Our TEAM
Sam graduated from The University of Iowa with a Bachelors in Health and Human Physiology. She is passionate about creating space to care for bodies, hearts, and minds so that all might more joyfully and obediently honor God in all that they do and say. She both empowers people in how to use their gifts and the resources honorably and helps equip others to bridge the gap between different cultures and nations. She is grateful to be a part of lovingly welcoming refugees with HWR. She loves a good book, especially paired with a delicious pour over and breakfast tacos.
Sam
Executive
Director
Judi graduated from Bradley University with a degree in Elementary Education and later from Northern Illinois University with a Master’s. As far back as Judi can remember, she has always been interested in learning about other cultures. Real-world experiences entered her life during her teenage years as her family hosted foreign exchange students in their home and when she moved overseas for her first year of teaching. Judi is very excited to be a part of carrying out HWR’s mission and vision. For fun, Judi loves spending time with her family (especially her new grandson), reading, sewing quilts, and capturing nature through her camera lens.
Judi
Partnerships
Development Manager
Kaylee graduated from Houston Christianity University with a Bachelors degree in Biblical studies and a Masters in Theological Studies. In college she spent time mentoring and tutoring refugee students in the Houston area. For several years she has been traveling to various countries which led to a strong passion for exploring different places and cultures. She is passionate about writing, reading, soccer and exploring different foods. She is very excited and grateful to serve as part of the HWR team.
Kaylee
Administrative
Coordinator
Community ENGAGEMENT
Vivian graduated with a dual Bachelors degree from Hillsong College and Indiana Wesleyan in Biblical Studies. Her passion for cultures began when she first traveled overseas for missions to Asia. While living and studying in Australia, she was moved by the refugee crisis through a world perspectives course. Vivian continued her studies abroad and lived in Europe. Once moving back to Houston, Vivian eagerly entered the nonprofit sphere and came on staff with HWR. In her free time, she enjoys reading and having a good chat over coffee!
Vivian
Community Engagement Manager
Starting Essentials
Sarah received her Bachelors from University of Northern Colorado in International Affairs, followed by her Masters from the American University of Paris in International Affairs. Sarah grew up overseas and worked in refugee work in three cities across the world before coming to Houston. After two years as the Associate, Sarah is excited to serve as Manager, continuing to welcome refugees by meeting tangible, practical needs. When she's not coordinating Move-ins and Welcome Kits, Sarah enjoys international affairs podcasts, reading, strength training, and spending time with her husband David, and two black cats!
Sarah
Starting Essentials
Manager
Javed was born in South Asia and studied in Mongolia and South Korea, earning a Bachelors degree in International Business. Before moving to the US, Javed established his own import business while simultaneously working with a faith-based non-governmental organization to see his beloved home country flourish. Javed had to flee due to persecution and came to the US as an asylum seeker in 2021. Through this experience, he brings the desire to help others who find themselves escaping their homeland as he once did. He is thankful to be a member of HWR, to serve refugees with honor and dignity. He enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, and loves to play soccer and volleyball.
Javed
Starting Essentials
Associate
Friendship Program
Chris is currently pursuing his master’s degree in management from Huddersfield University. From 2021 to 2024, he worked closely with the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), UNICEF, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to manage day-to-day operations at a refugee camp and processing center, gaining valuable insight into the challenges faced by displaced communities. Prior to living in South Asia and Eastern Europe, Chris spent several years serving refugees and training others to do the same in the United States and abroad. He is passionate about loving and serving others in ways that uphold dignity and respect. In his free time, Chris enjoys watching procedural crime dramas, exploring new international restaurants, and spending quality time with his family.
Chris
Friendship Program
Manager
Liz graduated with a degree in Business Management with a Certificate in Nonprofits from Texas A&M. Immediately after graduating she lived internationally, getting to see the beauty of diversity in the world. She is passionate about fostering relationships across languages, cultures, politics and social status, so that our city may be a place of flourishing. She enjoys reading, traveling, listening to podcasts and going on walks in her neighborhood.
Liz
Friendship Program
Associate
