MEET THE
TEAM
REACH engages a solid pool of talented board members, staff, adult volunteers, and partner institutions in carrying out our mission. Our Peer Mentor Advisory Corps helps guide our vision through practical first-hand knowledge of their communities' needs and assets. This growing community has become a diverse social network of support for all REACH participants.
REACH BOARD.
Kristen Huffman-Gottschling
Board Vice President
Kristen has been a licensed social worker for 20+ years. She is also a Professor at UIC's Jane Addams College of Social Work, specializing in the integration of refugee youth ... READ MORE >
Kristen Huffman-Gottschling
Board Vice President
Kristen has been a licensed social worker for 20+ years. She is also a Professor at UIC's Jane Addams College of Social Work, specializing in the integration of refugee youth in high schools. Kristen is the former Director of Horizons Clinic-World Relief-Chicago, which provided mental health services to refugee families in Albany Park. She currently serves as the Executive Director of PACTT Learning Center.
Steve Key
Board
Secretary
Steve is an active REACH volunteer whose professional background is in the arts. He formerly served as the artistic director of Shattered Globe Theatre and he is presently an ensemble member of American Blues Theatre ... READ MORE >
Steve Key
Board Secretary
Steve is an active REACH volunteer whose professional background is in the arts. He formerly served as the artistic director of Shattered Globe Theatre and he is presently an ensemble member of American Blues Theatre. As an actor, Steve recently performed in Tracy Lett’s BUG at Steppenwolf Theatre, and in Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning SWEAT, both on Broadway and on its National Tour. Steve is an outdoor adventure enthusiast who has had a lifelong commitment to service.
Stephanie Thomas
Board
Treasurer
Stephanie is a mom who, with Shana, founded and coordinated a Refugee Welcome Project at Whittier Elementary School in Oak Park, raising ... READ MORE >
Stephanie Thomas
Board Treasurer
Stephanie is a mom who, with Shana, founded and coordinated a Refugee Welcome Project at Whittier Elementary School in Oak Park, raising money and awareness among the school community to address issues facing new refugee families in Chicago. She and her son first joined REACH as volunteers. She is now thrilled to be serving as a board member.
Rasha Al
Hasnawi
Board
Member
Rasha is a REACH parent who also volunteers at many adventure camp sessions and overnight trips. She and her family arrived as refugees from Iraq ... READ MORE >
Rasha Al Hasnawi
Board Member
Rasha is a REACH parent who also volunteers at many adventure camp sessions and overnight trips. She and her family arrived as refugees from Iraq in 2015. Rasha has a background in early childhood education and currently works full-time in her field. She is fondly referred to as "REACH den mom" by many youth participants.
Jason
Brashares
Board
Member
Jason is an Art Director and Eco-Retreat Leader who has assisted REACH with branding, marketing, and volunteering since 2016. He has a wide range of outdoors guiding ... READ MORE >
Jason Brashares
Board Member
Jason is an Art Director and Eco-Retreat Leader who has assisted REACH with branding, marketing, and volunteering since 2016. He has a wide range of outdoors guiding experience from camping and backpacking trips in the US to large international retreat groups. Jason looks forward to doing all he can to advance the REACH mission.
Sajjad Lafta
Board
Member
Sajjad is a former REACH Peer Mentor who arrived as a refugee from Iraq in 2013 when he was 11 years old. He is currently enrolled in college and studying to be a nurse. As a ... READ MORE >
Sajjad Lafta
Board Member
Sajjad is a former REACH Peer Mentor who arrived as a refugee from Iraq in 2013 when he was 11 years old. He is currently enrolled in college and studying to be a nurse. As a proud graduate of REACH programs, Sajjad understands the positive impact they can have on young people and he looks forward to furthering REACH's vision and scope.
Samar Mesleh
Board
Member
Samar is a mother of three children, all of whom participated in REACH. Though originally from Syria...
READ MORE >
Samar Mesleh
Board Member
Samar is a mother of three children, all of whom participated in REACH. Though originally from Syria, she arrived from Jordan in 2017. Samar has engaged in REACH camping trips, kayaking adventures, and much more. She loves cooking, reading, watching movies and outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking and camping!
In Memory of Jim Berg
REACH Board Member & Friend
The world lost a kind adventurer in February 2024, REACH board member Jim Berg. Everyone here at REACH will miss the commitment and energy that our friend and colleague exuded.
Jim was an integral part of our team and his impact on the lives of REACH youth will be felt for many years to come.
REACH BOARD.
Kristen Huffman-Gottschling
Board Vice President
Kristen has been a licensed social worker for 20+ years. She is also a Professor at UIC's Jane Addams College of Social Work, specializing in the integration of refugee youth in high schools. Kristen is the former Director of Horizons Clinic-World Relief-Chicago, which provided mental health services to refugee families in Albany Park. She currently serves as the Executive Director of PACTT Learning Center.
Steve Key
Board Secretary
Steve is an active REACH volunteer whose professional background is in the arts. He served as the artistic director of Shattered Globe Theatre and he is an ensemble member of American Blues Theatre. Steve recently performed in Tracy Lett’s BUG at Steppenwolf Theatre, and in Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning SWEAT, both on Broadway and on its National Tour. Steve is an outdoor adventure enthusiast who has had a lifelong commitment to service.
Stephanie Thomas
Board Treasurer
Stephanie is a mom who, with Shana, founded and coordinated a Refugee Welcome Project at Whittier Elementary School in Oak Park, raising money and awareness among the school community to address issues facing new refugee families in Chicago. She and her son first joined REACH as volunteers. She is now thrilled to be serving as a board member.
Rasha Al Hasnawi
Board Member
Rasha is a REACH parent who also volunteers at many adventure camp sessions and overnight trips. She and her family arrived as refugees from Iraq in 2015. Rasha has a background in early childhood education and currently works full-time in her field. She is fondly referred to as "REACH den mom" by many youth participants.
Jason Brashares
Board Member
Jason is an Art Director and Eco-Retreat Leader who has assisted REACH with branding, marketing, and volunteering since 2016. He has a wide range of outdoors guiding experience from camping and backpacking trips in the US to large international retreat groups. Jason looks forward to doing all he can to advance the REACH mission.
Sajjad Lafta
Board Member
Sajjad is a former REACH Peer Mentor who arrived as a refugee from Iraq in 2013 when he was 11 years old. He is currently enrolled in college and studying to be a nurse. As a proud graduate of REACH programs, Sajjad understands the positive impact they can have on young people and he looks forward to furthering REACH's vision and scope.
Samar Mesleh
Board Member
Samar is a mother of three children, all of whom participated in REACH. Though originally from Syria, she arrived from Jordan in 2017. Samar has engaged in REACH camping trips, kayaking adventures, and much more. She loves cooking, reading, watching movies and outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking and camping!
In Memory of Jim Berg
Our Friend and REACH Board Member
The world lost a kind adventurer in February 2024, REACH board member Jim Berg. Everyone here at REACH will miss the commitment and energey that our friend and colleague exuded.
Jim was an integral part of our team and his impact on the lives of REACH youth will be felt for many years to come.
REACH STAFF.
Shana Wills
Executive Director / Board President / Founder
Shana has more than 30 years’ experience researching and addressing systemic policies that impact displacement across the globe. She first started employing experiential learning theory while implementing projects based on the Danish Folk School pedagogy in war-torn Africa. She has conducted field research and established projects affecting vulnerable populations, including child soldiers, displaced children, landmine victims, warehoused refugees, and marginalized communities in Angola, Colombia, Eritrea, Haiti, Mozambique, Kenya, South Africa, & Tanzania. READ MORE >
Founder / Board President
Shana Wills
Shana has more than 30 years’ experience researching and addressing systemic policies that impact displacement across the globe. She first started studying experiential learning theory while implementing projects based on the Danish Folk School pedagogy in war-torn Africa. She has conducted field research and established projects affecting vulnerable populations, including child soldiers, displaced children, landmine victims, warehoused refugees, and marginalized communities in Angola, Colombia, Eritrea, Haiti, Mozambique, Kenya, South Africa, & Tanzania. Shana has worked with refugee communities in Chicago since 1991. As director of Heartland Alliance’s refugee & immigrant community services and later as director of Chicago Public School’s international newcomer center, she focused on improving systems and empowering refugee youth and families in ways that could benefit all. Recognizing a systemic disconnect between American public school culture and refugee families, and a growing need to engage newcomer adolescents in a meaningful way, Shana launched REACH. Shana is also a faculty member at DePaul University and an independent consultant for grassroots refugee organizations. As an avid hiker, cyclist, paddler, and lifelong learner, Shana aspires to share her love for the human and non-human elements of the life-world with REACH participants.
Felicia Lemmon
Adventure Sports Coach
Felicia Lemmon
Adventure Sport Coach
Felicia is a college graduate who loves nature and adventure. She grew up in central Michigan, surrounded by forests and lakes. She studied Political Science and German at DePaul . . . READ MORE >
Felicia is a college graduate who loves nature and adventure. She grew up in central Michigan, surrounded by forests and lakes. She studied Political Science and German at DePaul University in Chicago, with a focus on International Relations. She joined REACH to share her passion for outdoor activities such as hiking and archery with the kids. She is also eager to learn new skills like kayaking and climbing. Besides REACH, Felicia is a keen reader and a sporty person who enjoys running and boxing.
Ellie is a native Chicagoan who loves spending time in the city’s outdoor spaces. She began volunteering with REACH in 2020 and has enjoyed taking part in camping trips, summer adventure camps, and other fun activities. Ellie has a BS in Environmental Science: Conservation and Restoration Ecology and an MA in Human Rights. Ellie’s passion is for regenerative agriculture and food sovereignty. She aims to advance social and environmental justice locally and globally. Before joining REACH, she worked in the field of urban agriculture and farmers market management. She currently volunteers with agricultural advocacy groups in Illinois and is an associate editor at the International Journal of Human Rights. In her spare time, Ellie likes to garden, cook, and play with her dog.
Ellie Hease
Program Coordinator
Ellie Hease
Program Coordinator
Ellie is a native Chicagoan who loves spending time in the city’s outdoor spaces. She began volunteering with REACH in 2020 and has enjoyed taking part in camping trips, summer adventure camps, and other fun . . . READ MORE >
Yoan, a distinguished Cuban scholar and recipient of the 2013 Cuban Academy of Sciences Award, has dedicated his career to the social and environmental impacts of science and technology policies. After seeking asylum in the US in 2023, he became involved with REACH. He now serves as a bilingual coach and community liaison, inspiring the next generation of newcomers towards eco-responsibility and sustainable practices. Passionate about music, fitness, and culinary delights, Yoan brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the REACH community.
Yoan Viamonte
Community Liaison & Adventure Sport Coach
Yoan Viamonte
Community Liaison & Adventure Sport Coach
Yoan, a distinguished Cuban scholar and recipient of the 2013 Cuban Academy of Sciences Award, has dedicated his career to the social and environmental impacts of . . . READ MORE >
Chris, a second-generation immigrant from Romania, is a high school Biology and Chemistry Teacher to ELL students.in the Northwest Suburbs. He volunteered with REACH's Summer Adventure Camp in 2024 and joined our coaching staff at the start of SY2024-2025. Fluent in Spanish, Chris spent a year as a foreign exchange student in Argentina. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology, with a minor in Spanish, from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He enjoys exercising, playing ice hockey, cooking outdoors and taking road trips. He admits to learning about camping at a later age.
Chris Hetrea
Peer Mentor Leadership Coach
Chris Hetrea
Peer Mentor
Leadership Coach
Chris, a second-generation immigrant from Romania, is a high school Biology and Chemistry Teacher to ELL students. He volunteered with REACH's Summer Adventure Camp .. . READ MORE >
REACH STAFF.
Shana Wills
Executive Director /
Board President /
Founder
Shana has more than 25 years’ experience researching and addressing systemic policies that impact displacement across the globe. She first started studying experiential learning theory while implementing projects based on the Danish Folk School pedagogy in war-torn Africa. She has conducted field research and established projects affecting vulnerable populations, including child soldiers, displaced children, landmine victims, warehoused refugees, and marginalized communities in Angola, Colombia, Eritrea, Haiti, Mozambique, Kenya, South Africa, & Tanzania. Shana has worked with refugee communities in Chicago since 1991. As director of Heartland Alliance’s refugee & immigrant community services and later as director of Chicago Public School’s international newcomer center, she focused on improving systems and empowering refugee youth and families in ways that could benefit all. Recognizing a systemic disconnect between American public school culture and refugee families, and a growing need to engage newcomer adolescents in a meaningful way, Shana launched REACH. Shana is also a faculty member at DePaul University and an independent consultant for grassroots refugee organizations. As an avid hiker, cyclist, paddler, and lifelong learner, Shana aspires to share her love for the human and non-human elements of the life-world with REACH participants.
Felicia Lemmon
Adventure Sport Coach
Felicia is a college graduate who loves nature and adventure. She grew up in central Michigan, surrounded by forests and lakes. She studied Political Science and German at DePaul University in Chicago, with a focus on International Relations. She joined REACH to share her passion for outdoor activities such as hiking and archery with the kids. She is also eager to learn new skills like kayaking and climbing. Besides REACH, Felicia is a keen reader and a sporty person who enjoys running and boxing.
Ellie Hease
Program Coordinator
Ellie is a native Chicagoan who loves spending time in the city’s outdoor spaces. She began volunteering with REACH in 2020 and has enjoyed taking part in camping trips, summer adventure camps, and other fun activities. Ellie has a BS in Environmental Science: Conservation and Restoration Ecology and an MA in Human Rights. Ellie’s passion is for regenerative agriculture and food sovereignty. She aims to advance social and environmental justice locally and globally. Before joining REACH, she worked in the field of urban agriculture and farmers market management. She currently volunteers with agricultural advocacy groups in Illinois and is an associate editor at the International Journal of Human Rights. In her spare time, Ellie likes to garden, cook, and play with her dog.
Yoan Viamonte
Community Liaison & Adventure Sport Coach
Yoan, a distinguished Cuban scholar and recipient of the 2013 Cuban Academy of Sciences Award, has dedicated his career to the social and environmental impacts of science and technology policies. After seeking asylum in the US in 2023, he became involved with REACH. He now serves as a bilingual coach and community liaison, inspiring the next generation of newcomers towards eco-responsibility and sustainable practices. Passionate about music, fitness, and culinary delights, Yoan brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the REACH community.
Chris Hetrea
Peer Mentor Leadership Coach
Chris, a second-generation immigrant from Romania, is a high school Biology and Chemistry Teacher to ELL students.in the Northwest Suburbs. He volunteered with REACH's Summer Adventure Camp in 2024 and joined our coaching staff at the start of SY2024-2025. Fluent in Spanish, Chris spent a year as a foreign exchange student in Argentina. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology, with a minor in Spanish, from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He enjoys exercising, playing ice hockey, cooking outdoors and taking road trips. He admits to learning about camping at a later age.
PEER MENTOR STAFF.
My name is Lina. I am 17 years old and originally from Iraq. I arrived in Chicago when I was 8 years old. I started with REACH in 2018. I was one of the first girls to join REACH. One of my favorite memories with REACH was our girls’ camping trip. It was just the girls having fun and learning a lot of things. REACH is fun and teaches you a lot of things about different cultures. You meet new people and find out more about them than in normal friendships. There are a lot of adventures, like kayaking, hiking, camping, and you learn to build your own tents and cook meals over the fire. REACH requires a lot of teamwork. As a Peer Mentor, I want to learn to be more patient and be a better leader and try to listen to what the younger kids have to say. A little progress each day adds up to big results!
Lina
Joined 2018
Lina Al Maeeni
Paid Peer Mentor – Assistant Coach
My name is Lina. I am 17 years old and originally from Iraq. I arrived in Chicago when I was 8 years old. I started with REACH in 2018. I was one of the first girls to join REACH ... READ MORE >
I’m Payman. I’m 17 years old and originally from Afghanistan. I came to the U.S. in the winter of 2019. When I first joined REACH in the spring of 2021, my favorite experience was learning to kayak because you need to be in shape and skilled to go fast and not flip your boat. I have a lot of good memories of all the hikes I have done with REACH, especially the ones out West because they were so diverse with mountains, rivers, lakes, and boulders. As a Peer Mentor, I feel responsible and accountable for my actions. I am a role model to others – newer refugee kids, and while I’m learning my own leadership skills, I’m also teaching and showing others the core values of nature. Kindness flows!
Payman
Joined 2021
Payman Rajaie
Paid Peer Mentor – Assistant Coach
I’m Payman. I’m 17 years-old and originally from Afghanistan. I came to the U.S. in the winter of 2019. When I first ... READ MORE >
Kasper
Joined 2016
Kasper Moorman
Paid Peer Mentor – Assistant Coach
My name is Kasper. I’m 18 years old and I’m from Chicago. I’ve been with REACH for 9 years since my mom launched it. My favorite activity is rock climbing as I find it to be both interesting ... READ MORE >
My name is Kasper. I’m 18 years old and I’m from Chicago. I’ve been with REACH for 9 years. My
favorite activity is rock climbing as I find it to be both interesting and challenging. As a leader, I’ve gained understanding of the importance of being responsible and paving a path for my peers by being empathetic. The climb might be hard, but it’s worth it for the view!
I'm Wagdi and I'm 15 years old. My family and I lived in Jordan before coming to Chicago in 2022 as refugees from Sudan. When I joined REACH that summer, I made new friends and learned a lot of interesting things like archery, kayaking, and camping. My favorite experience was getting lost while mountain biking because it taught me how to stay calm like a leader. I really care about helping other people and making them feel safe and calm, while also having fun. Communication is key to success!
Wagdi
Joined 2022
PEER MENTOR STAFF.
Lina Al Maeeni
Paid Peer Mentor - Assistant Coach
My name is Lina. I am 17 years old and originally from Iraq. I arrived in Chicago when I was 8 years old. I started with REACH in 2018. I was one of the first girls to join REACH. One of my favorite memories with REACH was our girls’ camping trip. It was just the girls having fun and learning a lot of things. REACH is fun and teaches you a lot of things about different cultures. You meet new people and find out more about them than in normal friendships. There are a lot of adventures, like kayaking, hiking, camping, and you learn to build your own tents and cook meals over the fire. REACH requires a lot of teamwork. As a Peer Mentor, I want to learn to be more patient and be a better leader and try to listen to what the younger kids have to say. A little progress each day adds up to big results!
Kasper Moorman
Paid Peer Mentor - Assistant Coach
Hi, my name is Kasper. I’m 18 years old and I’m from Chicago. I’ve been with REACH for 9 years since my mom launched it. My favorite activity is rock climbing as I find it to be both interesting and challenging. My friends here voted for me to join the Peer Mentors when I was 15. As a leader, I’ve gained an understanding of the importance of being responsible and paving a path for my peers by being empathetic. The climb might be hard but it’s worth it for the view!
Payman Rajaie
Paid Peer Mentor - Assistant Coach
I’m Payman. I’m 17-years-old and originally from Afghanistan. I came to the U.S. in the winter of 2019. When I first joined REACH in the spring of 2021, my favorite experience was learning to kayak because you need to be in shape and skilled to go fast and not flip your boat. I have a lot of good memories of all the hikes I have done with REACH, especially the ones out West because they were so diverse with mountains, rivers, lakes, and boulders. As a Peer Mentor, I feel responsible and accountable for my actions. I am a role model to others – newer refugee kids, and while I’m learning my own leadership skills, I’m also teaching and showing others the core values of nature. Kindness flows!
Wagdi Abdelmouli
Paid Peer Mentor - Assistant Coach
I'm Wagdi and I'm 15 years old. My family and I lived in Jordan before coming to Chicago in 2022 as refugees from Sudan. When I joined REACH that summer, I made new friends and learned a lot of interesting things like archery, kayaking, and camping. My favorite experience was getting lost while mountain biking because it taught me how to stay calm like a leader. I really care about helping other people and making them feel safe and calm, while also having fun. Communication is key to success!
SENIOR PEER MENTORS.
I’m Mohammad and I’m 14 years old. I came to Chicago from Afghanistan in 2021. Since joining REACH in 2022, I’ve learned a lot of good things like you need to be brave, and not to be afraid of the dark or the water. I learned a lot of things about nature, leaves, and animals. I speak 3 languages so I try really hard to make sure others understand what is happening during REACH sessions. I am so proud of what I accomplished through REACH so far and of being selected as a future leader. Together we are one!
Esa
Joined 2022
Esa
Joined 2022
I’m Mohammad and I’m 14 years old. I came to Chicago from Afghanistan in 2021. Since joining REACH in 2022, I’ve learned a lot of good things like you need to be brave, and not to be afraid of the dark or the water ... READ MORE >
My name is Mohamed. I'm 13 years old and I'm from Sudan. My brother and I joined REACH 3 months after arriving in Chicago. My first experiences kayaking and ice skating were very challenging, but I am getting better each time I practice. I like helping people so I want to do my best to make other kids feel safe and happy as a Peer Mentor. You can do anything you set your mind to do!
Mohamed
Joined 2022
Mohamed
Joined 2022
My name is Mohamed. I'm 13 years old and I'm from Sudan. My brother and I joined REACH 3 months after arriving in Chicago. My first experiences kayaking and ice skating were very challenging, but I am getting better each time ... READ MORE >
My name is Falak. I’m 14 years old and I’m from Syria. I’ve been with REACH since 2023. On my first day I remember cutting down trees, which was fun because I made 2 new friends that day even though I was very shy. When you join REACH, you become more friendly, helpful, and responsible. I wanted to learn more about nature and now as a Peer Mentor my favorite things to do are kayaking, climbing, and camping. I like making new friends, playing volleyball, and learning about the world. Little ideas in your mind can make big change in community!
Falak
Joined 2021
Falak
Joined 2021
My name is Falak. I’m 14 years old and I’m from Syria. I’ve been with REACH since 2023. On my first day I remember cutting down trees, which was fun because ... READ MORE >
I’m Romal... Bio coming soon.
Romal
Joined 2021
Romal
Joined 2021
I’m Romal... Bio coming soon.
SENIOR PEER MENTORS.
Esa
Joined 2022
I’m Mohammad and I’m 14 years old. I came to Chicago from Afghanistan in 2021. Since joining REACH in 2022, I’ve learned a lot of good things like you need to be brave, and not to be afraid of the dark or the water. I learned a lot of things about nature, leaves, and animals. I speak 3 languages so I try really hard to make sure others understand what is happening during REACH sessions. I am so proud of what I accomplished through REACH so far and of being selected as a future leader. Together we are one!
Mohamed
Joined 2022
My name is Mohamed. I'm 13 ears old and I'm from Sudan. My brother and I joined REACH 3 months after arriving in Chicago. My first experiences kayaking and ice skating were very challenging, but I am getting better each time I practice. I like helping people, so I want to do my best to make other kids feel safe and happy as a Peer Mentor. You can do anything you set your mind to do!
Falak
Joined 2021
My name is Falak. I’m 14 years old and I’m from Syria. I’ve been with REACH since 2023. On my first day I remember cutting down trees, which was fun because I made 2 new friends that day even though I was very shy. When you join REACH, you become more friendly, helpful, and responsible. I wanted to learn more about nature and now as a Peer Mentor my favorite things to do are kayaking, climbing, and camping. I like making new friends, playing volleyball, and learning about the world. Little ideas in your mind can make big change in community!
Romal
Joined 2021
I'm Romal... Bio coming soon.
PEER MENTORS-IN-TRAINING.
My name is Bahara. I’m 19 and from Afghanistan. I arrived in Chicago in March 2024. Since joining REACH in June, I enjoyed learning kayaking and archery. It helped me to work with new people and build confidence. My first day we cut down invasive species, which was exciting because we split into groups and my partner and I learned how to use a saw. I look forward to experiencing new adventures and learning how to interact with different people from diverse backgrounds. We come from nothing, but we can be anything!
Bahara
Joined 2021
Bahara
Joined 2024
My name is Bahara. I’m 19 and from Afghanistan. I arrived in Chicago in March 2024. Since joining REACH in June, I enjoyed learning kayaking and ... READ MORE >>
I’m Blanca from Guatemala. I’m 12 years old. When I started REACH, I was 9 years old and just arrived to the U.S. REACH helped me to socialize better, make more friends, talk confidently to people, and feel better than before. I like doing archery, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. When you do the right thing, you will have peace and serenity.
Lupita
Joined 2024
Blanca “Lupe”
Joined 2024
I’m Blanca from Guatemala. I’m 12 years old. When I started REACH, I was 9 years old and just arrived to the U.S. REACH helped me to ... READ MORE >>
I’m Maryam. I’m 13 and from Afghanistan. I joined REACH in summer 2024 a few months after arriving in Chicago. I really enjoyed going on the 4-day camping trip where we swam, ziplined, butt-surfed, and hiked. I like REACH because it’s fun and I make new friends. I am excited to plan and experience Peer Mentor Wilderness Learning Expeditions. Start where you are!
Maryam
Joined 2024
Maryam
Joined 2024
I’m Maryam. I’m 13 and from Afghanistan. I joined REACH in summer 2024 a few months after arriving in Chicago. I really enjoyed going on the ... READ MORE >>
I’m Nargis and I’m 16. I arrived from Afghanistan via Indonesia in 2024. I joined REACH soon after. My favorite activities are camping and archery. They make me feel more independent and focused. I have met a lot of new people and became a closer friend. I’m excited to learn new leadership skills and to try new activities. Be stronger than your excuses!
Nargis
Joined 2024
Nargis
Joined 2024
I’m Nargis and I’m 16. I arrived from Afghanistan via Indonesia in 2024. I joined REACH soon after. My favorite activities are camping and ... READ MORE >>
I’m Nargis and I’m 16. I arrived from Afghanistan via Indonesia in 2024. I joined REACH soon after. My favorite activities are camping and archery. They make me feel more independent and focused. I have met a lot of new people and became a closer friend. I’m excited to learn new leadership skills and to try new activities. Be stronger than your excuses!
Nargis
Joined 2024
Oswaldo
Joined 2024
My name is Oswaldo... Bio coming soon.
PEER MENTORS-IN-TRAINING.
Bahara
Joined 2024
My name is Bahara. I’m 19 and from Afghanistan. I arrived in Chicago in March 2024. Since joining REACH in June, I enjoyed learning kayaking and archery. It helped me to work with new people and build confidence. My first day we cut down invasive species, which was exciting because we split into groups and my partner and I learned how to use a saw. I look forward to experiencing new adventures and learning how to interact with different people from diverse backgrounds. We come from nothing, but we can be anything!
Blanca (Lupe)
Joined 2024
I’m Blanca from Guatemala. I’m 12 years old. When I started REACH, I was 9 years old and just arrived to the U.S. REACH helped me to socialize better, make more friends, talk confidently to people, and feel better than before. I like doing archery, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. When you do the right thing, you will have peace and serenity.
Maryam
Joined 2024
I’m Maryam. I’m 13 and from Afghanistan. I joined REACH in summer 2024 a few months after arriving in Chicago. I really enjoyed going on the 4-day camping trip where we swam, ziplined, butt-surfed, and hiked. I like REACH because it’s fun and I make new friends. I am excited to plan and experience Peer Mentor Wilderness Learning Expeditions. Start where you are!
Nargis
Joined 2024
I’m Nargis and I’m 16. I arrived from Afghanistan via Indonesia in 2024. I joined REACH soon after. My favorite activities are camping and archery. They make me feel more independent and focused. I have met a lot of new people and became a closer friend. I’m excited to learn new leadership skills and to try new activities. Be stronger than your excuses!
Oswaldo
Joined 2024
I'm Oswaldo... Bio coming soon.
PEER MENTOR GRADUATES (2023)
My name is Maisam. I’m a college freshman at Columbia University where I am studying Political Science. I'm originally from Afghanistan. I came to the U.S. in the winter of 2019. My favorite aspect of REACH is the opportunities it provides for refugees, like learning about our abilities and our roles in this place we now call home. As a Peer Mentor, I realized my passion about advocating for my community and how community engagement enables people like me to foster leadership. I also learned how important it is to be open to engaging with others. Leadership doesn't just happen, it's a continuation of engagement and growth!
Maisam
Joined 2021
Maisam
Joined 2021
My name is Maisam. I’m a college freshman at Columbia University where I am studying Political Science. I'm originally from Afghanistan. I came to the U.S. in the winter ... READ MORE >
I'm Muntadher. I’m from Iraq. I came to the U.S. in 2015 and joined REACH when I was 13 years old. REACH gave me the opportunity to experience the outdoors in a way that was totally new to me. I graduated from the Leadership Program in July 2023, after 4 years of service as a Peer Mentor. I’m now studying Computer Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I’m keeping busy as a member of the Boxing Club and as a Shift Lead at a university-based shop. I also joined a Start-Up Community Club, which is run by Business Faculty, where I received a grant to do industry research on laser tag and to establish a prototype app that allows you to play with anyone around you who has the extension in real life. REACH helped me to become very social and outgoing, to explore my environment and community, and it inspired me to propose the laser tag idea because I wanted kids and their families to be outdoors and engaging one another in real life. Every day is a lesson, don’t be scared to fail!
Muntadher
Joined 2017
Muntadher
Joined 2017
I'm Muntadher. I’m from Iraq. I came to the U.S. in 2015 and joined REACH when I was 13 years old. REACH gave me the opportunity to experience the outdoors in a way that was totally new to me. .. READ MORE >
I’m Nur Aga. I’m Afghan and arrived to Chicago in 2019. At REACH, I really loved getting out into nature and learning new skills. After graduating from the Peer Mentor Leadership Program in August 2023, I left for Bates College to major in Biology on a Pre-Dental track. My goal is to become an Orthodontist. When I’m not studying, I volunteer with the local Habitat for Humanity and at St. Mary’s Medical Center. REACH has had a lasting impact on me. For example, I applied to work as a mentor for local kids with the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine where I will use the leadership skills developed at REACH to set a good example for the youth participants. I also joined the Bates Outing Club so that I can continue to get outside of my comfort zone, to seek adventure, and to hang out with really cool people.
Nur Aga
Joined 2021
Nur Aga
Joined 2021
I’m Nur Aga. I’m Afghan, and arrived to Chicago in 2019.At REACH, I really loved getting out into nature and learning new skills. After graduating from the Peer Mentor Leadership Program in August 2023, I left for Bates ... READ MORE >
PEER MENTOR GRADUATES (2023)
Maisam
Joined 2021
My name is Maisam. I’m a college freshman at Columbia University where I am studying Political Science. I'm originally from Afghanistan. I came to the U.S. in the winter of 2019. My favorite aspect of REACH is the opportunities it provides for refugees, like learning about our abilities and our roles in this place we now call home. As a Peer Mentor, I realized my passion about advocating for my community and how community engagement enables people like me to foster leadership. I also learned how important it is to be open to engaging with others. Leadership doesn't just happen, it's a continuation of engagement and growth!
Muntadher
Joined 2017
I'm Muntadher. I’m from Iraq. I came to the U.S. in 2015 and joined REACH when I was 13 years old. REACH gave me the opportunity to experience the outdoors in a way that was totally new to me. I graduated from the Leadership Program in July 2023, after 4 years of service as a Peer Mentor. I’m now studying Computer Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I’m keeping busy as a member of the Boxing Club and as a Shift Lead at a university-based shop. I also joined a Start-Up Community Club, which is run by Business Faculty, where I received a grant to do industry research on laser tag and to establish a prototype app that allows you to play with anyone around you who has the extension in real life. REACH helped me to become very social and outgoing, to explore my environment and community, and it inspired me to propose the laser tag idea because I wanted kids and their families to be outdoors and engaging one another in real life. Every day is a lesson, don’t be scared to fail!
Nur Aga
Joined 2021
I’m Nur Aga. I’m Afghan and arrived in Chicago in 2019. At REACH, I really loved getting out into nature and learning new skills. After graduating from the Peer Mentor Leadership Program in August 2023, I left for Bates College to major in Biology on a Pre-Dental track. My goal is to become an Orthodontist. When I’m not studying, I volunteer with the local Habitat for Humanity and at St. Mary’s Medical Center. REACH has had a lasting impact on me. For example, I applied to work as a mentor for local kids with the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine where I will use the leadership skills developed at REACH to set a good example for the youth participants. I also joined the Bates Outing Club so that I can continue to get outside of my comfort zone, to seek adventure, and to hang out with really cool people. Try new things often!
PARTNERS.
Illinois Refugee Social Service Consortium
