Board
Elizabeth Kinsfather
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Liz is a nonprofit Organization Development Consultant with Avenir Consulting Partners. With a passion to help nonprofits maximize their time and resources, she has spent more than 20 years in nonprofit operations and project management. Liz has been active in the refugee community since 2016, when she joined a church team that helped a Syrian family resettle in the East Valley. A proud foster/adoptive parent, she and her husband have 4 teenage daughters. They enjoy hiking, playing games, and volunteering together.
President
Ismail Baki
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Ismail (Ish) Baki has been with Mars, Inc. for almost 33 years in leadership roles in Human Resources, Sales and Marketing. He currently serves as the Ombudsman for Mars, Inc. for the Americas and is based in Las Vegas. As an immigrant, Ish moved to the United Sates as a young child and always remembered those that made him feel welcome in this new country. He is passionate about WTAP and served as a volunteer for the Saturday Welcomes for a number of years before joining the board in 2025. In his spare time, you can find Ish hiking, biking or traveling to a new destination!
Vice President
Wendell Hollinshead
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Wendell Hollinshead is a business operations and finance professional with over 30 years experience managing accounting and finance functions. Wendell has held leadership roles at technology based public and private companies. Wendell has acted as a board member and been involved as a volunteer for several valley organizations. In his spare time Wendell enjoys outdoor activities with his family. Wendell’s greatest personal accomplishment to date is completing an Ironman triathlon.
Treasurer
Alison Leslie
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Alison Leslie is a Human Resource and Compliance professional, previously in the non-profit sector. She is dedicated to making a positive impact in her community. Outside of work, Alison is a parent to a hockey-playing child and fosters dogs, providing them with a loving home until they are adopted.
Board Member
Matt Berens
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Matt is a business and transaction attorney with over 35 years experience and is a member of the law firm of Berens Blonstein PLC. He has been a volunteer and board member at WTAP since 2011 when he was made aware of the needs of refugee families through assisting in WTAP deliveries. He enjoys keeping up with his five grown children and two grandchildren, as well as coaching football and hiking with his spouse.
Emeritus Board Member
Jim Brown
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Jim has been a committed WTAP volunteer in various capacities for many years, participating in Saturday welcomes, filling in as the truck driver, and picking up furniture donations from his business clients. Jim is passionate about the mission and essential services WTAP provides refugees settling in Phoenix. He likes that the organization not only provides for those in great need but also fosters hope, goodwill, empathy, and understanding in the entire community. WTAP has also become a family affair as both of Jim’s sons have been active volunteers for the organization. Professionally, Jim is an industry award winning and multi-million dollar producing Realtor with over 25 years of experience in residential real estate and mortgage banking. Prior to becoming a realtor, he was a Vice President and senior manager of a national mortgage banking company. Jim, an Ahwatukee resident, is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Business Administration/Finance.
Board Member
Matt Cowley
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Prior to joining our board, Matt served in a variety of executive leadership positions, primarily in the health care sector. In those roles, Matt has fostered productive relationships with key external stakeholders and regulators and has demonstrated success in improving financial performance within the enterprise.
Matt is passionate about WTAP’s mission of welcoming friends to this country and community as they arrive, after great sacrifice, hoping to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. His involvement and interest began as a Saturday volunteer, welcoming new families from Afghanistan. Matt is well versed in a full range of challenges and opportunities facing mission-driven organizations seeking growth and stability.
Matt holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University. He currently lives in Phoenix with his wife Andrea and four children.
Board Member
Yaseen Jamaludeen
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Yaseen is an IT Architect in a technology consulting firm and is a volunteer for all seasons supporting a variety of causes. Starting in the 90s he taught himself how to use computers. His knowledge and dedication to helping others learn led him to active involvement with PCs for Refugees. Yaseen believes in guiding refugee communities toward self-sufficiency, and setting them up for success in today’s technology-driven world.
Board Member
Ashley McAndrews
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Ashley brings over five years of dedicated volunteer service to The Welcome to America Project, where she has contributed in a variety of impactful roles. With a deep passion for supporting refugees and advocating for those less fortunate, Ashley has been a committed and compassionate presence within the WTAP community.
Ashley holds a master’s degree in education and has long been active in both school and community initiatives, even while raising her triplets. Her leadership and service extend beyond WTAP, as she is actively involved in several community organizations and nonprofit efforts throughout the region.
Ashley’s approach is rooted in empathy, education, and action. She finds fulfillment in working directly with families who are new to the U.S., helping them navigate their new beginnings with dignity and support. Outside of her volunteer work, Ashley enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and creating meaningful memories with her family.
Board Member
Mike McDougal
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Mike currently leads Operations and Service Teams at JPMorgan Chase. His teams assist Internal Partners in providing Best in Class Client Experience for Consumer, Small Business, and Business Banking Clients.
Mike also spent over 10 years in Branch Management both with Chase and other financial institutions. Mike has also been a small business owner of multiple pizza restaurants.
Mike is an active Volunteer in leading Youth Groups in his local community and is passionate about mentoring others. He is excited to be able to share his expertise and bring his passion for helping others to WTAP. After his first time volunteering on a Saturday Welcome, he knew he wanted to do more to help and looks forward to serving on the board.
Mike lives by the Motto ‘Work Hard and Be Nice To People’ It is a simple and powerful way to live life.
Secretary
Joan Lowell
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Joan Lowell has held leadership positions in the non profit sector for over 25 years. She served as Executive Director of Hospice of the Valley from 1983 to 1994, followed by two years in the Peace Corps, Kazakhstan, where she served as counselor in business and NGO development. She has continued this work to date in Arizona, Russia, Ukraine, Thailand, Malawi, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
Upon her return from Peace Corps, Joan served as Senior Advancement Officer for Donor Services for the Arizona Community Foundation until 2007. She currently is a board member of three family foundations and three non profit organizations and consults to non profit organizations in Arizona. She serves as an Academic Associate at ASU.
Joan holds a BA from Queens College, N.Y., an M.S. from Adelphi University, N.Y. and an M.P.A from ASU.
Board Member
Scott McLaughlin
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Scott has worked in the business/real estate field in sales, account management and meeting facilitating. He has been volunteering with WTAP for a few years helping with Saturday welcomes. He became interested in WTAP after traveling internationally over the past dozen years and seeing the plight of people in other countries. Scott became hooked on WTAP after seeing the spirit of the refugees and the generosity of the volunteers and WTAP staff. When not volunteering, Scott enjoys traveling anywhere with his wife Claire.
Board Member
Board Member
Bo Dul
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Bo Dul is a partner at Coppersmith Brockelman PLC and co-chair of the firm’s Elections and Public Law Practice. She previously spent nearly seven years in Arizona state government, including as General Counsel in the Governor’s Office and as State Elections Director and General Counsel at the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office. She continues to advise public officials and state agencies as outside counsel.
Prior to public service, Bo was a partner at Perkins Coie LLP, where she focused on election law, litigation, and anti-corruption compliance and investigations. Inspired by her family’s experience as refugees from Cambodia, she has long been involved in immigrant and refugee rights work and founded the Phoenix Legal Action Network (PLAN), the first nonprofit providing legal services to immigrant families in Phoenix facing deportation and family separation.
Bo is a proud alumna of Arizona State University, where she was a Dorrance Scholar. As a student at ASU, she volunteered with WTAP in its early years, supporting the organization as it was first getting off the ground. She went on to get her Juris Doctorate from NYU School of Law and Master’s in Public Affairs from Princeton University.
Staff
Kevin Groman
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Kevin and his family have been active in the refugee community since 2016. In addition, his philanthropic focus has been centered on Access to Justice, Refugees/Asylees, Sustainability, and Startups. He is an entrepreneur, investor, advisor, consultant, business executive, and an attorney.
Executive Director
Amela Duric
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Originally from Bosnia and Hercegovina, Amela Duric, a former refugee herself, is now serving as WTAP’s Development Manager. Amela has her Bachelor of Science in Sociology and her Master of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University. With a passion for education, Amela hopes to pursue a PhD degree in the next couple of years. A lifelong volunteer of many organizations, Amela is an advocate of human rights for all and began spending her time with WTAP back in 2018. In her free time, she can be found traveling the world, exercising and spending time with those she loves.
Development Manager
Athanase Havugimana
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Originally from Burundi, Athanase manages our client interactions, including home visits and resource pickups. Fluent in seven languages, he lived in five African countries before coming to the US in 2014. Athanase earned an associate’s degree in computer repair and has experienced as a network specialist. He has invaluable experience as a case manager at a local resettlement agency, and uses that knowledge to spearhead our ReWelcome program. Athanase loves traveling, playing soccer, handball, and spending time with his family.
Welcome Manager
Damir Cato
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As the Volunteer and Resource Manager, Damir coordinates volunteer opportunities and helps share WTAP’s mission through social media and email marketing. A former refugee from Bosnia and Herzegovina, he is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those seeking refuge and a fresh start in the United States. Damir holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science and has a professional background in public relations.
Outside of his professional life, Damir enjoys reading, hiking Arizona trails, traveling, playing music, and spending time with his family and friends.
Volunteer and Resource Manager
Omar Alasow
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Omar initially joined the team as a resource specialist managing donations, offering assistance through home visits, and providing driving support. He is now spearheading the Career Bridging program, working to connect qualified refugees with roles within their expertise. Omar possesses an Associates degree in political science and is currently pursuing a Bachelors in International Relations. He plays an essential role in providing mentorship and resources to get newcomers on the path to self-sufficiency. Leveraging his proficiency in Arabic, he greatly contributes to our ability to warmly welcome numerous friends. Originally from Somalia, Omar is multilingual, fluent in three languages, and actively learning a fourth. During his leisure time, he indulges in reading about history and engaging in independent research.
Career Bridging Manager
Hannah Stark
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Hannah has a background in operations management and experience growing processes within start-ups. She’s always been passionate about helping others and prefers to have a direct impact on her local community. In addition to volunteering at many animal shelters, Hannah has helped mentor children in the foster care system. She is excited to focus her efforts on resettling refugees and making them feel welcome in their new homes. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys playing ukulele, training in traditional Chinese lion dance, is an avid reader, and loves exploring the outdoors with her family.
Office and Program Manager
Mirwais Temori
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As the Employment Intake Specialist, Mirwais provides strategic guidance and coaching to families to support their transition toward long-term self-sufficiency through coordinated access to community resources and case support. Mirwais arrived from Afghanistan in 2021 and has served with several organizations supporting refugee and immigrant populations, bringing his vast knowledge of the resettlement process to WTAP. He has a background in law.
Employment Coordinator
Christopher Thompson
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Christopher serves as WTAP’s Career Bridging & Policy Associate, supporting refugee and newcomer clients as they navigate employment pathways, training opportunities, and public benefit systems. He focuses on workforce development, barrier removal, and systems-building to help clients move toward long-term stability, while supporting policy-aligned processes related to benefits access and program compliance.
Christopher holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Northern Arizona University and brings experience across nonprofit operations, community engagement, and workforce programs. He collaborates closely with partners and internal teams to strengthen career pathways, improve service delivery, and translate complex systems into practical support for families.
He is passionate about creating sustainable opportunities for communities and building bridges between people, programs, and policy. He enjoys hiking Arizona trails, attending sporting events and concerts, and staying active.
Career Bridging & Policy Associate
Tara Emin
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Originally from Iran, Tara holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, certifications in Data Analysis, and has a professional background in the construction industry in Turkey.
Having worked in sales and business development, Tara bring her vast experience in client relations, strategic planning, team leadership, and problem-solving to WTAP.
She enjoys volunteering and has donated her time to Arizona State University, where Tara supported the Financial Department by working with data, reports, and operational analysis.
Employment Intake Specialist
Fatima Hussaini
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Originally from Afghanistan, Fatima brings a strong sense of purpose, cultural understanding, and professional dedication to her role as a Career Bridging Specialist. In her role, she supports newcomers as they navigate the job market, build confidence, and take important steps toward achieving stability and professional success.
Fatima assists clients with job applications, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, and career planning. She is passionate about helping individuals recognize the value of their skills, experiences, and personal stories, and she enjoys guiding them as they present themselves professionally to employers.
She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the University of Tulsa, and her academic and professional experiences have strengthened her interest in career development, economic opportunity, and community empowerment.
Outside of work and school, Fatima enjoys reading, watching Friends and Kouman, and listening to music.
Career Bridge Specialist