Staff
Our Refugee Advocates Are Our Most Valuable Assets
Since its foundation in 2001, Nile Sisters Development Initiative ( NSDI ) has made it a priority to involve stakeholders. Our staff is a genuine reflection of this goal.
Breanne Lash, Senior Program Manager
Having moved throughout the U.S. as a youth, Breanne experienced the rich diversity of the United States that solidified her devotion to global and domestic community work.
Breanne is an alumna of Northern Michigan University, where she earned her bachelor of arts degree in International Studies, focusing on Anthropology and Spanish. During her undergraduate studies, she completed some coursework in Sevilla, Spain. Also, she volunteered in Kehancha, Kenya, where she provided health education on women’s health.
Professionally, Breanne has worked in the nonprofit sector for over ten years, shaping youth empowerment programs, violence prevention, and health and nutrition initiatives in underserved communities of Chicago, Illinois, Dallas, Texas, and Anchorage, Alaska.
As the Senior Program Manager, Breanne
- Oversees NSDI operations in Los Angeles County »
- Fosters relationships with community- and faith-based organizations, and local leaders to expand NSDI supportive services and advocacy
Gia Oliphant, MHA, Admission Counselor
Through her close connection with her grandmother, Gia witnessed her grandmother’s care and compassion devoted to her career as a nurse. She was inspired to follow in her footsteps. Gia’s passion for taking care of others guides her work, supporting others on their path to success.
Gia received her bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administrative Management with a focus on Medical Records. She holds a Master’s in Healthcare Administrative Management from the University of Phoenix.
With over 15 years in the medical field, Gia has answered her calling, encouraging medical students to succeed and contributing to the joy of others. Starting as a Medical Assistant, she elevated to a Clinical Coordinator at a vocational training school. Gia guided medical students to find fulfilling careers in their fields of interest. She then continued that drive within a nonprofit organization as their Administration Coordinator for medical students. There she enrolled, encouraged, and guided those who had a passion for nursing.
As the Admission Counselor for LearnMore », Gia
- Conducts outreach and enrolls prospective students
- Offers continued support to matriculated students by coordinating state testing, course orientation, and professional development opportunities
Anya Kuzma, Health Advocacy Specialist
Immigrating to the United States from Poland as a child, Anya had no prior knowledge of the English language or American culture. For this reason, Anya directs her energy to assist newcomer communities in prospering and thriving in their new homeland.
Anya holds both a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree in history from San Diego State University and the University of New Mexico, respectively. While pursuing her degrees, Anya was an active member of the History Honors Society.
Working in the nonprofit sector since 2008, she conducted outreach in San Diego on behalf of a tobacco prevention program, focusing on voluntary tobacco-free policy initiatives at healthcare facilities, multi-unit housing properties, and faith communities. Anya draws from her decade-plus experience to engage youth, community stakeholders, and faith-based organizations in education advocacy efforts.
As the Health Advocacy Specialist at NSDI, Anya
- Supports diverse faith-based organizations to adopt and implement comprehensive tobacco-free policies.
- Guide a regional youth-led coalition.
- Provide education and awareness of tobacco-control issues to community members and decision-makers.
Sam Bedwell, JD, External and Government Affairs Director
Having lived abroad for over 20 years, Sam gained a global perspective while living throughout Europe and Africa. During this time, Sam developed fluency in Italian and Spanish, as well as his passion for serving diverse, intersectional communities.
Sam received his bachelor’s degree in Biology from San Diego State University and holds a Law Degree from California Western School of Law. He continued his studies at universities abroad, including the University of Maryland in Germany and Italy.
In his professional capacity, Sam has a broad background in business, political consulting, and nonprofit development. He has extensive experience negotiating a wide variety of business relationships and agreements, including licensing agreements, sales contracts, and lease agreements.
Additionally, Sam is a skilled communicator, adept at working in culturally and politically diverse and fast-changing environments. Sam participates in civic engagement and policy development efforts within his community while also volunteering on local and national political campaigns and for many nonprofit boards.
As the External and Government Affairs Director for NSDI, Sam
- Connects with public stakeholders and manages the donor and grant development.
- Works with decision makers to expand the organization’s advocacy network and public support.
- Assists with the administration of the vocational training program
