HIAS Leadership

Aishah Ali provides refugee resettlement services, supporting newly arrived individuals and families with housing stabilization, public benefits navigation, employment referrals, and access to essential community resources. Aishah collaborates closely with clients to promote self-sufficiency and successful integration into life in the United States. She is committed to delivering culturally responsive, client-centered, and trauma-informed services. Bilingual in Malay and Rohingya, Aishah effectively communicates with and advocates for clients from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. She is dedicated to supporting refugees and immigrants in achieving long-term stability and independence. Aishah meets with clients in our West Rogers Park office.  

Nonna has been working with HIAS Immigration & Citizenship for more than 17 years. Originally from Latvia, Nonna holds a Bachelor Degree in Children Education and Music from Daugavpils Pedagogical University and spent 11 years working at a music school. She arrived to Chicago in 1996, assisted by HIAS Immigration & Citizenship . Her first job in the United States was as Office Manager at EZRA Medical Transportation Comp, a welfare medical transportation program. Nonna is proud to be a part of a program that still assists people to resettle and start a new life in the United States.

Bio coming soon

Jamshid brings more than 15 years of experience across production, social services, and government sectors. He has previously held roles with Skyline Design, the Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs, the Independent Election Commission, the Louis Berger Group, Afghan Technical Consultants, and Sabz-Sang Elementary School. Jamshid earned a master’s degree in political science from Northeastern Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Dawat University. He is fluent in Pashto, Dari-Farsi-Persian, Hindi-Urdu, and English. Jamshid immigrated to the United States from Afghanistan nine years ago, and his experience as an immigrant inspired him to work for the immigrant community.

Julia Katrakis helps individuals achieve their employment goals through job search strategies, resume development, and interview preparation. She is passionate about empowering individuals and building strong community connections. Julia previously spent over a decade as a customer relations manager at Radio NVC, assisting post-Soviet immigrants and Ukrainian refugees with essential services and job opportunities in the U.S. As a media manager, she oversaw programming and digital content on ethnic radio. Julia also has extensive volunteer experience providing information and support to Russian-speaking communities. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in sound engineering and studied civil law and psychology. Julia meets with clients in our Skokie office. 

As the Program Manager for Immigration Legal Services, Rachael provides support for HIAS’ Immigration Case Workers, along with coordinating and providing direct services for Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees, Afghan Parolees, recent refugees, among others. Prior to joining JCFS HIAS, Rachael was a paralegal for Immigration Law, and worked with clients who were seeking asylum or deportation/removal defense. Immigration is a personal subject that is very near to Rachael’s heart, who has put to use her prior experience and love of languages for the advocacy and support of this community. Rachael attended Washington College in Chestertown, MD, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s in International Studies and Spanish, with concentrations in European Studies and French. In addition to legal services, Rachael also provides service as a translator and interpreter for the Spanish and French language. 

Bio Coming Soon

Zubair Omari passionately supports refugees navigating the job market and building successful careers. Zubair’s background is in education, having previously served as a university teacher for both bachelor's and master's programs in his home country of Afghanistan. He has contributed as a member of the Quality Assurance Board in the Ministry of Higher Education and has served as a Master Trainer for the US Embassy Access Program. Additionally, Zubair has authored textbooks for teacher training colleges under the Ministry of Education, showcasing his commitment to educational advancement. In his free time, he enjoys playing music and soccer.

Halyna previously supported Ukrainian newcomers through the Uniting for Ukraine program and now assists newly arrived refugees in achieving self-sufficiency and navigating the resettlement process. Halyna speaks Ukrainian, English, and Russian. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economy and entrepreneurship and a master’s degree in finance from Ternopil National Economic University. Originally from Ukraine, she spent 11 years as a small business owner before relocating to Chicago in 2016. Halyna is proud to support refugees as they rebuild their lives in the United States.

Margarita Sandler is a Department of Justice Accredited Representative, working with HIAS Immigration & Citizenship since 1996. She specializes in immigration legal services and in helping Holocaust Survivors apply for reparations. During the height of HIAS Immigration & Citizenship’s refugee resettlement program, Margarita played a significant role in supporting refugees prior to arrival in the US. Born in Moscow, Margarita came to the United States in 1995. She holds a degree in Education.

Bio Coming Soon

Alla Spector has more than twenty-five years of experience serving the Russian-speaking community in Chicago, including at JCFS Chicago and HIAS, and CJE SeniorLife. Alla earned a Master of Music degree in the Former Soviet Union, where she was employed as a Musicologist, Educator and Administrator. This experience enabled her to develop an understanding of the needs of immigrants from the Former Soviet Union who resettled in the United States and to deliver services that are sensitive to their cultural needs. Alla immigrated to the United States from the Former Soviet Union in 1989 with the help of HIAS and JCFS. She is proud to be part of the team continuing to serve the Russian-speaking community.

Daniella Verde is a Department of Justice Accredited Representative, working with HIAS Immigration & Citizenship since 2010. Daniella is bilingual in Spanish and English and specializes in working with clients from Mexico and Central and South America. She has spent time volunteering in her church, including as a member of its Board of Directors, and served as a parent liaison for School District 62 in Des Plaines.