Who Is Listening?
A successful refugee program must build on existing refugee assets and center refugee leadership in shaping effective resettlement services. A panel of newly arrived refugees will share their experiences post-resettlement, the importance of cultural heritage in building strong identities, and the role of community in supporting successful resettlement. Experience firsthand accounts that highlight challenges, resiliency, and hope. Panelists will also share their recommendations for improving systems and services that support successful resettlement by ensuring services respond to their aspirations for economic success and full integration. This is an engaging session for anyone committed to including refugee voices beyond window dressing to improve the effectiveness of policy and practice.
Panelists:
Shahad AlDulaimi, Iraqi Community Member
Mohammed AlNema, Iraqi Community Member
Marwah Anbaree, Iraqi Community Member
Ali Osman Dasdemir, Turkish Community Member
Farid Ahmad Herawi, Afghan Community Member
Mohammad Rafi Lotfi, Afghan Community Member
Khadija Noorzada, Afghan Community Member
Moderators:
Haidar Al-Abedi, Hassan Jabir, Shakila Kajaby
Part of Refugee Community Building Conference ‘26
Conference Registration
Early Bird Registration: We are pleased to offer a limited number of free tickets. If you are interested, please fill out the scholarship form.
For group registration and scholarship requests, please email events@naapr.org or udita@naapr.org.
Regular Registration: Regular online registration is open from July 1 to September 1 at 5:00pm PT. The registration fee is $120 for all attendees. Register online before September 1, as online regular registration closes then.
For group registration please email events@naapr.org or udita@naapr.org.
For scholarship requests, please click the link below:
Conference Schedule
Friday, September 18, 2026
8:30-9:30 am
Registration and Breakfast
9:30- 10:15 am
Welcome, Opening Keynote, and Ethnic Entertainment
10:30 am- 12:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions
12:15 pm Lunch
1:45- 3:15 pm
Concurrent Sessions
3:15- 4:00 pm
Visit the Resource Room and Networking
4:00 – 4:30
Closing Remarks & Door Prizes
Hotel and Parking
Our 2026 Refugee Community Building Conference will be held at:
Seattle Airport Marriott Hotel
3201 S 176th St, Seattle, WA 98188
On-Site Parking
The hotel offers discounted parking for $18 per day plus tax (Port of Seattle and State tax).
Parking is limited. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.
Valet
Daily: $41.00
Visit Marriott’s website for most accurate parking information.
Accessibility
Click here to view accessibility information on Marriot’s website
Notice of Photo and Videotaping
We will be taking photos and video throughout the conference for use on websites, in social media, and other materials. Your attendance at the conference constitutes your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded without compensation.