Come together and honor the resiliency of refugees around the globe. 

Together, we can learn how we can be a part of making the Capital Region a welcoming home for newcomers. 

Hear about the innovative ways that RISSE is paving a path forward for refugees, asylum seekers, and new immigrants here in Albany. 

Experience the unveiling of a brand new art installation from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

Enjoy a Multimedia Art Installation by 

Local Artist Shumon Ahmed

Hear a Desi Musical Performance by members of Albany's Pakistani Community: Daniel Walayat and Wassem Mashi featuring the Tabla & Harmonium

West African Drumming Performance by EarthBeat Drummers

View 'Afghan Women Share Their Foodways Through Photos & Narratives'

By: Eileen C. Lindemann, MS, RDN, CDN

Kari H. Hickey, PhD, RN

Janine M. Jurkowski, PhD, MPH

Beverly W. Henry, PhD, RDN, LDN 

Laura R. Johnson, PhD

Exhibition of RPI School of Architecture Student Design Projects

Passed Hors d'Oeuvres and Bar

2pm Doors Open

2:45pm Program 

3:15pm Art Installation Unveiling by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Honorary Committee Members

Dignity Defenders

Susan Appe

Ken Baker

Blooms by Marie

James and Sandra Butterworth

Christ's Church Albany

EarthBeat Music 

Laura Graceffa

Gail Kendall

Susan Kirchheimer and James Tierney

David and Janice Rowell

Anonymous

Unity Partners

JoAnn and Jim Bennett

Julie and David Blumkin

Brian and Pam Hayes

Lynn G. Johnson and Anita F. Pratt

Lyubov Naydenova

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Elaine Wright Roark

Jeremy Tolbert and Cianna Freeman- Tolbert

Deborah and Robert Ward

Westminster Presbyterian Church

Michael Wilk and Sam Raj

The Woman's Club of Albany

Compassion Advocates

Law Office of Sandra Allen

Dan Cotton

Jennifer Dodge

Mark Eagan

Deborah Earthrowl

Assemblymember Patricia Fahy*

Ellen E Fay

Gina Feliciano

Susan Fittizzi

Ned Foss

Anthony and Marilyn Malone

Janet H. Marler, PhD

Andrea Martone

Dennis W. McCarty and Tanette Nguyen- McCarty

County Executive Daniel P. McCoy*

Nancy M. Mohammadi

Anne Putnam

Alissa Quinn

Luis F. Luna Reyes

Deborah Richards

Mayor Katherine Sheehan*

John Sherman

Sheri Stevens

Janet M. Thayer

Congressman Paul D. Tonko*

Young Professionals - Hope Givers

A & S Life and Career Coaching LLC

Jeremias Castaneda

Jennifer Gresens 

Bo Li

Abbey Marr & Stephen Holt

Zilpa Oduor

Ali Schaeffing

Brendan Venter, Harris Beach PLLC

For any questions, contact Melissa: melissa@risse-albany.org