MEDIA
Pictured from left to right: Betsy Lawrence: Deputy Assistant to the President on Immigration, Phimmasone Kym Owens: Founder of Refugee Garden Initiatives, Ursela Ojeda: Deputy Director, Immigration, Domestic Policy Council
On June 15, 2023, President Biden's White House Task Force on Immigration made a significant visit to Michigan, specifically Dearborn, to engage with state refugee agencies and collaborators. Among the esteemed participants was Phimmasone, the founder of Refugee Garden Initiatives and a valued member of the South Eastern Michigan Refugee Collaborative (SEMIRC). As a keynote speaker, she delivered a captivating narrative of her personal refugee journey, highlighting the urgent need for increased refugee representation in policymaking.
“Representation matters. I firmly believe that those who experience injustice and the consequences of policies are the ones best equipped to create real solutions. ”
BOOK LAUNCH
July 22nd, 2023
Book Launch Celebration
On July 1st, 2023, author Niphahone Laura Robertson will launch her powerful new book, coinciding with Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This captivating work delves into the history of Laos, shedding light on The Secret War and showcasing stories of resilience from individuals personally interviewed by the author. Among these remarkable individuals is Phimmasone Kym Owens, founder of Refugee Garden Initiatives. With a profound purpose, the author pledges to utilize the proceeds from book sales to champion the inclusion of Laos history in public school curricula, fostering greater awareness and understanding.
Lao-MKE: Untold Stories
An exhibition celebrating the Lao Experience
in Wisconsin July 14-July 30, 2023
RGI gained recognition in a recent PBS NewsHour article by Frances Kai-Hwa Wang dated September 6, 2023. Explore the full article by following the link below.