Fereshteh Ganjavi

Background

About Fereshteh Ganjavi

I founded and led Elena's Light, a non-profit organization that provides mentoring, education, and advocacy for refugee women and girls in Connecticut. I oversaw the strategic vision, operations, fundraising, and partnerships of the organization, and managed a diverse and dedicated team of staff and volunteers. I also developed and delivered various programs and services, such as language classes, health workshops, cultural events, and career guidance, to help refugee women and girls achieve their personal and professional goals. As a co-design consultant at Refugee Council USA (RCUSA), I applied my expertise in refugee resettlement and health to support the development and implementation of innovative and participatory solutions for refugee integration. I worked with multiple stakeholders, including refugees, service providers, local communities, and policymakers, to identify the needs, challenges, and opportunities for improving the well-being and empowerment of refugees in the US. I also contributed to the evaluation and dissemination of the co-design outcomes and best practices. With over six years of work experience in the refugee sector, I have developed a strong passion and commitment for advancing the rights, dignity, and opportunities of refugees, especially women and girls. I have also acquired a range of skills and competencies, such as co-design, mentoring, refugee health, public health, education, and advocacy, that enable me to effectively address the complex and multifaceted issues that refugees face. I also taught as a university lecturer for four and a half years. I am eager to join a team that shares my vision and values, and that can benefit from my diverse perspectives and experiences.