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Session Resource 1 Session Resource 2

Fostering Places of Belonging for Immigrants and Refugees

Monday, October 6, 2025
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM ET
Location: Senate

    Speaker(s)

  • Seema Agnani

    <strong>CEO</strong>
    National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD)

  • Melisa Laelan

    <strong>Executive Director</strong>
    Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese

  • Takao Suzuki

    <strong>Co-Executive Director</strong>
    Little Tokyo Service Center

  • Mamta Nyangmi

    <strong>Interim Executive Director </strong>
    Adhikaar for Human Rights & Social Justice

  • Laura Mendoza

    <strong>Lead Trainer</strong>
    The Resurrection Project

Immigrants and refugees are an integral part of the country's fabric, from urban to rural, neighborhoods and communities across the country thrive as a result of their contributions. Yet, recently enacted federal policies and programs are attempting to create an environment of fear and hostility. Join this session to learn how community development organizations are implementing strategies to protect immigrants and refugees and mitigate the impacts of new policies threatening community safety, social cohesion, community health, and economic development in neighborhoods across the country. Speakers will share their experiences, lessons learned, and opportunities for the sector to join efforts to foster places of belonging.