Board & Staff Members
Imran Fazal
Executive Director
Imran Fazal
Executive Director
Imran Fazal earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Buffalo State University and is a dedicated advocate for refugee rights and social justice. Born stateless in Myanmar and denied both citizenship and access to education, he fled alone as a teenager, traveling across six countries by boat. He spent eight years in refugee camps—including time in an Australian offshore detention center—where he taught himself how to read and write, sparking a lifelong passion for storytelling and advocacy.
After resettling in the United States in 2018, Imran began his formal education at the age of 21 and quickly distinguished himself as a leader. He served as President of Phi Theta Kappa at Truman College and as a Student Trustee for the City Colleges of Chicago, representing students across seven campuses.
As a writer and journalist, Imran uses storytelling to amplify the voices of displaced communities. He won Amnesty International’s blog competition, became a Pulitzer Center Reporting Fellow and received the Society of Professional Journalists’ 2021 Mark of Excellence Award. He has published nearly 50 articles, and his journey has been featured in The New York Times.
At Buffalo State, Imran was named an Undergraduate Research Fellow and received the 2024 Social Work Excellence Award. His research on the resettlement and educational experiences of Rohingya refugees in Buffalo was accepted for presentation at the 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) and the Student Research and Creativity Conference.
Imran is the founder of the Rohingya Empowerment Community (REC), an organization dedicated to providing culturally responsive, language-accessible services for Rohingya refugees. With years of experience supporting refugee communities from diverse backgrounds, he is committed to creating a permanent, welcoming space where Rohingya families can thrive, preserve their culture, and build a future with dignity. His advocacy has taken him to Washington, DC, the Berkley Center at Georgetown University, and the United Nations Civil Society Dialogue in Italy.
A recipient of the Deborah K. Renzi Social Advocacy Award, Imran also earned the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence—the highest honor for undergraduate students. He was selected to deliver the 2025 School of Professions Commencement address. His journey reflects extraordinary resilience, the transformative power of education, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
After resettling in the United States in 2018, Imran began his formal education at the age of 21 and quickly distinguished himself as a leader. He served as President of Phi Theta Kappa at Truman College and as a Student Trustee for the City Colleges of Chicago, representing students across seven campuses.
As a writer and journalist, Imran uses storytelling to amplify the voices of displaced communities. He won Amnesty International’s blog competition, became a Pulitzer Center Reporting Fellow and received the Society of Professional Journalists’ 2021 Mark of Excellence Award. He has published nearly 50 articles, and his journey has been featured in The New York Times.
At Buffalo State, Imran was named an Undergraduate Research Fellow and received the 2024 Social Work Excellence Award. His research on the resettlement and educational experiences of Rohingya refugees in Buffalo was accepted for presentation at the 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) and the Student Research and Creativity Conference.
Imran is the founder of the Rohingya Empowerment Community (REC), an organization dedicated to providing culturally responsive, language-accessible services for Rohingya refugees. With years of experience supporting refugee communities from diverse backgrounds, he is committed to creating a permanent, welcoming space where Rohingya families can thrive, preserve their culture, and build a future with dignity. His advocacy has taken him to Washington, DC, the Berkley Center at Georgetown University, and the United Nations Civil Society Dialogue in Italy.
A recipient of the Deborah K. Renzi Social Advocacy Award, Imran also earned the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence—the highest honor for undergraduate students. He was selected to deliver the 2025 School of Professions Commencement address. His journey reflects extraordinary resilience, the transformative power of education, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Dr. Jessica Fitzpatrick
Board Member
Dr. Jessica Fitzpatrick
Board Member
Dr. Jessica Fitzpatrick, PhD, JD, LMSW, is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Social Work Department at Buffalo State University. A licensed social worker and attorney with more than 20 years of professional experience, she has dedicated her career to supporting families and underserved communities, with a strong commitment to advancing immigrant and refugee rights in Buffalo.
Dr. Fitzpatrick holds a PhD in Sociology and a Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo, a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor of Arts from SUNY College at Buffalo. Admitted to the New York State Bar and licensed as an LMSW, she brings interdisciplinary expertise in law, social work, and public policy. Her teaching and research focus on social welfare policy, poverty, and community-based interventions that promote equity and family well-being.
Passionate about welcoming Rohingya families to Buffalo, Dr. Fitzpatrick believes the city has grown and thrived because of its immigrant and refugee communities. She has nearly 25 years of experience working in nonprofit organizations, including leadership and management roles. As a strong supporter of the Rohingya Empowerment Community (REC), she is committed to helping the organization grow into a sustainable and impactful agency serving refugee communities in Buffalo.
Dr. Fitzpatrick holds a PhD in Sociology and a Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo, a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor of Arts from SUNY College at Buffalo. Admitted to the New York State Bar and licensed as an LMSW, she brings interdisciplinary expertise in law, social work, and public policy. Her teaching and research focus on social welfare policy, poverty, and community-based interventions that promote equity and family well-being.
Passionate about welcoming Rohingya families to Buffalo, Dr. Fitzpatrick believes the city has grown and thrived because of its immigrant and refugee communities. She has nearly 25 years of experience working in nonprofit organizations, including leadership and management roles. As a strong supporter of the Rohingya Empowerment Community (REC), she is committed to helping the organization grow into a sustainable and impactful agency serving refugee communities in Buffalo.
Azimah Jalil
Program Director
Azimah Jalil
Program Director
Azimah Jalil is a proud Rohingya woman, Registered Nurse (BSN, RN) licensed in New York. Born in Myanmar and displaced by persecution, she fled with her family to Malaysia, where she attended refugee schools and began serving the Rohingya community through translation and basic support as early as age 13.
Azimah resettled in the United States as a refugee in 2015 and pursued higher education despite significant language barriers. She earned an Associate Degree in Social Science from Erie Community College, receiving a Chancellor Award, and later graduated from D’Youville University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Since 2012, Azimah has remained deeply committed to community service. As a nurse and community leader, she advocates for education, health equity, and empowerment for Rohingya families, bringing compassion, lived experience, and cultural understanding to her work.
Azimah resettled in the United States as a refugee in 2015 and pursued higher education despite significant language barriers. She earned an Associate Degree in Social Science from Erie Community College, receiving a Chancellor Award, and later graduated from D’Youville University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Since 2012, Azimah has remained deeply committed to community service. As a nurse and community leader, she advocates for education, health equity, and empowerment for Rohingya families, bringing compassion, lived experience, and cultural understanding to her work.
Aye Min Thant
Board Member
Aye Min Thant
Board Member
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Mohamad Shofiq
Board Member
Mohamad Shofiq
Board Member
Mohamad Shofiq Mohamad Jalil is originally from Myanmar (Burma) and was forced to flee with his family due to persecution, violence, and discrimination. After spending time in Malaysia under challenging conditions, he resettled in the United States to pursue long-term safety and opportunity.
In the U.S., Mohamad completed high school and earned an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from D’Youville University. He later transferred to Buffalo State University, where he is currently a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology, with an expected graduation in 2027.
He is deeply committed to community service and leverages his technical education, leadership skills, and lived experience to support Rohingya youth and families and contribute to positive, sustainable change in the Buffalo community.
In the U.S., Mohamad completed high school and earned an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from D’Youville University. He later transferred to Buffalo State University, where he is currently a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology, with an expected graduation in 2027.
He is deeply committed to community service and leverages his technical education, leadership skills, and lived experience to support Rohingya youth and families and contribute to positive, sustainable change in the Buffalo community.
Ayet Ullah
Board Member
Ayet Ullah
Board Member
Ayet Ullah is a Buffalo-based community leader and refugee advocate who resettled in the United States in December 2022 after being born and raised in a refugee camp in Bangladesh. Despite limited access to formal education, he pursued learning with determination, completing his secondary and higher secondary education in Cox’s Bazar and later studying law at a university in Chittagong, where he completed nearly the entire program before resettlement.
After arriving in Buffalo, Ayet transferred his academic credits to the University at Buffalo and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Law, with graduation expected in May 2026. He brings nearly ten years of leadership experience with a nonprofit student organization and three years of professional experience working at a refugee resettlement agency in Buffalo, supporting immigrant and refugee students within Buffalo Public Schools.
Ayet is deeply committed to advocacy, community empowerment, and advancing educational equity for displaced communities.
After arriving in Buffalo, Ayet transferred his academic credits to the University at Buffalo and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Law, with graduation expected in May 2026. He brings nearly ten years of leadership experience with a nonprofit student organization and three years of professional experience working at a refugee resettlement agency in Buffalo, supporting immigrant and refugee students within Buffalo Public Schools.
Ayet is deeply committed to advocacy, community empowerment, and advancing educational equity for displaced communities.
Nur Muhammad Bin Sulaiman
Board Member
Nur Muhammad Bin Sulaiman
Board Member
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Olivia Delcamp
Independent Study Intern
Olivia Delcamp
Independent Study Intern
Olivia Delcamp is a Social Work major at Buffalo State University, where she is expected to graduate in 2029. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW), with a strong commitment to serving diverse communities and advancing social justice. As a student in the Muriel A. Howard Honors Program, Olivia brings dedication, professionalism, and a passion for meaningful impact to her academic and professional journey.
Her primary area of focus is working with refugee and immigrant populations. Olivia has had the opportunity to work alongside Imran and Azimah at the Rohingya Empowerment Community, where she contributes to efforts that support and uplift underserved communities. Through this experience, she continues to deepen her understanding of culturally responsive practice, advocacy, and community-based support.
Outside of her academic and professional work, Olivia enjoys staying active by lifting weights at the gym, spending time with her cats, and playing guitar. She values balance, creativity, and personal well-being, which all contribute to her holistic approach to social work and community engagement.
Her primary area of focus is working with refugee and immigrant populations. Olivia has had the opportunity to work alongside Imran and Azimah at the Rohingya Empowerment Community, where she contributes to efforts that support and uplift underserved communities. Through this experience, she continues to deepen her understanding of culturally responsive practice, advocacy, and community-based support.
Outside of her academic and professional work, Olivia enjoys staying active by lifting weights at the gym, spending time with her cats, and playing guitar. She values balance, creativity, and personal well-being, which all contribute to her holistic approach to social work and community engagement.
Khadiza
Independent Student Intern
Khadiza
Independent Student Intern
Khadiza is a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) student at Buffalo State University, where she also minors in Psychology and is completing a certificate in Childhood Advocacy Studies. She is expected to graduate in May 2026 and plans to continue her education by pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) in Summer 2026. With a strong academic foundation, she is committed to supporting and advocating for vulnerable populations.
Khadiza is deeply passionate about social justice, with a particular focus on immigrant and refugee communities. She has gained valuable experience through her internship at RAHAMA, supporting survivors of domestic violence, as well as through her work as a research assistant and former Crisis Text Line counselor. She has also volunteered with the Rohingya Empowerment Community (REC), contributing to efforts that uplift and support the local Rohingya community.
In her free time, Khadiza enjoys crocheting, thrifting, and advocating for causes she cares about, bringing compassion and purpose into all aspects of her work and life.
Khadiza is deeply passionate about social justice, with a particular focus on immigrant and refugee communities. She has gained valuable experience through her internship at RAHAMA, supporting survivors of domestic violence, as well as through her work as a research assistant and former Crisis Text Line counselor. She has also volunteered with the Rohingya Empowerment Community (REC), contributing to efforts that uplift and support the local Rohingya community.
In her free time, Khadiza enjoys crocheting, thrifting, and advocating for causes she cares about, bringing compassion and purpose into all aspects of her work and life.