Behind the scenes with EMBARC staff
During the upheaval of the past year, EMBARC hired several new staff members to support and expand our work with refugees and immigrants affected by the pandemic, as well as to build on existing programs that focus on empowering individuals and local communities.
We are extremely proud of every EMBARC staff member who contributed to this work!
Scroll down to learn more about three new staff members who joined us during the past few months.
Wynton Karanja
Job title: Refugee Youth Mentorship Coordinator
Location: Waterloo
Languages spoken: Swahili, Kikuyu, English
Background: Immigrated to the U.S. from Kenya in 2006 with family
Experience: Previously a RefugeeRISE AmeriCorps Member with EMBARC, working to support the After School and Workforce Readiness programs, which offered literacy activities and provided employment and college prep support to ELL high school students.
What are you most excited about doing in this role?
“I'm looking forward to collaborating with different EMBARC teams and learning new things. And I'm really excited to support our incoming Youth Technology Navigators as they train on navigating virtual learning and creating and sharing resources that will have a positive impact on our community.”
What is your favorite food?
“My favorite food is any food that is shared, but especially chapati, pilau, and ugali.”
Jessie Lalneihpuii
Job title: Administrative Assistant and Youth Program Coordinator
Location: Waterloo
Languages spoken: English, Mizo Chin
Experience: Educated in India. Worked as a teacher in India before serving as a Youth Staff Member for Carnival Cruise Line for seven years.
Why did you want to join EMBARC?
“EMBARC helps those in our community who do not speak English, and I would like to contribute for the better of our community.”
What are you most excited for in your new role?
“Meeting new faces virtually and being able to give out information to our community are the most exciting things in my role so far.”
What is your favorite movie?
“The Sound of Music”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“Watching movies and Facetiming with my friends and family from home”
Eric Morse
Job title: Strategic Communications Coordinator
Location: Des Moines
Experience:
Has worked in a variety of communications roles, including copywriting, public relations, and internal communications
Has worked at several nonprofits, including the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, the Iowa Library Association, and the Iowa School Counselor Association
Founded the Central Iowa Community Museum
Why did you want to join EMBARC?
“I was looking for rewarding work to do, and it's hard to think of anything more meaningful than helping provide support and resources for refugees.”
What are you most excited for in your new role?
“We have an opportunity to continue to build EMBARC's communications strategy to create more awareness of the organization and engagement with it. By doing so, we can help EMBARC fulfill its mission.”
What is your favorite food?
“I'm a bit of a health nut, so I eat healthy six days a week. I eat whatever I want on Saturdays and have to admit that I'm excited Steak 'n Shake is now in town. Can we get an In 'n Out Burger next?”
What is your favorite movie?
“I love movies and usually see two or three a week. My all-time favorite is probably David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive." The most recent film I've seen that was really good was "Ad Astra."
What do you like to do in your free time?
“This is a hard question to answer because I haven't been able to do most of these things for the past year. I like to go to the theater, museums, baseball games, and craft breweries. I like to travel. I miss doing those things and hope we can get back to them soon. Thankfully, my other passions are still available—spending time with my family, reading, and riding my bike.”
EMBARC’s greatest strength is our talented and hardworking staff, many of whom offer direct support to refugees and immigrants. A gift to EMBARC can help fund staff salaries to keep the team going strong!