Senior Programs Consultant

ALLISON AGOGLIA

allison@reactdc.org

Allison lived the life of a military brat and grew-up all over the US and abroad. That sense of never staying in one spot for too long,  learning about different cultures, and being able to explore new places through travel sparked her desire to work overseas and with diverse populations. She has worked with several NGOs around the world to provide assistance to women and children, access to education, and lessons on women’s health. She’s previously worked in a refugee resettlement office and assisted with their women’s and cultural orientation programs. Allison believes in the boots on the ground approach— interacting with the families directly, building relationships, learning people’s stories, and making those personal connections drive her to keep going. She approaches situations with empathy and compassion, a willingness to listen, and grit so that she can support and empower those she works with. Allison attended James Madison University and studied International Affairs with a Concentration in Africa along with a minor in French.

Refugee Support Services Employment Program (RSSEP) Program Manager

Director of Community Integration

ALLY BROWN

ally@reactdc.org

Ally is a military spouse, family advocate, and substitute teacher in Arlington, Virginia. During her many years of activism, Ally shaped and developed policy for the Virginia Department of Education as part of the Military Child Education Coalition and was selected for U.S. Senator Tim Kaine's Military Family Roundtable, which informed the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee on various issues affecting military families. Ally previously spent 11 years as a software engineer in the telecommunications industry. As a mother of three--including two children with special needs--and a survivor of 14 military moves, Ally more than knows how to be resilient, resourceful, and ready. She is a passionate advocate for both refugee and military families and has experience engaging public officials and senior organizational leaders, especially on issues related to families with special needs. 

Reception and Placement (R&P) Director

AHMED FAWAD AZIZI

ahmed@reactdc.org

Ahmad Fawad Azizi is a highly organized and adaptable professional with over 15 years of experience in project management, education, and refugee resettlement. As REACT DC’s Director of New Arrivals and Reception & Placement (R&P), he leads efforts to ensure that newly arrived families have the resources, guidance, and support they need to successfully integrate into life in the United States. Before joining REACT DC, Ahmad worked as a Family Liaison and Teacher’s Aide at McNamara Elementary School in Houston, where he helped newcomer families navigate school enrollment and adjust to U.S. education systems. Earlier in his career, he spent over a decade in Afghanistan managing complex, multi-million-dollar procurement projects for the Afghan National Army and Police under Amentum (formerly DynCorp International), and supervising interpretation teams supporting U.S. and Afghan military coordination. Fluent in Dari, Pashto, and English, Ahmad is recognized for his ability to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, advocate for newcomer communities, and build strong relationships across organizations. He holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Rabia Balkhi University in Kabul and an A.A. in Business Administration from Houston Community College.

REACTlegal Supervising Attorney

JESSICA CEDILLO, Esq.

reactlegal@reactdc.org

Jessica Cedillo, a seasoned immigration attorney based in Rockville, Maryland, brings over a decade of experience advocating for her clients' rights and navigating the complexities of immigration law. As the owner of the Law Office of Jessica Cedillo, LLC, she serves as a dedicated solo-practitioner representing individuals before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and immigration courts, offering expert counsel on relief eligibility and diligently preparing and filing various applications, including asylum, family petitions, and naturalization. With prior roles in local non-profits and private practice, Jessica has honed her expertise in diverse immigration matters, managing complex caseloads and conducting impactful community outreach initiatives. Holding a Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law and fluent in Spanish, Jessica remains committed to serving her clients' needs with compassion and professionalism, leveraging her legal acumen to navigate their immigration journey with care and expertise.

REACTlegal Director

SAFIULLAH DELAWAR

delawar@reactdc.org

Safiullah Delawar is a highly accomplished professional with over 13 years of experience in government and nonprofit organizations. Previously serving as an asylum specialist at REACT DC, he holds master's degrees in International Relations and Political Science. His career highlights include roles as a Project Manager - Activity Coordinator at Lutheran Social Services National Capital Area (LSSNCA), Diplomat - Economic Counselor and Consul at the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington, D.C., and Foreign Policy Coordinator at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Afghanistan. With a commitment to human rights and international conventions, he has also worked as the Director of reporting to international conventions. Through his diverse expertise, linguistic proficiency, and dedication to public service, Mr. Delawar continues to make a positive impact in his field and the lives of those he supports.

Director of Preferred Communities - Case Management

ZARMINA HAMIDI

zarmina@reactdc.org

Zarmina Hamidi is the Director of the Preferred Communities (PC) program at REACT DC, where she leads intensive case management for vulnerable refugee populations. A former refugee herself, resettled in 1988, Zarmina grew up in Arlington, Virginia and brings lived experience to her mission-driven leadership. She earned her bachelor’s degree from George Mason University and has been actively volunteering since her high school years, supporting diverse populations across the D.C. metro area. Since the Afghanistan evacuations in 2021, she has worked in refugee resettlement with organizations including Global Refuge and Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), focusing on trauma-informed care and long-term support for high-needs clients. While at Global Refuge, Zarmina championed refugee storytelling as a tool for community engagement and mobilization, participating in local events organized by groups such as KAMA DC and Story District, to amplify refugee voices and foster public understanding. At REACT DC, she continues to build volunteer networks and community partnerships that expand wraparound services and promote belonging. Through the Preferred Communities program, Zarmina integrates these efforts into a holistic model of support—one that centers dignity, resilience, and long-term self-sufficiency for those rebuilding their lives in the United States.

Director of Development and Communications

DEVON McCUAN

devon@reactdc.org

Devon McCuan is a former U.S. Army Signal Officer, dedicated military spouse, and mother of three. With experience spanning three continents and numerous U.S. locations, she brings a global perspective and a strong commitment to fostering inclusive, resilient communities. Since transitioning from active duty in 2010, Devon has continued to serve both military and civilian communities through extensive volunteer leadership. She has supported multiple Army units, family readiness programs, and spouse organizations across the United States and Europe, strengthening networks of collaboration and mutual support. Devon is known for her strategic mindset, adaptability, and ability to bring energy and cohesion to diverse teams. Her leadership is grounded in empathy, optimism, and a deep belief in the power of connection to drive meaningful impact. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Politics from George Mason University, reflecting her dedication to understanding and engaging with complex global and organizational systems.

Director of Preferred Communities - Clinical Services

ERIKA PHILIP, LCPC

erika@reactdc.org

Erika Philip, LCPC, serves as the Clinical Director for React DC, where she is leading the development of a mental health clinic to serve the organization’s most vulnerable clients.

With over two decades of experience in trauma recovery and community development, Erika has lived and worked in Rwanda and Uganda, and worked extensively in Ethiopia, supporting communities impacted by war, trafficking, displacement, and complex trauma. In the U.S., her work has focused on urban immigrant and refugee communities, addressing human trafficking, forced migration, abuse, and the effects of violence and substance exposure. She also spent more than a decade in refugee resettlement, providing counseling and capacity-building for individuals and families rebuilding their lives after displacement. Erika holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and a graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling. Her therapeutic approach integrates Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), family systems, and community-based trauma frameworks to support healing within culturally diverse contexts. A seasoned cross-cultural trauma therapist, Erika is committed to advancing equitable, accessible, and culturally responsive mental health care for those who have experienced profound adversity and marginalization.

REACTlegal Supervising Attorney

ALISON TABOR, Esq.

reactlegal@reactdc.org

Alison Tabor is a dedicated attorney with a compassionate approach to advocacy and a firm commitment to effecting positive change. With a passion for defending human rights and supporting marginalized communities, Alison's journey in advocacy stemmed from a heartfelt desire to offer assistance to those in need. Her impactful work with Afghan evacuees began at the Operation Allies Welcome legal clinic in Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin in 2021, where she led special initiatives to assist the 13,000 Afghan guests. After Ft. McCoy, she collaborated to create, develop, and facilitate pro se asylum workshops for hundreds of Afghan parolees. Alison's representation spans various immigration processes, including affirmative asylum representation with USCIS and defensive asylum representation at immigration courts. She firmly believes in compassionately guiding clients through the complex immigration system and working to ensure access to justice for all. Alison champions the right of every individual to humane treatment, striving to collaboratively drive positive change and foster a more equitable world.