top of page

OUR TEAM

Sarah Cady 2 (1).png

SARAH CADY

Chief Executive Officer

sarahcady@reactdc.org

Sarah Cady, LICSW, brings 24 years of experience working with foreign-born populations in the education, health, and refugee resettlement sectors. She has served as a refugee case manager, job developer, and director of programs at both national and local levels. Prior to joining REACT DC, she was the Executive Director of the Refugee and Immigrant Services Department at Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), overseeing large-scale employment and initial resettlement programs for refugees, SIVs, and Afghan and Ukrainian parolees. She also opened and directed the LIRS Alexandria Field Office, which resettled over 1,400 Afghan allies after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan.

​

Sarah is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Virginia and speaks French. When she is not working, you can find her chasing her 11-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter. She is an avid reader and enjoys riding her bike, practicing yoga, running, and gardening.

Directors

Allison Agoglia.jpg

Senior Programs Consultant

ALLISON AGOGLIA

allison@reactdc.org

Allison lived the life of a military brat and grew up all over the U.S. and abroad. That sense of never staying in one place for too long, learning about different cultures, and exploring new locations 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, improve access to education, and deliver lessons on women’s health. She previously worked in a refugee resettlement office and assisted with their women’s and cultural orientation programs.

​

Allison believes in a boots-on-the-ground approach—interacting directly with families, building relationships, learning people’s stories, and making personal connections that drive her to keep going. She approaches situations with empathy, compassion, a willingness to listen, and grit, enabling her to support and empower those she works with. Allison attended James Madison University, where she studied International Affairs with a concentration in Africa and a minor in French.

Ally Brown.jpg

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, she 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 knows firsthand 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, particularly on issues related to families with special needs.

Safiullah Delawar.jpg

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 Project Manager – Activity Coordinator at Lutheran Social Services of the 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 strong commitment to human rights and international conventions, he has also served as 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 in the lives of those he supports.

Devon bio pic.jpg

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.

Image_20251121_133634.jpeg

Director of 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 has 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.

Staff

Mariam Aziz Ahmad

Women's Empowerment Program Childminder

​​

Jabar Amini

Therapeutic Coach​​​​​​​​​​​

​​​​

Ahmad Fawad Azizi

Refugee Support Services Employment Program (RSSEP) Employment Coordinator​

​

Asma Bandawal

Women's Empowerment Program Childminder

​​

Maiwand Basiri

Refugee Support Services Employment​

​

Katy Coleman

Refugee Support Services Employment Program (RSSEP) Employment Coordinator

Joseph Flynn

Refugee Support Services Employment Program (RSSEP) Training Specialist

​

Frozan Massoudi

Women's Empowerment Program Digital Literacy Instructor

​

Nasira Oraal

Refugee Support Services Employment Program (RSSEP) Intake Coordinator

​

Atiqullah Rahimi

Refugee Support Services Employment Program (RSSEP) Interpreter/Translator, Employment Coordinator​​​​​

​

​Hosay Sadat

Mental Health Coordinator

Hasib Satary

Mental Health Coordinator ​​

​

Sora Studa

Refugee Support Services Employment Program (RSSEP) Business Liaison

​

Oliver Subasinghe

Refugee Support Services Employment Program (RSSEP) Employment Coordinator

​

Mansora Sultani

Women's Empowerment Program Sewing Workshop Instructor​

​

Alex Tetrault

Health and Benefits Navigation Specialist Consultant

 

Samina Yousofi

Women's Empowerment Program English Language Instructor

Board of Directors

Josh Burgess.jpeg

Founding Member | President, Board of Directors

JOSH BURGESS

josh@reactdc.org

Josh is a social entrepreneur passionate about creating regenerative solutions to the Earth’s most pressing challenges. He previously served 25 years in the United States Air Force as a special operations advisor, pilot, and international affairs expert. Through his deployments in Afghanistan, Josh gained deep insight into Afghan culture and is committed to empowering Afghan allies to build successful futures in the United States.

Paul Kiekhaefer.jpg

Treasurer, Board of Directors

PAUL KIEKHAEFER

paul@reactdc.org

Paul is a community builder passionate about driving action at the intersection of the public, private, and social sectors. He works as a Delivery Leader for Delivery Associates, helping governments and social impact organizations deliver improved outcomes. He previously worked in management consulting at Alvarez & Marsal, where he assisted state governments in managing operational crises and addressing financial challenges.
 

Paul believes it is the duty of those with much to help those with less, particularly in welcoming refugees. He brings direct experience as a member of a Sponsor Circle that helped settle an Afghan couple in Northern Virginia in 2022, with REACT DC serving as the fiscal sponsor.

Lisa Maddox.jpg

Secretary, Board of Directors

LISA MADDOX

lisa@reactdc.org

Lisa served 15 years as an intelligence officer for the federal government. Her work included war zone assignments, including one in Afghanistan. An expert in Middle East and South Asia security issues, Lisa developed a deep commitment to Afghan-related issues and stepped up during the August 2021 fall of Kabul to support fleeing families. Lisa’s expertise and insights have been featured in recent New York Times articles and a Showtime documentary entitled The Longest War. Now a small business owner in the field of family history and genealogy, Lisa continues to support newly arrived Afghan allies, helping them adjust and thrive.

Jafar Hussaini.JPG

Board of Directors

JAFAR HUSSAINI

jafar@reactdc.org

Jafar Hussaini is an experienced financial professional with expertise in accounting, auditing, budgeting, financial reporting, and taxation. He has held senior financial leadership roles, including Accounting Officer for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer in Washington, D.C., Director of Financial Analysis, Comptroller, and Director of Finance & Accounting.

Hussaini brings extensive experience in financial controls, compliance, audits, payroll, and tax preparation, with a strong focus on accuracy and transparency. He holds an Executive MBA in Accounting and Finance from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Hunter College. He is also an IRS Enrolled Agent, authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS.

Amy Marden.jpg

REACT DC Founder

AMY MARDEN

amy@reactdc.org

Amy has dedicated thirteen years to giving voice and agency to at-risk and transitional populations. She served six years as a resource and referral liaison for the U.S. Navy, both domestically and in Japan, where she worked with military families facing reintegration challenges after multiple tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and at sea. Following the Afghanistan evacuations, Amy founded REACT DC to assist Afghan allies with their resettlement. 

​

Amy is a practicing attorney and former federal law clerk for the Northern District of Florida, where she assessed the validity of prisoners’ “last rights” appeals. She is also the author of The Parts We Lost, which she published on the eve of the final evacuation flight out of HKIA.

Copy of Copy of Nats Game.png

Board of Directors

Join REACT DC's Board of Directors

Shape the Future of Refugee Support!

Are you passionate about empowering refugees and making a lasting impact in the community? Do you have the leadership, vision, and dedication to help guide a growing organization in its mission to support newcomers? REACT DC is seeking dynamic individuals to join our Board of Directors and help steer our efforts to provide vital services to refugees and immigrant families.

​

About REACT DC

Founded by veterans and military spouses, REACT DC is dedicated to supporting refugees and newcomers as they integrate into American society. We provide a wide range of services, including legal assistance, job placement, education, and women’s empowerment programs. Our goal is to help individuals and families build successful, self-sufficient lives in their new communities.

​

Why Join the Board?

As a member of the Board of Directors, you will:

  • Lead Strategic Growth: Play a key role in shaping the future direction of REACT DC, helping us expand our programs and outreach.

  • Champion Our Mission: Advocate for refugee rights and influence policies that affect the lives of displaced people.

  • Leverage Your Expertise: Utilize your professional skills to contribute to areas such as fundraising, program development, community partnerships, or governance.

  • Make a Tangible Difference: Help ensure that refugees receive the resources they need to thrive in their new homes.

 

What We're Looking For

We are seeking board members with diverse backgrounds and skill sets, particularly in:

  • Nonprofit Leadership

  • Finance & Fundraising

  • Legal & Advocacy

  • Community Relations

  • Corporate Partnerships

  • Immigrant and Refugee Services

Candidates should be committed to REACT DC's mission and able to dedicate time for quarterly board meetings and occasional committee work.

​

How to Apply

Interested in joining a team that’s making a meaningful impact? We would love to hear from you! To learn more or to apply, please email us at info@reactdc.org.

​

Help us make a difference—together, we can build brighter futures for refugees and their families!

Key Volunteers

Molly Sepulvado
Founding Member

Caroline Lavin

Summer Intern 2022​​​

​

​Sofia Joucovsky

Summer Intern 2023​​

​

Amy Zheng

UMD Impact Intern Summer 2024

​

​​Kelly Smith

Founding Member

Public Relations Manager​

​

​​Caroline Bello

Founding Member

​

​​Tomoko Kawasumi

Founding Member

​

​​Betsy Keenan

Founding Member

​

​​Tomoko Kawasumi

Founding Member

​

​​Kim Lundberg

Founding Member

​

​​Kim Mestre

Founding Member

Yannie Chang

REACTwomen/VRSAP/MYVA

​

Sebghatullah Ahmad Alizai

RSSEP

Copyright 2021 REACT DC, Inc.

​

REACT DC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 87-2697692). Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

​

Contact us at info@reactdc.org  |  443-386-7915

​

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Youtube
bottom of page