Congresswoman Susan Davis Receives 2017 Refugee Champion Award
On August 5, 2017, Nile Sisters Development Initiative ( NSDI ) hosted a community picnic» with support from the City of San Diego International Affairs Board» (IAB). The picnic provided an opportunity to share with the public the resilience and contributions of refugees and asylum seekers / asylees in the San Diego region. Since 2001, NSDI has supported refugees and immigrants in San Diego through essential services such as employment facilitation, family advocacy and education, and emergency relief.
Guests enjoyed a lively performance by Nigerian-born international performing artist, Buki Domingos». Bruce M. Abrams, Esq., IAB Chair and Dr. Kathleen Charla, PhD, IAB Vice Chair presented a special commendation» to NSDI in recognition of the organization’s contributions to diverse communities in the city of San Diego. IAB and Human Relations Commission (HRC) Executive Director, Joel Day, PhD, also described San Diego’s ongoing efforts to include refugee and newcomer communities in civic events and decision-making. And Assemblymember Todd Gloria» and Councilmember Georgette Gomez» recounted city efforts to foster an inclusive region for all San Diegans.
This year, NSDI presented the 2017 Refugee Champion award to Congresswoman Susan Davis». The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) proclaims a refugee champion to be a leader in promoting the successful integration of newcomers into communities. Throughout her prolific career, Congresswoman Davis has been a steadfast advocate for new Americans. NSDI is proud to honor Congresswoman Davis for her tireless and continued advocacy on behalf of refugees and newcomers in San Diego County.