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Board Directors / Members

ABDELGABAR MOHAMDIEN

President

Abdel Mohamdian came to the United States from Sudan. He is one of the founders of RICE. He has been active in helping with center activities. In 2010, he created the Sudanese American Association in Phoenix (SAA) where he was elected President. The SAA helped translate doctor appointments and job interviews helped refugees with disabilities and organized social events for the community. Before coming to the U.S. Abdel studied in Iraq receiving a Bachelor of Science from the University of Bagdad. He also received his Evaluation of International Educational Credentials, Technician Diploma in Store Management – Institute of Technology Mosul, Iraq, and Teaching Certificate from UNICEF. In 2003 he taught primary Education in a refugee camp for K-12. In Phoenix, AZ he worked at PetSmart Distribution Center as an Auditor-Inventory Control.

Samah Alhabal

Board Member/ Officer

Samah Alhbal graduated from Damascus University with a degree in Education. She came to the United States from Syria with her husband and two boys. In San Diego, CA she worked in the Health and Human Services Agency developing resettlement and self-sufficiency plans for clients. In 2016 she started volunteering at Arizona All Nation Refugee Recourse Center providing refugee clients basic tools necessary to meet their goals of becoming self-sufficient in their new community. In October 2017 she was asked to join the board of directors of Refugees and Immigrants Community for Empowerment (RICE) as the Treasurer. Since then she has been active in helping with center projects.

Bianka Emerson, JD

Volunteer Board Member

Bianka is a Campaign Strategist and has spent most of her professional career in electoral politics and the public & non- profit sector. She worked on serveal poltical campagins presiedntal and gubernatorial. She was the Coalition Director for biden harris campagin in Colorado, hosting the highest number of events for Mid Western region . Due to the pandemic, ninety perecnt of events were held virtually, which was a historic undertaking. Bianka was the Deputy political Director for colorado Governor Jared Polis’ Campaign and Campaign coordinator for Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. She worked as a graduate fello for the Democratic National Convention committee in Denver, Colorado, which led to her work on president Barack Obama’s 2007 campaign as a filed organizer. Bianka was the program Manager for the colorado civic engagement round table, where her role was to provide resources and organizational development for progressive non-profit organizations throughout Colorado. She provides strategy regarding legislation in healthcare public options, financial equity, and education services in her consulting capacity. Bianka has a master’s in social science and a law degree. Recently appointed by Gobernor Poils to the Environment Justice Advisory Board, she serves on several community and civic boards, including, Blue Flower, an organization that raises money for women running for public office, and Colorado Black Women for Political Action as Vice President.

Peter W. Reiss II

Volunteer Board Member

Peter Reiss is a business leader with more than 22 years of sales and senior management experience in the Internet, Technology & Healthcare industries. Prior to his role as Managing Partner with AppSmart eight years ago, Peter served as General Manager at Level 3 Communications where he managed sales and support in the Southwest Region. Under his leadership, the Southwest was the Number One performing GM Region within all of Level 3 for four consecutive years. He holds a B.A. in Communication with a Business Minor in Marketing from Arizona State University. After graduating, Peter spent over 15 years with Level 3 Communications where he was consistently recognized as a top performer within any of the sales and sales leadership roles he held. Peter has had the distinct honor of achieving President’s Club a record-setting 14 consecutive years while with Level 3 while being recognized as the most successful General Manager in Company history. He is also a Founding Partner in N-95 Shield as well as Founder of C 3 Partners, LLC and resides in the Phoenix metro area.

Staff Members

Patrick Masoya

 Chief Executive Officer

Patrick Masoya’s journey to becoming a distinguished leader and philanthropist began over 20 years ago when he arrived in Arizona as a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo. With resilience and determination, he transformed the challenges of his past into a foundation for success, making Arizona his home and rising to prominence as a successful entrepreneur and community leader.

Patrick’s academic achievements laid the groundwork for his professional success. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Western International University, an MBA in Finance from Grand Canyon University, and a Master of Science in Taxation from the University of Colorado Denver. These academic credentials equipped him with a robust understanding of finance, taxation, accounting, and business, which he has applied throughout his career to benefit both his clients and the broader community.

Patrick’s professional journey is marked by significant leadership roles that underscore his expertise and dedication. He began his career as a Senior Processor for a prominent Scottsdale insurance company, where he developed a deep understanding of the financial services industry. His commitment to excellence led him to the Arizona Department of Insurance, where he served as a Revenue Auditor. In this role, Patrick demonstrated exceptional analytical skills and a keen eye for detail, ensuring compliance and accuracy in financial reporting.

Today, Patrick is a partner at a respected tax and accounting firm, where he continues to lead with integrity and vision. His leadership extends beyond his professional responsibilities; he is also a valued member of the Board Council at the National Small Business Association (NSBA). In this capacity, Patrick advocates for the interests of small businesses, helping to shape policies that support entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Patrick’s commitment to servant leadership is evident in his extensive community engagement and philanthropic efforts. He believes in giving back to the community that welcomed him and has made it his mission to uplift others through education, mentorship, and charitable contributions. His philanthropic ventures are a testament to his dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Patrick Masoya’s life and career are a testament to the power of perseverance, education, and leadership. His story inspires others to overcome adversity and strive for excellence in all that they do. Through his professional achievements and unwavering commitment to servant leadership, Patrick continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around him, embodying the true spirit of the American dream.

Legrand Amisi

Payroll Specialist and Account Payable.

Legrand Amisi serves as our esteemed Managing Member, providing strategic direction and leadership to our organization. With a focus on transportation management, Legrand ensures our services’ smooth and efficient delivery to clients. He oversees our team of dedicated employees, guiding them with integrity and professionalism. Legrand also takes on the responsibility of managing our financial operations, ensuring that our resources are allocated effectively to support our business objectives. In addition, Legrand actively seeks out passive investors to support our growth initiatives, forging strategic partnerships to drive our organization forward. With his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, Legrand plays a vital role in our organization’s success.

Hope Williams-Manwaring

Volunteer

Hope Williams-Manwaring is a dedicated healthcare professional with over 29 years of experience in caregiving and healthcare administration. Based in Phoenix, AZ, she specializes in both mental and physical health care, currently serving as an Administrative Assistant at One Global Healthcare and an Office Administrator at Becky Home Health Services. In these roles, she oversees clinic operations, assists with counseling, manages client and employee records, and ensures regulatory compliance. Her extensive experience includes working in Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) and providing direct patient care, particularly for individuals with complex medical needs.

Hope holds an Associate of Occupational Studies in Medical Specialties and is certified in CPR, First Aid, CNA, CPI, HIPAA, and more. With deep expertise in dementia care, hospice, crisis intervention, and medical office management, she is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care while continuously enhancing her skills to better serve her patients and employers.

Sheila Nakanjako

Volunteer Staff

Sheila Nakanjako is an invaluable member of our Human Resources team, dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering a positive workplace culture. With a focus on employee development, Sheila provides comprehensive career growth opportunities, guiding employees on their professional journey within our organization. She meticulously maintains employee records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards. Sheila takes the lead in organizing and facilitating training and development programs, equipping our team members with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their roles. Additionally, Sheila plays a pivotal role in updating and designing company policies, ensuring that our organization remains adaptive and responsive to evolving needs and regulations.

Salima Kalonji

Elder Community Navigator / Sewing Administrator

Salama Lupanda is a compassionate and dedicated Senior Citizen Community Navigator and Empowerment Coach, committed to supporting and empowering older adults in our community. With a background in social work and community outreach, Salama possesses a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by senior citizens. She works tirelessly to connect them with essential resources, services, and support networks, enabling them to lead fulfilling and independent lives. Through her coaching and advocacy efforts, Salama empowers seniors to access opportunities for personal growth, social engagement, and community involvement. Her unwavering dedication to the well-being and empowerment of older adults makes her an invaluable asset to our team.

Khushbo Amiri

Lead Community Navigator/ Volunteer

Khushbo Amiry is a dedicated Community Navigator with a diverse background and a passion for service. With experience in psychology, administration, and logistics, Khushbo plays a vital role in bridging communities and fostering inclusivity. Fluent in Dari, English, and Pashto languages, she effortlessly navigates cultural landscapes, facilitating communication and understanding. From her role as a Recreation Instructor in Phoenix to her impactful work as a Social Worker, Khushbo’s commitment to empowerment shines through. Her educational journey includes a Bachelor of Psychology from Kabul University, underscoring her dedication to personal and professional growth. With a belief in the power of compassion to effect positive change, Khushbo strives to make a tangible difference in the lives of those she serves.

Michelle Sutherland

Grants writer and Consultant

Michelle is a native of Arizona and received her BA in Composition & Theater from Stanford University and my MFA in Theater Directing from Carnegie Mellon University. She has a true passion for teaching and has been developing learning programs and establishing communities for students of all ages in the educational landscape for 15 years. Her goal is to create academically engaging learning experiences by creating an environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and kindness.

Chris Amisi

Volunteer Staff

Chris Amisi serves as our dedicated Educational Specialist, bringing a wealth of expertise to our team. With a focus on maintaining the highest education standards, Chris plays a crucial role in conducting quality and documentation audits to ensure compliance with educational regulations and standards. In addition, Chris oversees our employment directory, meticulously managing employee information and facilitating efficient communication within our educational programs. Furthermore, Chris is responsible for creating and monitoring individualized education plans for each learner, tailoring educational experiences to meet their unique needs and goals. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for educational excellence, Chris is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all.

Mohammad Haidar Amiry

IT Specialist and Computer / Empowerment Coach/ Volunteer

Mohammad Haidar Amiry is a skilled photographer, editor, and IT specialist with a sharp eye for detail and a passion for visual storytelling and technology. With over three years of experience in journalism, media production, and IT, Mohammad has a proven track record of capturing high-quality photographic and video content for publication across various media platforms. His ability to conduct in-depth research ensures the creation of accurate, newsworthy content, while his proficiency in editing and modifying digital media using advanced software tools demonstrates his technical expertise.

As an IT specialist, Mohammad leverages his technological skills to optimize workflows, enhance productivity, and ensure robust system security. His dual expertise in media and IT makes him a versatile professional, recognized for his creativity, technical acumen, and dedication to delivering top-notch content and solutions.

Sadaf Amiri

Volunteer Staff

Sadaf Amiri is an aspiring website designer with a passion for creativity and innovation. With a strong foundation in administration, mathematics, and learning strategies, Sadaf brings a unique perspective to her design work. Fluent in English, Dari, and Pashto, she excels in communication and collaboration, ensuring effective project management and client satisfaction. With experience in interpretation and customer service roles, Sadaf possesses strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Sadaf is committed to honing her skills and making a positive impact in the field of website design.

Dr. Zabihullah Rahimi

Volunteer Staff

Dr. Zabihullah Rahimi, born in 1967, is a distinguished medical professional with a robust career in pediatrics. He graduated from Amani High School in 1984 and earned his medical degree from Kabul Medical University in 1998.

Dr. Rahimi began his medical career at Atatürk Children’s Hospital, where he worked as a physician for two years. He then specialized in pediatrics, dedicating ten years to serving at Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital. Following this, he continued his pediatric practice for seven years at the 102-bed Khairkhana Hospital. His expertise also led him to a role as a Drug Management Officer at the MSH office, where he served for four years.

Committed to continuous professional development, Dr. Rahimi participated in a 20-day training program titled “Prompting Access Medicine” in Switzerland and completed a one-month on-the-job training program in India. His extensive experience and dedication to pediatrics underscore his commitment to advancing medical care for children.