hear people exclaim “Teacher Kathy!” and run and give her a big hug.  She is full of kindness and encouragement and is so welcoming to all students learning English.  Most recently, she’s been helping our artisans in Project Refuge learn English while they work.  This program is a dream come true for Kathy to see people learn English while also being paid a fair wage!

With almost ten years of experience as a caseworker at REC, Mary Hei takes the lead as role model for our newest employees. In her daily case manager work, she really enjoys helping fellow refugees become self-sufficient. As a refugee herself, she knows how hard it is to adjust to a new culture and feels it’s important to help them get settled properly in Omaha. Bonus points: she also speaks three languages: Burmese, Karen and English.

After 20 years of service to the poor and marginalized people of Nepal, Yogendra migrated to the United States. While here, he pursued his master degree in clinical counseling in order to serve the mental and behavioral health needs of refugees. His consistently positive attitude and hard work-ethic make him an incredible asset to the REC. Yogendra enjoys providing services to the refugee population to help them become self-sufficient.

Eh wears many hats. There’s never a task he doesn’t complete with diligence and purpose – and all with a smile on his face! Eh enjoys supporting REC in multiple ways, including translating and driving clients to and from appointments as they acclimate to the Omaha community. Eh has used his experience as a refugee to lend a helping hand to others in the same situation and is a positive light for the REC staff and clients we serve.

Eh Soe was born and raised in Thailand refugee camp and came to the US in 2013.  She speaks Karen and is currently studying at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.  In her role as an ARISE caseworker, she gets to help families with disabilities.  It is her dream to be able to help her community and to stand with the people with disabilities, and see them thriving.  In her free time, one of her favorite hobbies is Don Dance because she gets to represent the Karen and Poe Karen culture with dance that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Mitch may be one of the most interesting people you’ve met recently. Originally from New York, he’s spent time volunteering at refugee camps and helping people all over the world. He has a passion to do as much good for as many people as he can. This shows in his tenacity in his new role as Housing Specialist. There is no job too big or too small when it comes to making sure our new refugee clients have a furnished home when they arrive. Oh, and he’s learning Arabic too. Reach out to Mitch if you’re interested in volunteering to help set up housing for our new clients!

Heather brings 20+ years of advertising and marketing experience to REC. She graduated from Dana College with a B.F.A in Graphic Design, Fine Arts and Print Communications. Day-to-day she works as a Senior Art Director at Bozell, a 100-year-old Omaha advertising agency that specializes in working with companies who aspire to change the word. Heather brings those strategic thinking and branding skills to support social media and fundraising efforts at REC.

The dream of a young boy in India to become an engineer and scholar has led Dr. Deepak Khazanchi to UNO’s College of Information Science & Technology, where he serves as Associate Dean, Professor of Information Systems, and Community Engagement and Internationalization Officer. Deepak is a civil engineering graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology and worked as a structural engineer and project manager before coming to the United States to obtain his MBA. After that, he earned his Ph.D. from Texas Tech University. He is excited about helping REC achieve its full potential.

Kabir came to America in the early 1990’s as a refugee with $50 in his pocket. Within the first few weeks of his refugee life in Omaha, he started working two part-time jobs and began taking ESL classes at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He received his bachelor and master’s degree in accounting from UNO. Kabir has held several leadership positions with different organizations and currently serves as the CFO for WellCare of Nebraska. He has served on the board as treasurer since October 2017.

Kareen’s experience in the non-profit arena makes her a MVP on the board and a great help with grant management and donors. She studied Communications at Concordia University in Seward Nebraska and holds a Certificate in Fundraising Management from University of Nebraska-Omaha. She has more than twelve years of non-profit experience and is an active volunteer in community. Kareen currently works for Immanuel, a non-profit dedicated to serving seniors. 

After serving as a volunteer for many years, Mohamed joined the board member in 2019.  He’s very knowledgable and connected to the Somali community, and more importantly, he cares a lot.  These connections were important to make sure the community’s voice was heard as we were seeking the state’s consent for resettlement.  During his time in a refugee camp, he worked as one of the camp leaders, helping keep the camp running smoothly.  He brings this experience and leadership skills to the board in addition to his passion for volunteering.

Erik’s first introduction to REC was as a First Friend, a program where refugees and Omaha residents are connected for social support/friendship.  Erik graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in psychology and communications and went on to earn his law degree from UNL. Erik served as in-house counsel for a local insurance company before spending time living abroad in China.  Erik now works as the Executive Director of the Immigrant Legal Center.  As one of REC’s longest-standing board members, he loves helping to advance the mission of REC.

Elhag came to the United States as a refugee from Southern Sudan.  He has his civil engineering degree and worked in Libia as a civil engineer with companies all over the world.  Unfortunately, he and his family were forced to flee from violence in South Sudan, but the Omaha community has benefited from his work ethic and strong convictions about the importance of community. He provides a great perspective on how we can work together to help refugees in our community thrive.  One of his pieces of advice is to “think big, but start small.”

Abdi serves as a Somali Community Liason in Omaha Public Schools.  The school systems are crucially important to refugee children’s success so having Abdi’s knowledge and experience is incredibly valuable.  He was recommended to be on the board because he is “brilliant” and “helps so many people and knows so much about the refugee community.”  During his time on the board Abdi has already assisted in important decisions surrounding program services and staff changes.

Anne brings almost two decades of experience in nonprofit management, organizational infrastructure development, community development, arts management and grant-based work to REC. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a Bachelor of Arts in communications and public relations; and from the University of Missouri-Columbia’s Truman School of Public Affairs with a Master of Public Affairs in non-profit management and public policy analysis.  Meysenburg served as Executive Director for two different smaller nonprofits before joining the Omaha Community Foundation in 2015 as the Director of Community Investment.

Kam is a talented photographer and poet who is already contributing to the richness of the Culture of Omaha.  He recently participated in the New American Arts Festival and is a student at Metro Community College where he is continuing his education.  Kam came to the US as a refugee from South Sudan.  We’re lucky to have him in our community and offering his valuable perspective to the board!

Jenni was born and raised in Omaha and currently leads the business development strategy for Olsson’s 200-person Omaha office. She has over 12 years of experience in the AEC industry, all while fostering her passion for her community. She has many achievements that have enabled her to shine as a role model including serving as the board president of Girls Inc of Omaha, board president of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Omaha Metro and participating in ICAN’s Defining Leadership for Women program. She has been honored as one of Omaha’s 40 under 40 in the Midlands Business Journal in 2017, and was part of Leadership Omaha, Class 38.

Kimberly Thomas brings over 25 years of experience in advocating for and serving our communities most vulnerable populations. Kimberly is the executive director at CASA. In her prior work, Kimberly was the assistant director/director of Community Services at Lutheran Family Services. Kimberly was responsible for the management and leadership of the three offices serving refugees, immigrants and asylees. Kimberly is a graduate of Lead Diversity and Leadership Omaha Class of 43. She is currently on the board of Omaha Mom Prom, has served on the Nebraska CASA Association Board, is a member of the Omaha Women’s Fund Circles Group and was a founding member of the Omaha Women’s Fund Talk of the Town.

Originally from Guatemala, Daniel holds a Business Administration Degree from University Mariano Galvez in Guatemala City, and he is a graduate of the Nebraska Bankers Association Leadership Program and the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands, Executive Leadership Institute. After 25 years in banking, he became co-founder of Lending Link, a first-in-the-nation initiative to provide responsive financial coaching and alternative loan services to individuals. Lending Link works to improve the finances of low-to-moderate income households by transitioning the individuals out of the predatory and payday lenders to promote long-term financial stability. Daniel currently serves as Board Treasurer of the Heartland Workers Center, Treasurer of the D2 Center, Board Member National Justice for Our Neighbors and Loan Committee Member of Spark Capital.

Feroz Mohmand rose from being a refugee within his home country of Afghanistan to become press coordinator for Afghanistan’s president, Hamid Karzai. He was also a liaison officer between embassies, NATO and the international media. He, his spouse Gharghashta “G” Katawazai and their family became refugees after he uncovered a plot against American diplomats and military officers. Today, military officers knowledgeable of this plot believe Mohmand’s actions saved American lives. After a long and difficult journey, the Mohmand family relocated to Nebraska. Mohmand now works as an system administrator for the AOI Coroporation and continues to share his story as a public speaker.