Refugee leaders selected for Sparking Change project

USA for UNHCR announces our 2025 Sparking Change grantees in partnership with Refugee Congress and Welcoming America. This year’s cohort of grantees was chosen to support the creative, community-building solutions developed and delivered by refugees now residing in the United States.  

Meet the 2025 Sparking Change grantees and learn more about how their projects will improve integration and inclusion for those who have experienced forced displacement and are building bridges between refugees and their new communities. 

Siham Amedy was forced to flee Iraq as a child. Following a career in advocacy for immigrants, refugees and other marginalized groups, her work through Sparking Change will use food to bridge gaps across communities and promote inclusion. In addition to teaching gardening techniques and bread-making using traditional taneri ovens, Siham’s project will also provide training in financial literacy, marketing and logistics. 

Sarwat Azad was forced to flee Afghanistan. Her project focuses on empowering refugee women through vocational training in sewing, photography, art and modeling. Additionally, she will provide language and legal support where needed. She will also host a community event where participants can showcase their skills and share their stories with residents of Wisconsin.  

Iffat Hussain was forced to flee Pakistan. Iffat has been using plays to help her friends and family learn English. For her Sparking Change project, she will expand this project to her larger community in Ann Arbor, formalizing both the practice and performance of plays put on by refugee communities. She hopes to also highlight the stories and experiences of refugees in plays that can help foster a community of engagement and understanding for the audience.  

Mdigo Kisimbo fled Kenya with her family. Her project aims to provide essential support to newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers in navigating their new communities by creating a map in various languages to identify grassroots organizations and other culturally relevant services. The map will be available digitally and in print to help newcomers overcome the technical barriers many face.  

Yomardy (Joy) Lacruz was forced to flee Venezuela. A former Fulbright scholar, Joy is leveraging her Sparking Change grant to launch a multicultural project to create meaningful connections for the Aurora community, particularly those at the local elementary school, which supports many newcomers. Her project will foster dialogue and shared experiences for participants, culminating in a community-wide gathering.  

Jeanne Musabyimana fled Rwanda during the 1994 genocide. Her Sparking Change project tackles the important issue of supporting newly arrived mothers and helping them navigate the challenges of raising children who have experienced forced displacement in a new environment. Through building a community of refugee mothers, Jeanne will provide guidance on overcoming obstacles such as isolation and financial stress.  

Mala Nan Leth is a Karen Muslim refugee forced to flee Myanmar. Mala is using the Sparking Change grant to create mental health support for refugees and asylum seekers in her community through a combination of art therapy and storytelling. She will invite mental health providers and community leaders to support those who attend her workshop.  

Jean de Dieu (Jado) Ndaruhuye and his family were forced to flee the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After resettling in Michigan, Jado realized the challenges the refugee community often faces in understanding cultural hygiene practices specific to landlords in the U.S. His project will include hands-on sessions and culturally relevant trainings to help participants maintain their new homes.  

Phimmasone Owens was forced to flee Laos with her family over 40 years ago. Her project supports individuals and families who have been forced to flee, often leaving most of their worldly possessions behind. Phimmasone will create the Heirloom Project, taking new professional portraits to help rebuild what was lost and find dignity in their new lives. 

Ali Tarokh is a resettled refugee from Iran who now resides in Illinois. Ali is using his Sparking Change grant to launch “Voices through Art,” a community event that will showcase the artistic talents of refugees living in his community. To reach a large audience, Ali will capture recordings of stories and help preserve the valuable narratives of those who’ve been forced to flee.  

Emma Yaaka was forced to flee Uganda. His Sparking Change project will focus on empowering LGBTQ+ young adults and allies by providing support in financial management and career development. Additionally, Emma will coach young adults in understanding their rights and the impact of domestic violence, which is particularly impactful as this community is more likely to experience various degrees of violence and abuse.