BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Maxwell Agyemang, Ph.D
Chairperson
Dr. Maxwell Agyemang is an economist and educator whose career exemplifies RICA’s commitment to empowering immigrant communities. As a Ghanaian immigrant, he brings lived experience and academic expertise to advancing equity and opportunity for newcomers.
Judi Gachunga Machira, FNP-BC
Vice Chairperson
Judi Gachunga Machira is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and healthcare entrepreneur whose career reflects a deep commitment to accessible, patient-centered care. As the founder and Director of Imarika Healthcare Services LLC in Worcester, Massachusetts, she has built a multi-disciplinary practice that bridges critical gaps in healthcare delivery for individuals and families across the region.
Ibrahim Muse
Treasurer
Ibrahim Muse is a dedicated social worker whose career exemplifies RICA’s mission of providing holistic support and empowerment for refugee and immigrant communities. With over 10 years of distinguished experience delivering humanitarian services, Ibrahim brings both lived experience and professional expertise to advancing dignity, resilience, and meaningful integration for vulnerable populations.
Emma Karen Ankrah, MSW
Secretary
Emma K. Ankrah is a deeply committed social work professional with over a decade of experience supporting individuals and families through systems of care, protection, and empowerment. As a Social Worker with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, she has worked closely with families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds—many of whom are immigrants or navigating the complex challenges of resettlement
Nuredin Adem
Board Member
Lymen Abdella
Board Member
Lymen Abdella is a software engineer with a masters in applied computer science specializing in AI and machine learning. As a part-time educator with 4+ years of experience teaching, he is a valued member of the Worcester community where he hosts weekly tutoring and homework help sessions for our community’s students
ADVISORS
Jennifer Carlson, Ph.D
Board Advisor
Jennifer Carlson, Ph.D., CEM®, LCSW, is a leading New England emergency management expert, educator, and author with over 20 years of experience. She has deployed to major disasters, including Hurricane Katrina and the Boston Marathon bombing, serving in leadership and training roles with the American Red Cross, FEMA, and the State of Massachusetts
Marianne Sarkis, Ph.D.
Board Advisor
Marianne Sarkis has over twenty years’ experience working with refugee and immigrant communities, including Somalis, Kenyans, Iraqis, and Ghanaians. She has provided advocacy and education through grand rounds and professional trainings on refugee health, reproductive health, and early childhood trauma, emphasizing culturally responsive and trauma-informed care
Susan M. Swanson, MA, CAES
Board Advisor
Susan M. Swanson brings over 40 years of clinical expertise in speech-language pathology and neurodevelopmental disabilities to her work with RICA. Her career exemplifies RICA’s mission of providing compassionate, interdisciplinary support that empowers vulnerable populations to overcome communication barriers and access essential services with dignity and understanding
TEAM MEMBERS
Hussein Mohamed, MSW
Executive Director
Hussein Mohamed is the visionary founder and executive director of the Refugee and Immigrant Community Advocate (RICA). His remarkable journey—from being born in Somalia and raised in a Kenyan refugee camp to becoming a transformative leader in Worcester County, Massachusetts—embodies the resilience and untapped potential he champions in every community he serves
Tshibangu Kalala, PhD
Director of Operations
Dr. Tshibangu Kalala is a distinguished climate change adaptation and food security expert whose career exemplifies RICA’s commitment to addressing the root causes of displacement while empowering vulnerable communities. With a newly completed PhD in Climate Change Adaptation from Clark University and over 10 years of field experience across 11 African countries, Dr. Kalala bridges academic research with practical solutions for displaced populations
Annette Poku, MSW, LCSW
Program Director
Annette P. is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose career is defined by a steadfast commitment to the emotional well-being and resilience of the individuals and families she serves. With advanced training and licensure grounded in evidence-based clinical practice, Annette brings both professional expertise and genuine compassion to every therapeutic relationship she builds
Khalid Herez
Community Advocate / Organizer
Khalid Herez is a dedicated community leader and social services coordinator whose 17-year career exemplifies RICA’s commitment to holistic support and empowerment for refugee and immigrant communities. With extensive experience spanning three countries and multiple humanitarian organizations, Khalid brings deep cultural understanding and practical expertise to serving vulnerable populations navigating complex resettlement challenges.
Isaack Nyagweso
Youth Program Coordinator
Isaack Okwaro Nyagweso is a seasoned GIS Analyst and Developer with over 15 years of experience delivering geospatial solutions across transportation, environmental management, energy infrastructure, land tenure, and public health sectors
Peter Ojukwu Bosire, JD
Legal Education Coordinator
Peter Bosire brings over 20 years of legal expertise and direct refugee resettlement experience to his work with RICA. His career exemplifies RICA’s mission of providing comprehensive, culturally responsive support that empowers refugees and immigrants to navigate complex legal systems with dignity and purpose.
Abdul Aziz
Case Manager
As a trilingual and community-focused professional, I bring over three years of experience supporting vulnerable populations in refugee environments and continuing that work through volunteer service in Worcester, Massachusetts