Executive Team

A Minneapolis native  with dual  specialties in adult and geriatric medicine and more than a decade of humanitarian experience. She was part of the first team that responded to the crisis of 40,000 Syrian refugees stranded along the Greek-Macedonian border after military presence sealed the border in 2015. 

Since then, she has taken on numerous leadership roles and served on several international boards. Her humanitarian efforts have led her to missions across Iraq, Bosnia, Palestine, Jordan, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, as well as managing 11 refugee clinics along the Syrian-Lebanese border. 

A dedicated advocate for others and a proud mother to a baby girl, she continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves. She is the proud mother of a baby girl and a lifelong advocate for others.

Nour holds a degree in Translation from a university in Lebanon and has extensive experience volunteering with numerous NGOs in various capacities, including interpreter, teacher, and facilitator. Passionate about bridging communication gaps and advocating for vulnerable communities, Nour has dedicated significant time and energy to humanitarian work.

At RUH, Nour served as a team leader, playing a vital role in documenting activities, helping to create and launch impactful projects, and translating the voices and stories of those in need. Nour's ability to convey the experiences of refugees and marginalized individuals has helped ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met. 

With a deep commitment to service and advocacy, Nour continues to contribute meaningfully to humanitarian efforts, striving to make a difference in the lives of others.

Bilal holds a diploma in Engineering from a technical institute in Syria. He joined RUH as a volunteer in early 2021, where his contributions have been instrumental in supporting various humanitarian initiatives. 

Initially, Bilal assisted with packing and distributing food and goods to families in need. His commitment to helping others soon expanded into the educational realm, where he became an Arabic teacher in the classes offered by RUH. In addition to teaching, Bilal played an important role in supervising and caring for children during out-of-camp activities, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Bilal's diverse skill set and dedication have made him an essential member of the RUH team, deeply committed to serving the refugee community and supporting vulnerable populations.

Robert is a peacebuilder and policy advocate with a Master of Arts in Peace Studies from the University of San Diego and a graduate certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution. With a diverse background in government affairs, international development, and humanitarian work, Robert has dedicated his career to fostering peace and advancing democratic governance globally.

He has extensive experience in global conflict resolution, having worked with the National Democratic Institute in Sudan, Malawi, and Zambia, where he focused on strengthening democratic institutions and supporting civil society. Robert has also led initiatives in legislative reform, planning, and facilitating regional and local dialogues in countries including North Macedonia, Colombia, and Iraq.

Earlier in his career, Robert served in the United States House of Representatives and was an election observer for the Committee on House Administration during the 2020 election. His work is driven by a deep commitment to advancing human rights, humanitarian aid, and the protection of vulnerable populations worldwide.

Panicha is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Registered Play Therapist with nearly a decade of experience supporting children, teens, and young adults, especially those navigating neurodiversity. She specializes in creating individualized therapeutic approaches that help clients build emotional resilience, improve coping skills, and develop self-awareness.

Beyond her clinical work, Panicha is a strong advocate for families fleeing war and conflict. She uses her skills in videography and social media management to raise awareness about the challenges these families face. By creating impactful content and managing online outreach, Panicha helps amplify the voices of refugees and educate the public about the importance of supporting displaced families.

Panicha’s advocacy efforts are rooted in a deep commitment to social justice and the belief that storytelling and community engagement can drive meaningful change. She remains dedicated to improving mental health awareness and supporting vulnerable communities through her volunteer work and professional practice.

Vi has over a decade of experience in the mental health field, with the past four years dedicated to community action. She previously served as both the Academic Chair and Historian Chair within a women's organization focused on resisting oppression and advocating for freedom. In these roles, Vi empowered individuals to find their voice, advocate for their needs, and address the root causes of their well-being. Her work emphasized balancing academic pressures with collective care, fostering cultural awareness, and creating supportive spaces for self-empowerment and growth.

Currently, Vi continues her commitment to community action as a member of Rise Up Humanity, where she serves vulnerable populations, including refugee communities.

A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Vi specializes in inner child healing and intergenerational trauma, offering compassionate telehealth therapy to AAPNHPI and BIPOC individuals on their journey to emotional wellness. Her therapeutic approach blends eco-therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)—an attachment-based framework that promotes self-exploration and personal growth. Vi is dedicated to helping clients navigate emotional challenges, build resilience, and uncover pathways to healing and thriving in a safe, nurturing environment.

Kristen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) providing therapeutic services to children, teens, and adults. She specializes in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, chronic illness, and highly sensitive traits. Kristen embraces the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and identities of her clients, recognizing how intersecting forms of discrimination uniquely influence each person’s experiences. She is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment that fosters healing and personal growth.

In addition to her clinical work, Kristen is committed to social justice, advocacy, and allyship. She continually educates herself about global humanitarian crises and actively engages in community efforts to support oppressed communities. 

At Rise Up Humanity, Kristen contributes to crafting materials that are both informative and inspiring, advancing the organization’s mission while cultivating action. She also uses her social media platform to raise awareness, elevate refugee voices, and motivate change.

Kristen’s work reflects her belief in the power of compassion, empowerment, and collective action to promote a world grounded in empathy and inclusion.