You’ve done so much at CIRA, but the heart of your work is with people who are often scared, isolated, and unsure who to trust. How do you approach those first conversations?

I think people can feel when you’re genuinely there to help. It’s about validation, listening, setting boundaries, and being clear about what to expect. A lot of our clients compare us to private attorneys — but with us, it’s not about billing for time. It’s about showing up. You can expect a call back. And you can expect to know what’s happening with your case.

What do you wish more people understood about the immigrant experience?

That people don’t just leave home on a whim. They leave behind everything — culture, language, family — because they’re afraid or they’ve run out of options. And they have to live with those sacrifices every day. Too often, immigrants aren’t seen as human beings. There’s this negative narrative. I wish there were more immigrant stories so people could understand the real reasons. When people are exposed to those stories they tend to want to help.

How can supporters help, beyond donating?

Talk to people in your community. Understand why immigration happens and why it keeps happening. And don’t stop there. Keep asking questions. Keep having the conversation.

What moments remind you that this work matters?

The small things — feeling safe, going to school without fear, eating three meals a day. Most of the kids I work with love school. They’re so happy to have milk and meat on the table. That kind of stability? That’s huge. That’s what success looks like. Those small things ripple out in big ways.