Leadership

Katherine Bom, Executive Director

Prior to my current position, I served as RefugeeNet's program manager for three years. I have over ten years of experience in nonprofit programs and administration, serving as a lead outreach worker, food distribution program manager, office administrator, receptionist, and interpreter. A member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in North Park since 1998, I’ve served on the Bishop's Committee, Audit Committee, and in women’s ministry. My educational background is in business office administration, and I’m fluent in English and Arabic. Click here to email Katherine.

Michael Mawien, Mama Africa Catering Director and Bookkeeper

Michael was born and raised in Khartoum, Sudan. After high school, he went to Syria as an exchange student to study Economics and Political Science at Damascus University. While there he became a very active student against the civil war in South Sudan and in the Blue Nile, Nuba Mountain, and Darfur regions of Sudan. Because of threats received in response to that activism, he received political asylum and resettlement in Dallas, Texas in 2002. He has since lived in Virginia and Washington D.C. before moving to San Diego in 2004. Michael has a degree in Business Administration from Southern University and an MBA from Independence University. He has held various positions in the financial industry including Wells Fargo Bank and Farmers Insurance Corporate, and he is currently an insurance agency owner at PIA Select. His hobbies include sports, spending time with his kids, listening to gospel music, going to the beach, and traveling. Click here to email Michael.

Joseph Jok, Development Director

Joseph is a professional interpreter, fluent in five languages, and holds an MA in International Relations from Alliant International University. He is an active leader and networker among the local Sudanese community in San Diego and the diaspora. He is passionate about helping refugees succeed in the US and has been serving refugees and immigrants for the past twenty years in different capacities. Click here to email Joseph.

Fargin Neim, Development Associate

Fargin is a long time congregant who spent much of her upbringing in the states. She graduated from the School Creative and Performing Arts high school in San Diego, studying creative writing and storytelling. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Computer Science and hopes to bridge both passions to create something wonderful and useful. Click here to email Fargin.

Nadia Agory, Case Manager

Joseph Ekyoci, Case Manager

Joseph Ekyoci is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He lived in Tanzania as a refugee for 15 years before coming to San Diego in 2012 with his family. Joseph is RefugeeNet's Swahili case manager working with African refugees. He provides translating services, including assistance with applications for government benefits, job applications and resume writing, he works with our food distribution program, and more. Joseph worked for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) for four years as an interpreter. He recently co-founded Kupanda Kids, a nonprofit organization providing tutoring and mentorship to refugee children. Click here to email Joseph.