2025-2026 Cohort • Snohomish County

Born in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan, Shogofa is a public health professional, community advocate, and program leader dedicated to advancing education, health equity, and leadership opportunities for immigrant and refugee communities, particularly women and girls. Shogofa earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts, graduating with honors in 2016. During her time at Regis, she was inducted into the Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences, received the Mary C. Bryan Award for her essay on women's rights in Afghanistan, and was recognized as a "Pillars of the Community" honoree for her leadership and service. She later earned her Master of Public Health in Global Health from the University of Washington, where she focused on leadership, community health, and program development. In July 2018, Shogofa moved from Massachusetts to Seattle to begin her fellowship with Sahar Education for Afghan Girls, where she later served in leadership roles supporting educational and leadership programs for Afghan girls and women. Through her work, she helped design and implement initiatives that promoted access to education, vocational skills, and leadership opportunities for women in Afghanistan. Shogofa's early education in Afghanistan was interrupted when the Taliban took power and banned girls from attending school. Despite these barriers, she remained deeply committed to learning and advocacy. She began contributing poetry to the Afghan Women's Writing Project. Throughout her career, Shogofa has worked with organizations dedicated to social justice, immigrant support, and women's empowerment. She has served as an intern with the Feminist Majority Foundation, supporting initiatives to expand educational opportunities for women in Afghanistan, and worked in the office of U.S. Representative Seth Moulton, conducting research on immigration policy and community issues. She has also worked with humanitarian organizations supporting refugee resettlement and immigrant communities. Currently, Shogofa works as a Family Advocate Case Manager at Seattle Children's Hospital, where she supports diverse families navigating complex healthcare systems, particularly in mental health and community support services. Her work focuses on culturally responsive care, advocacy, and connecting families to critical resources. A passionate advocate, Shogofa believes that the experience of Afghan women is not defined by oppression, but by resilience, courage, and determination. Through her work, writing, and community leadership, she continues to advocate for education, gender equality, and the dignity of all people.

Antonio Fajardo-Mora (He/Him/Él) was born in Michoacán, Mexico, and moved to the United States at the age of 4. He grew up in Everett, WA, where he still lives today. Growing up, Antonio's family taught him the importance of hard work, integrity, and humility. These values continue to guide both his personal life and community work. Antonio later attended Washington State University, where he earned a double degree in Psychology and Comparative Ethnic Studies and developed a strong interest in advocacy, social justice, and community resilience. During college and beyond, Antonio became involved in student leadership, mentorship, and advocacy efforts focused on supporting underserved communities. Through these experiences, he developed skills in collaboration, community organizing and engagement while working with people from diverse backgrounds. Antonio regularly volunteers in his community and enjoys helping create spaces where people feel supported and encouraged. Antonio currently works as an Administrative Assistant and Program Coordinator at the Community Health Worker Coalition for Migrants and Refugees. In this role, he helps support programs focused on empowerment, health education, and improving access to resources for migrant and refugee communities.

Oscar Ikinya is a Washington State resident, who's spent most of his life in (East) Africa. He's a social entrepreneur and consultant who's work focuses on economic empowerment, social innovation, sustainable development, and community-led programs that help underserved communities transform available resources into lasting opportunity. Oscar has supported initiatives that strengthen local economies while promoting environmentally responsible development. Building on those experiences, he is exploring how successful community-driven approaches can be adapted across continents. Under the tutelage of the University for Peace, an institution created by a United Nations General Assembly resolution, Oscar pursued studies in Social Innovation. "I focused on practical approaches that allow communities across cultures to solve shared challenges together. I am a terror survivor. In the rubble of a collapsed building, I survived the bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Kenya, where more than 200 people died and thousands were injured. The generosity of others help me heal and rebuild. This experience now drives my commitment to bring people together to create solutions that help communities prosper while protecting our shared planet."

Samira Issaka was born in Chicago and raised in Ghana, she has the unique experience of both worlds. With a niche for social equity since age 12, she started Star of Hope Academy—a front yard school where lower-income families (i.e., children of her grandmother's tenants) who couldn't afford private tutors to get free help with their homework and assignments. She was the principal tutor and her grandmother was the funder. Currently, she works for Snohomish County District Court. As a Therapeutic Court Case Manager for Mental Health Court, and as a Resource Navigator for the recently piloted Community Courts in the cities of Lynwood and Arlington, she is dedicated to enhancing the quality of lives of our targeted vulnerable populations. She also heads the data collection and analysis for the Arlington Pre-Trial Program- she is a Certified Pre-Trial Professional. Samira is a member of the NAACP Snohomish County Chapter, Snohomish County DEIA committee and Social Justice Reading Club. She is immensely passionate about the intersection of mental health, substance use disorders, and the criminal justice system. To this end, she seeks to be a change catalyst by supporting social justice, equity, and equality, especially for BIPOC communities. She will complete her Masters in Human Services in Spring 2026. Her hobbies include cooking and spending time with her husband and their son.

Angelinah Kitheka is a global community engagement and sustainable social impact professional whose work spans Kenya, Japan, and Washington State. She holds a Master of International Studies from the University of Tokyo, a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainability Science from the United Nations University, and a BA in Social Work from the University of Nairobi. As a Japan Africa Dream Scholar, an African Development Bank initiative to cultivate emerging African leaders in science, sustainability, and development, she deepened her understanding of global systems and the interconnected challenges facing communities across continents. Her leadership is grounded in her lived experience as an African immigrant woman navigating global systems and advocating for communities historically excluded from civic and policy spaces. She has dedicated her career to supporting vulnerable and marginalized populations. Her work includes strengthening natural resource governance and community mobilization with the Water Resources Authority and other government entities in Kenya, facilitating global leadership and intercultural learning programs in Japan, and supporting low‑income seniors and adults with disabilities in King County. Across all her roles, Angelinah has focused on building community capacity, improving access to essential services, and fostering equity‑driven, culturally grounded engagement.

As a driven and ambitious individual, Gloria Mbabazi is poised to make a lasting impact in her community and beyond. With a clear vision for her future, Gloria is dedicated to developing the skills, knowledge, and expertise necessary to become a respected and influential leader. With a strong foundation in Criminal justice, Gloria has established a solid understanding of law and justice. Her passion for creating safe communities drives her to continually seek out opportunities for growth, learning, and innovation. Throughout her journey, Gloria has been guided by a commitment to justice and integrity. Her dedication to these values has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and mentors, who recognize her potential for leadership and her ability to inspire and motivate others. As Gloria continues on her path toward leadership, she remains focused on developing strategic partnerships and collaborations, fostering inclusive and diverse communities, driving positive change through innovative solutions, and empowering others to reach their full potential. With her unique blend of skills, experience, and passion, Gloria is poised to become a transformative leader, making a lasting impact in her community and beyond.

Monica Muliro is an experienced mental health professional, school counselor, and scholar dedicated to systems change, equity, and the well-being of children and families. Currently, she serves as a school counselor within the Edmonds School District, providing comprehensive counseling, crisis intervention, and systemic advocacy. Her deep clinical foundation ranges from evidence-based psychotherapy in private practice and acute mental health facilities to her previous work as a youth counselor in a homeless shelter and a Department of Children Youth and families (DCYF) Social Worker, where she developed strength-based case plans for families in crisis. As a Ph.D. Candidate in Applied Psychological Science at Fielding Graduate University, Monica's doctoral research focuses on practices that strengthen mental health insights and promote equity, justice, and wellbeing for the collective flourishing of the community. Her personal and professional experiences inspired her to pursue a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington. Over her career, she has supported students, youth, and families navigating complex intersections both in Kenya and the USA. Deeply committed to community advocacy, Monica leverages her clinical and programmatic skills to collaborate on initiatives for BIPOC, immigrant and refugee populations. Through CALA, she aims to further her advocacy skills to create safe, inclusive spaces where families can address sensitive mental health concerns and transform the systems they touch.

Patrick Kenneth Muriuki was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, where his commitment to service and community took root early. For eight years, he worked across Sub‑Saharan Africa supporting refugees preparing for resettlement in the United States as a Senior Cultural Orientation Trainer. In that role, he equipped thousands of individuals and families with the knowledge, confidence, and cultural grounding needed to navigate life in a new country with dignity and hope. His work blended trauma‑informed practice, cross cultural communication, and a deep belief in the resilience of displaced communities. Today, Patrick continues that mission in Washington State as a Child Protection Specialist with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in Lynnwood. His work centers on safeguarding children, strengthening families, and ensuring that vulnerable young people receive compassionate, culturally responsive support. Whether working with immigrant families, BIPOC communities, or multilingual households, he brings the same values that shaped his humanitarian career: respect, empathy, and a commitment to equity. Outside of work, Patrick finds grounding in the beauty and rhythm of the Pacific Northwest. He enjoys hiking, taking road trips, and listening to live music; moments that reconnect him to nature, culture, and community.

Maame Ama Owusu is a communications leader whose experience spans events management, banking, fintech, and the nonprofit sector. Born and raised in Ghana, she moved to the United States several years ago and has since built a career centered on community engagement and meaningful connection. She currently serves as Outreach and Corporate Relations Manager at Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST), a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing human trafficking. Deeply committed to community service, Maame is actively involved with the Ghana Association of Greater Seattle, where she serves as Events Manager and Organizing Secretary. In this role, she collaborates with fellow executives to create uplifting, culturally relevant events that strengthen community bonds and celebrate Ghanaian heritage in the Pacific Northwest. Maame holds a Master of Communication in Communities and Networks from the University of Washington and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Central University, Ghana. She is passionate about creating pathways that encourage African women to leverage their professional expertise in public leadership while mentoring younger women navigating early and mid-career stages. She recently launched a social media platform designed to provide resources and a supportive space for women to live and lead with intention. Outside of work and community service, Maame enjoys unwinding with a good period drama.

Pa Ousman Joof is a visionary community leader, public speaker, and nonprofit founder with more than 15 years of experience in community organizing, media, and social impact work across Africa and the United States. Originally from The Gambia, he is the Founder and Executive Director of the Washington West African Center (WAWAC), a statewide nonprofit in Washington State that serves more than 20,000 West Africans through culturally responsive programs, community outreach, advocacy, and resource navigation. Under his leadership, the organization has become a vital bridge connecting immigrant communities with public institutions and services, addressing critical needs such as housing, food access, healthcare, youth engagement, workforce development, and language access. In addition to his nonprofit leadership, Pa Ousman is also a media personality and founder of Gambian Talents Promotion, a global online platform with over 700,000 followers where he hosts widely followed programs that engage Gambian and Senegalese audiences across the diaspora. He also founded the POJ and Fatou Samba Training Institute for Youth Employability in The Gambia, which has trained more than 600 young people in multimedia, digital skills, and professional development, helping create new opportunities for underprivileged Gambian youth while celebrating African culture and heritage.

Sona Porter (she/her) is originally from The Gambia and is passionate about community leadership, civic engagement, and communication. She holds a degree in Journalism and Media Production with a major in Political Science from Washington State University. Her background in media and her lived experience as an immigrant have shaped her interest in supporting underserved communities and helping people better understand the systems that affect their lives. She also provides interpreting services, helping individuals and families navigate language barriers and access important resources. Sona has been involved in volunteer work since 2019 and became more deeply engaged in nonprofit and community organizing in 2024. She currently serves as the President of the Pacific Northwest Seattle Gambian Association (PNWSGA), where she helps organize cultural programs, youth activities, and community support initiatives. Her work focuses on strengthening connections within immigrant communities, encouraging civic participation, and creating spaces where both young people and elders feel valued and included. She is especially interested in promoting intergenerational engagement and building partnerships that bring communities together.

Elizabeth Warille is an internationally trained pediatrician and child health specialist with over seven years of experience supporting children and families, particularly those facing developmental and behavioral challenges, and currently serves as a Behavior Specialist at the Center for Social Dynamics Autism Center providing therapy for children with autism while partnering closely with families. Drawing on her experience as a pediatrician and former Head of Pediatrics at The Karen Hospital in Nairobi, Elizabeth brings a strong social justice lens to her work, advocating for culturally responsive care and equitable access to healthcare and opportunities for children and marginalized communities. Elizabeth brings her passion for justice and community empowerment to the Community Advocacy and Leadership Academy (CALA). As a Black immigrant woman and healthcare professional, she is committed to advancing equitable systems that support immigrant and Black communities, particularly women and children who often face structural barriers to healthcare, representation, and opportunity. She believes that strengthening community leadership, expanding access to education and healthcare, and building collective power are essential to addressing historical inequities and ensuring that marginalized communities can thrive with dignity and voice.