Empathy for the Refugee Experience

Each year, Georgia becomes a safe haven for thousands of refugees fleeing from persecution, war, and other violence. With the recent waves of regional conflicts, we are seeing more and more displaced peoples and families arriving in our state. To better understand their experience, representatives from New American Pathways will inform us of the recent surge in refugee arrivals and how the crises in Afghanistan and Ukraine have impacted the local people. You will learn about the history of New American Pathways’ refugee resettlement program, including who it serves and how it works, and will hear anecdotal stories from refugees they have assisted and how you can become involved.

About New American Pathways

New American Pathways is an Atlanta-based non-profit with the mission of Helping Refugees and Georgia Thrive. Their vision is for new Americans to become successful, welcomed members of Georgia’s communities. They fulfill their goals by offering a comprehensive continuum of services targeted to meet needs of refugees and other immigrants in Georgia, focusing on four key milestones along the pathway – Safety & Stability, Self-Sufficiency, Success, and Service.

About the Presenters:

Nancy Gaddy, Chief Advancement Officer at New American Pathways, has over 20 years of non-profit experience. As Regional Director of Philanthropy with Mercy Housing, the nation’s largest non-profit provider of affordable housing, Nancy was responsible for all fundraising, marketing, community, and media relations activities. Nancy has directed fundraising and external communications for organizations, including the High Museum of Art, Georgia Public Broadcasting, the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, and the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center.

Suhail Esmat joined the New American Pathways in May 2022 as an Intensive Case Manager and later started leading the Ukraine Services Program. Suhail worked for 11 years as a Humanitarian Aid worker in several developing & developed countries, such as Sudan, Afghanistan, Greece, and Sweden in several management positions. Suhail earned a bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Peace & Development work from the Linnaeus University of Växjö in Sweden in 2013.