From Displacement to Determination: A World Refugee Day Tribute

In celebration of World Refugee Day—recognized globally on June 20—the San Diego Refugee Forum honored Youdline B. with the 2025 Refugee Resilience Award. She was one of seven individuals in San Diego County recognized for demonstrating exceptional strength, leadership, and a deep commitment to their refugee communities.

Originally from Haiti, Youdline arrived in San Diego in February 2024. Soon after, she enrolled in the 22-day weekend Nurse Assistant Training Program offered through LearnMore, a program of NSDI (Nile Sisters Development Initiative). Through hard work and determination, she successfully completed the accelerated program, earning both a Certificate of Perfect Attendance and a Certificate of Honor. As a devoted mother of one, Youdline is pursuing certification as a Nurse Assistant to better provide for her family and to contribute to the healthcare workforce, driven by her passion for service and care.

Her remarkable journey stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of inclusive education and workforce development in building resilience and empowering communities. In addition to the Refugee Resilience Award, Youdline and her fellow honorees were also recognized by the Office of Congresswoman Sara Jacobs with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.

Read more about World Refugee Day »