Alison Barua received her Bachelor of Arts in Government from Connecticut College and her Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from The Fletcher School at Tufts University. During her undergraduate education, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Hanoi, Vietnam – later returning as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Southern Vietnam. Alison’s involvement with NEAAO dates back to 2018; she first worked as a Summer Intern and then as an AmeriCorps VISTA with NEAAO during COVID-19. She continued to be engaged with NEAAO during the summer months while she completed her master’s degree. In her previous positions, she helped research and write grants, prepare annual reports, plan events, and more. Recently, she has been helping NEAAO with strategic planning and the development of a five-year plan. Alison is excited to join NEAAO full-time as the Assistant Director where she will continue to further NEAAO’s mission and help the organization grow in the future.

Hawa Shir brings a wealth of experience to the field of public health, with a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Over the years, she has worked closely with diverse communities, ensuring access to critical health resources and services. Hawa specializes in substance use and tobacco prevention, and she has also served as a freelance public health consultant. Her expertise in community engagement and program development is driven by a deep commitment to improving the well-being of minority and high-risk populations. In addition to her professional work, Hawa has actively volunteered in humanitarian efforts, including supporting Afghan refugee families. Recognized with the 2020 Maine Public Health Association Rising Star in Public Health Award, she is dedicated to fostering resilient and healthy communities.

Eric is a Maine-based multimedia artist and designer who studied digital media at Maine College of Art & Design. He has been exhibiting his artwork locally and regionally since 2007. He works on an independent video game and volunteers for avian rescues in his spare time.

Oula Alshaar is a Community Health Worker and Outreach Specialist at NEAAO. She is from Syria. Oula works closely with members of the Arabic-speaking community to ensure access to services, NEAAO programs and resources. She assists with English and Citizenship classes, and regularly surveys our New Mainers about needs in the community. With her cheerful personality and love of Middle Eastern dancing, Oula has a special gift for drawing people of different backgrounds together in activities and documenting them in short videos. In her spare time, she likes to create unique desserts and share the Maine experiences with her young daughter.

Mariam Mahmassani is a dedicated Vocational counsel and Community Health Worker with two years of experience in the field of counseling. She specializes in assisting clients from diverse backgrounds in advancing their careers through educational programs and successfully entering the workforce. Mariam's passion lies in empowering individuals to achieve their professional goals and improve their overall well-being. In addition to her professional pursuits, Mariam enjoys exploring culinary arts and experimenting with new recipes. She nurtures her curiosity about different cultures by engaging in travel experiences that broaden her understanding of the world. With her strong commitment to community health and her unwavering dedication to client success, Mariam Mahmassani continues to make a positive impact in the field of counseling and career development.

My name is Emad Hassan from Iraq. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the College of Science - University of Baghdad. I moved to the United States, specifically to Maine, with my family in May 2013. Currently, I work as a community health worker for the New England Arab American Organization. I can provide health education to the Arabic-speaking community, as well as share my understanding of community needs and obstacles.

My name is Elisabeth Nguizani, and I am a community health worker specializing in finance and accounting. I am new to NEAAO and look forward to working with our executive director, Zoe, and my co-workers. I'm excited to bring my finance skills to NEAAO, along with my connections within the African community. One of the activities I will be working on is translating our health materials into Portuguese and Lingala. I will also be reaching out to women to inform them about our sewing classes and Women's Luncheons. Additionally, I can serve as a cultural broker to help our new arrivals learn about their new country.

Talia Moumneh is our Art Consultant and Social Media Assistant at NEAAO. She is American born here in Maine of Lebanese descent! Talia is currently in the process of getting her undergraduate degree in Art Therapy at Lesley University. With these skills, she runs yearly Summer art classes called C.R.E.A.T.E. 4 KIDS where youth ages 10+ are given an outlet to release stress through art therapy and a place to create art! Talia is constantly learning and improving by taking skills she learns at her university and bringing those skills and fresh ideas to NEAAO. By working in art therapy-based grief support during the year, she is able to better support those in our community who are grieving during the integration process. Talia is committed to helping people in the community with the power of art therapy.

Samar Khuder is originally from Iraq. She immigrated to Syria due to war in her home country. In 2008, Samar and her family were relocated by the UN to New England, where she rapidly rose to the top of her class. She graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. She is Program Coordinator for New England Arab American Organization, where she manages several youth leadership programs. She is a certified domestic violence advocate and has extensive training in court proceedings and support services. She plans to attend dental school to become a dentist. In her spare time, she pursues art, photography, and illustration.

Nora is originally from Baghdad Iraq. She migrated to the United States at the age of 8. She graduated University of Southern Maine in 2021’ with a double major in Criminology and Women and Gender Studies. Currently, she works at Maine Medical Center as a perioperative service tech, and plans to start law school in the upcoming fall semester. She’s passionate about volunteering her time to help raise awareness to social justice issues locally and internationally.

Dana Abdulhay is originally from Iraq, moved from Tunisia to Maine in 2013 after fleeing from the Libyan Civil War. In 2020, Dana graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science International Relations and Philosophy minor. Dana has been working and advocating for Maine’s refugees and immigrants through her job as an Arabic/English interpreter with Catholic Charities Maine and Hand of Mercy Health Care. Volunteer work with Gateway Community Services and internship with New England Arab American Organization. In Fall 2022, Dana will continue her education by studying Law and Diplomacy at The Fletcher School Tufts University, aiming on working and representing immigration and human rights matters on an international level. Catching sunsets and beautiful sceneries on the coast is her favourite thing to do in Maine.

Talia Moumneh is Lebanese American, born in Portland Maine and now is a senior at Falmouth High School. She is the treasurer of the NEAAO Ambassadors and regularly volunteers at NEAAO events. She plans to major in Expressive Therapies to become an Art Therapist. In her spare time she pursues the arts through sculpture and ceramics. She also attends Portland School of Ballet and dances in their Senior Division.

Alaa Makki was born in Khartoum, Sudan. She and her family moved to the United States in 2012 for a better life and new opportunities. Alaa currently works as a Perioperative Service Technician at Maine Medical Center. She is a recent graduate of the University of Southern Maine with a bachelors' degree in Human Biology and a minor in Biochemistry. Alaa is a knowledgeable, compassionate, and empathic young woman pursuing her dream of becoming a surgeon in the near future. Alaa Makki lives in Westbrook, Maine, and participates in photography, drawing, and reading.

Labina Faizizada is an Afghan-American, who has lived in Maine her entire life. She is currently in her senior year at the University of New England. Her major is medical biology with a minor in women and gender studies. She works as the Community Navigator at the Immigrant Welcome Center, supporting immigrant-owned businesses, as well as doing community outreach. She has a passion to be working with refugees and immigrants to welcome them to their new homes and help them access community resources and opportunities. She is a UNE ambassador for the UNE Innovation Team and a Shaw Fellow where she has her own project where she helps create cultural bridges in the medical field, specifically at Southern Maine Health Care for immigrants. Labina also plans to attend medical school in the near future. She also loves art and is part of the Maine Women in Arts where she gets to showcase her paintings.

Khadija is currently serving as a Goodwill AmeriCorps Vista member. She holds a Master’s degree in Strategies and Human Resources Management. She is specialized in International Human Resources Management. Khadija worked as an adjunct professor of business. She has volunteered with several local and international NGOs to help youth start their own social projects to contribute to their communities. Khadija is passionate about supporting women. She ran workshops and organized events and projects to help women and girls reach their business goals and build their career paths.