Human Migration Institute Celebrates 10 Years of Transforming Refugee Lives

Human Migration Institute will celebrate a decade of serving refugee families with its 10th anniversary gala Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture.

The event, running from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and themed "Home, Hope, and Voices of Humanity," will highlight the transformation of the county's only refugee-focused organization from a small group of concerned residents to a lifeline for more than 1,500 newcomers.

Founded in 2015 as Glocally Connected, HMI has provided over 10,000 hours of training and support to refugees from Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine and other countries. The organization offers education, job training, intercultural programming and daily guidance through a staff that is 90% women-led and 68% refugee-led.

"When we started HMI 10 years ago, then Glocally Connected, we believed every displaced family deserved more than safety — they deserved dignity, opportunity, and belonging," said Selin Yildiz Nielsen, founder and president of Human Migration Institute, in a statement. "A decade on, that conviction has moved people from uncertainty to stability and from isolation to community."

The gala will spotlight success stories including Friba, a former school principal in Afghanistan who fled the war and now owns a small business while serving as HMI's cultural and community liaison.

"When you educate a girl or woman, you educate society," Friba said. Through HMI, she found both opportunity and a platform to help others.

Another participant, Tahira, arrived in 2022 with no formal work experience and limited English. Through HMI's wraparound services — including ESL classes, mental health counseling and job readiness workshops — she now works full-time and encourages other newcomer women.

"It gives me courage and hope," Tahira said, "helping me realize that I can rely on myself and be independent."

Afghanistan Crisis Response

HMI played a critical role during the 2021 Afghanistan crisis when the Taliban seized control. As panic spread through the Afghan community, HMI's office was flooded with calls from families trapped abroad and relatives desperate to save loved ones.

The organization coordinated with universities, legal partners and elected officials to help dozens of families reach safety. One of those evacuated was Amena Sadat, who fled Kabul amid gunfire and chaos.

"All of my worries are gone," said Sadat, now pursuing a PhD in political science at UC Riverside. "I'm only concentrating on my studies here. It's a really positive thing."

Nielsen noted in an interview that HMI became a trusted responder during the crisis, verifying cases and coordinating documentation across state lines and time zones.

Building Self-Sufficiency Through Career Pathways

Many refugees arrive with professional experience — doctors, engineers, teachers and skilled tradespeople eager to contribute to their new communities. HMI's Refugee Career Pathways program helps them navigate the U.S. workforce through career coaching, resume development, ESL instruction and certification support.

Within six months of enrolling, 71% of participants use newly learned skills daily, from resume writing to navigating vocational pathways. Most move from having no income to achieving financial stability, according to HMI data.

"We stay connected throughout the process," HMI officials said in an interview. "Our team maintains regular communication — daily, weekly, or monthly — depending on the client's needs."

Addressing Service Gaps

As the county's sole refugee-focused organization, HMI follows strict eligibility guidelines through partnerships with the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The organization prioritizes services based on three factors: eligibility and urgency, vulnerability of families with children or language barriers, and readiness to engage with services.

"Refugees and others legally admitted through humanitarian pathways undergo one of the most thorough vetting processes in the world, often waiting years for approval," HMI officials explained.

When capacity is tight, the organization provides referrals and maintains contact to ensure no one lacks a path forward. Currently, HMI supports seven young Afghan women accessing classroom learning for the first time — students who gather weekly in a safe space at HMI's office.

Major service gaps remain in affordable housing, legal support, transportation and mental health care access.

Building Community Understanding

To combat anti-refugee sentiment, HMI founded the Riverside County Refugee Forum in 2023, which has expanded into the Inland Empire Refugee Forum. The coalition brings together local organizations, county departments, educators and faith leaders to coordinate refugee services regionally.

"Most people have never met a refugee, and that distance leaves room for fear, misinformation, and harmful stereotypes," HMI officials said. "Our role is to close that gap — not with debate, but through stories, relationships, and shared experiences."

Despite Riverside being broadly welcoming, fear still affects many refugee families who arrived legally after years of vetting by U.S. and international agencies.

"Many still feel afraid to go outside, ride public transportation, access services, or attend job training," Nielsen said in an interview. "That fear is real and valid, especially in a national climate where immigration and refugee issues are often politicized or misunderstood."

Many refugees served through Special Immigrant Visa programs worked alongside U.S. military and diplomatic missions overseas as interpreters and cultural liaisons, putting their lives at risk for American efforts.

Looking Forward

The anniversary gala will include reflections from newcomer families and community leaders, cultural performances, and a retrospective of HMI's journey. Dinner and opportunities to connect with advocates will round out the evening.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and include recognition in event materials, visibility across HMI's platforms, and engagement with a mission-driven audience.

Tickets and sponsorship information are available at hmir.org or by contacting info@hmir.org.