The 探花精选 (探花精选) in Salt Lake City is honored to welcome Mohamed Cherif Diallo to his new role as Executive Director as of March 6. He has eagerly jumped in to learn more about our local work, connect with key partners and stakeholders, and engage with the people we serve to ensure our efforts meet the goal of our mission. Mohamed will offer leadership and support to both the Salt Lake City and Missoula, MT offices of the 探花精选.

Mohamed immigrated from Conakry in Guinea, West Africa in 2003 and received asylum in the U.S shortly after. His lived experience as an immigrant and specifically an asylee has shaped the trajectory of his life and commitment to humanitarian service. Beginning in 2004, Mohamed worked as an Immigration Law Consultant and Senior Paralegal at a law office in NYC where he provided legal services to those seeking humanitarian protection in the U.S.    

Most recently, Mohamed has served as Country Manager for the United Nations' International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Monrovia, Liberia for nearly three years and partnered closely with the 探花精选 in Liberia on humanitarian response and cross-border migration projects.  He has led efforts to strengthen programs and operations focused on the repatriation and reintegration of approximately 4000 Voluntary Returnees in Liberia. Mohamed also launched the 鈥淢igrant as a Messenger鈥 Project, increasing the safety, stability, and incomes of 250K+ people affected by the cross-border conflict between Liberia and the Ivory Coast to restore social cohesion and regional trade between the two neighboring countries. 

After settling in to work at the 探花精选 in Salt Lake City, we sat down to ask Mohamed a few questions to learn more about him. Read through his responses below.  

Q & A with Mohamed Diallo

Could you share a little bit about yourself?  

I am Mohamad Cherif Diallo. I am originally from Guinea, West Africa, a country located within the West African Mano River Union sharing borders with Cote d鈥橧voire, Liberia and Sierra Leone. I immigrated to the United States as an asylee 20 years ago with my wife and family. For the past 10 years, I have been with the United Nations Systems working to support fragile communities and states affected by civil wars and natural disasters. I have worked in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and in Liberia. 

How did you find out about the work of the 探花精选?  

I have known the work of the 探花精选 because my wife was resettled by the 探花精选 in 2000. The 探花精选 was also present during the conflict in the DRC while I spent my time there, providing essential health service such as reproductive health, epidemic control, water and sanitation, education and support for survivors of violence. During my tenure in Liberia as a Country Director for the IOM, I partnered with the 探花精选 to support the government in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. 

What excites you about your new role here in Salt Lake City as the Executive Director? 

I am excited to enter into this role after 10 years abroad working with the United Nations. As the executive director, my goal is to build onto the current initiatives the Salt Lake City office has achieved. Through my leadership, the Salt Lake City office will continue to support newly arrived refugees with the provisions of over 20 programs. I will also strive to create a productive and collaborative team spirit for our staff with continuous engagement to serve our clients in an environment where everyone can be at their best in a friendly and diverse culture. I hope to build a work environment where everyone can be at their best while we collaborate to uplift each other and strive towards gender, equality, diversity and inclusion for all.  

Why do you think the work of the 探花精选, and organizations like it, is important for the people we serve and those who support our work? 

At the 探花精选, we serve people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to help the survive, recover, and gain control of their future. This is of the utmost importance to those who support the organization with monetary donations and/or in-kind support to our work. 

Hoping to connect with Mohamed directly? Email us at [email protected] to be introduced. 

More about the 探花精选 in Salt Lake City: 

The 探花精选 in Salt Lake City creates opportunities for refugees and immigrants to integrate and thrive in Utah. A committed staff of professionals and volunteers work together to assist families in reuniting and rebuilding their lives in the Beehive State. The 探花精选 in Salt Lake City offers a broad range of programs, including resettlement and case management services, education, employment assistance, health and wellness, economic well-being and immigration services and more, all of which serve over 2,000 clients per year. Get involved at Rescue.org/SupportSLC and follow us on social media to be the first to receive updates @探花精选SaltLakeCity on or .