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Every year for World Refugee Day, the United Nations releases the updated number of displaced people in the world. With more than 100 million refugees worldwide, the ̽����ѡ aims to shift the narrative to allow refugees to share their own stories. This year we focus on the unique stories behind these big numbers.  

Ayda: A Voice Against Discrimination 

Ayda/̽����ѡ Client

“Back in Iran, I felt constantly under threat of persecution because of who I am.”  

Ayda’s voice is full of passion as she describes the challenges of being a transgender woman. Through a documentary and on social media, Ayda shares her life with the world with the hope that it will inspire change. Ayda fled Iran to Turkey and eventually to the United States due to discrimination she faced from those who did not accept her.  

The ̽����ѡ paired Ayda with a caseworker who identifies as LGBTQ+ which has helped Ayda adjust to life in the United States. “Shahira understands me and I know she will be there for me.” Ayda now has a job, goes to English classes and is finding her community right here in Maryland. Ayda is a beacon of hope in her community as she sheds light on discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community and fight for her own rights.  

Shella and Nuni: Sisters Persevering Towards Educational Success  

Shella and Nuni/̽����ѡ clients

“When we lived in the refugee camp, my sister and I struggled to learn, but now we are able to go to school and pursue our dreams.”  

Shella plans to work in aviation, while her sister Nuni wants to be a nurse. With their father and brothers, the pair spent many years in a refugee camp in Rwanda where there were only a few books and even fewer teachers. In 2023, their family arrived in Maryland. “The ̽����ѡ has been great with helping us succeed in school. Our family has been able to practice our English and we improved our grades. Our caseworker Megan encourages us to work hard and advocate for ourselves,” said the sisters. Shella and Nuni are beacons of hope in the community as they persevere towards their academic goals. 

Ashna: A Journey of Service  

Ashna/Former ̽����ѡ Client

“As a human being, we are responsible to help each other.”  

A former defense attorney and legal advisor for a large international company operating in Afghanistan, Ashna’s first job in the U.S. was as a Lyft driver. n 2023, he opened Palace Halal, an Afghan restaurant in Silver Spring to give back to his new community through his love for food.    

The ̽����ѡ resettled Ashna and his family from Afghanistan in 2017. Through his restaurant, Ashna meets many refugees and immigrants who come for the food but stay for the advice and support Ashna shares. With his background in law and his own experiences coming to the U.S., Ashna translates documents and helps refugees navigate America. Over the past year, he helped over 30 people apply for work authorization, Social Security and U.S. Citizenship.  

Ashna plans to go back to school to obtain his law degree in the United States so he can serve even more immigrants. “I want to be a servant for the community, for all human beings.” Ashna is a beacon of hope in the community as he continues to serve and advocate for others.