Ayan works as a counselor at CAPI's Minnesota Family Investment Program. She has been working with CAPI for a little over two years. She’s originally from Somalia, and enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends. Ayan provides job placement, training, and counseling to CAPI's MFIP program participants.

 

 

Birtukan works as an Employment Specialist at CAPI and has been with CAPI for two years. Birtukan worked with Lutheran Social Services as a refugee case manager prior to coming to CAPI. Birtukan has a Social Work degree from Augsburg College, and will be starting her Masters program at Luther Seminary in fall 2009. Birtukan is also involved a lot with the Oromo community working as a women coordinator at Oromo Lutheran Church.

 

Dean Porter is CAPI’s Program Coordinator. He manages CAPI’s Elder Care program, Food Shelf program, our nutrition and health initiatives and assists with development for CAPI. Dean came to CAPI through Public Allies, a nonprofit leadership development program that identifies young leaders committed to promoting social justice in their communities. Dean has a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Grinnell College and has experience in program development, community organizing, cross-cultural research and advocacy. Through his work, Dean seeks to promote cultural understanding and enhance opportunities for immigrants and refugees in the Twin Cities.

 

Ekta manages CAPI's core programs in health equity, youth education, and economic resources. She has been with CAPI since February 2007, progressively managing its core programs. Ms. Prakash has earned her bachelors in Sociology from Patna University and then later pursued her Master’s in Sociology from Delhi School of Economics. She came to United States after finishing her education in 2001. Before coming to the United States Ms. Prakash worked as a volunteer for Women Literacy program. Her career has revolved around non-profit organizations serving diverse communities. Ekta also has a Masters in Public and Non-profit Administration. Ekta is also part of CAPI's gender equity leadership team.

 

Eleanor is the Operations Coordinator at CAPI USA. She helps with a variety of projects at CAPI USA including general operations, communications, and development. Eleanor came to CAPI through the Public Allies Program, a national nonprofit leadership training program associated with Americorp and Pillsbury United Communities, and now continues her work as a full time employee. Eleanor has a background working in diverse communities providing social services abroad and in the United States along with experience in Academic Research. Eleanor is excited to continue her work at CAPI as a part of an organization that strives to guide refugee and immigrants on their journey toward self-determination and social equality.

 

Pham Thi Hoa: Executive Director
Email: pham.thihoa@capiusa.org
Direct Phone Line: (612) 767-3661

Hoa has 20 years of experience of managing programs for refugees and immigrants, including overseas relief and development experience in Asia, Africa, and the Balkans. Prior to joining CAPI, Hoa was the Regional Director at the American Refugee Committee where she managed its microfinance and gender-based violence programs in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. She also supported the ARC's work with Burmese refugees in Thailand and the Tsunami relief efforts in Sri Lanka. Previously, Hoa was managing relief and development country programs for refugees and displaced persons in Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia for the International Rescue Committee, Thailand and Indonesia for Save the Children/US, and Vietnam for the Norwegian Refugee Council. Hoa holds a Master in Public Policy from Columbia University and a BA from the University of Minnesota with a concentration in journalism and international relations. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Council for Nonprofits, MAP for Nonprofits, Center for Victims of Torture, and the MACC Alliance of Connected Communities.

 

Joe has been with CAPI for close to 8 years. Currently he is an employment counselor with the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP). Prior to becoming an MFIP Employment Counselor, he was an employment counselor for the Refugee Employment Service program for 8 months, a Food Shelf Coordinator for 4 years, and an Outreach Specialist for the Family Strengthening program for another 8 months. Mr. Vang is also a certified Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF). He loves his job and has always wanted to make a difference for the clients that he serves.

Krishna is the custodian at CAPI. He began working at CAPI as a wage subsidy client, and after completing his thirteen weeks of wage subsidy was permanently hired here. He is hard working and enjoys his job at CAPI. Krishna grew up in Southern Bhutan, but was forced to flee his home and live in a refugee camp in Nepal. Krishna came to the United States less than two years ago, where he lives in Minneapolis with his wife and four children.

 

Lisa Harris: Program Assistant

Email: lisa.harris@capiusa.org

Direct Phone Line: (612) 767-3673

 

Lisa started working at CAPI as a receptionist through the wage subsidy program and is now CAPI’s Program Assistant. She guides clients to find employment opportunities and assists them through the job search process. She encourages and motivates clients to reach to their highest potential and to never give up. Lisa remains motivated to help clients because of her past personal experiences that often relate to those of clients. She currently runs the Job Club and actively seeks opportunities for CAPI to build relationships with employers. Lisa’s future goal is to continue to pursue her education in Human Services and one day run an organization which helps refugees, single mothers, the homeless, and domestic abuse victims. If you are interested in volunteering with Job Club or have questions regarding Job Club, please contact her.

 

Megan Chacón: Refugee and Immigrant Women for Change (RIWC) Coalition Coordinator

Email: megan.chacon@capiusa.org

Direct Phone Line: (612) 767-3662

 

Megan Chacón is the Coalition Coordinator for Refugee and Immigrant Women for Change (RIWC). Megan works to advance gender equity in refugee and immigrant communities through supporting the work of the RIWC coalition. Megan earned her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and recently earned her Master of Public Health in Community Health Education from the University of Minnesota. Megan’s career has focused on the intersection of health and human within global populations. Megan is excited to be part of the CAPI team.

Rhea has been working as a Refugee Outreach and eldercare advocate. She has completed coursework in child development at Minneapolis Community College, taken many computer courses, and has received a certificate in Bank Telling. She is also certified through the Board of Immigration Appeals. Rhea is passionate about her work, especially working with the elderly Asian community, and brings to CAPI a range of diverse skills.

 

 

Saharla is a Health advocate with CAPI. She graduated from Roosevelt High School and later pursued an Associate degree from Normandale Community Collage in information management systems. She is a certified community health care worker. Her future plans are to get a bachelor degree in Social Work. Besides English, she speaks two other languages: Somali and Kiswahili.

 

 

 

Simran Aryal: Program Manager
Email: simran.aryal@capiusa.org
Direct Phone Line: (612) 767-3679

Smidchei has been working as a foodshelf coordinator at CAPI for the past 2 years. He has earned a two-year Associate Degree of Science, and a one-year Business Management certification. He is also a certified home buyer counselor and licensed mortgage loan officer. He would like to continue his effort to provide services to CAPI’s Foodshelf participants for the next 5 years. He is passionate about his work, and continues to help individuals and families, who have language and other barriers.