Founder and Executive Director

 Patrice holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Lyndon State College and has more than 10 years of experience working with refugee communities. With a strong background in community organizing, youth mentorship, and program development, Patrice is highly skilled in addressing the needs of BIPOC and refugee communities. As Program Director, Patrice will ensures the program is culturally responsive and tailored to meet the unique needs of its participants.

Program Director

Audrey holds a Master’s in Pharmacology and brings 5 years of experience working with refugee communities. Her communication and outreach skills, combined with her expertise in educational programming, will ensure that program materials are accessible and engaging for all youth involved.

Outreach Specialist

Vanessa has a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Vermont, is a mental health clinician, and has over 5 years of experience working with refugee communities. She plays a crucial role in building community connections, particularly with refugee families and local organizations. Her work will fosters trust and a welcoming atmosphere, helping participants feel supported throughout the program.

Community Liaison

Johanne Diambou, who holds a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Vermont, brings over five years of experience working with immigrant students and communities to the BIPOC Youth Mentorship Program. Johanne has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting underserved populations and addressing systemic barriers to success. Her work has been centered on empowering immigrant youth and their families, building strong community networks, and creating opportunities for growth and achievement.

In her role as a recruiter, Johanne will focus on engaging mentors of color who can offer guidance and inspiration to mentees while ensuring that each student is thoughtfully paired with a mentor who aligns with their goals and aspirations. Her expertise in community engagement, coupled with her passion for equity and inclusion, will be instrumental in shaping the mentorship program. Johanne’s dedication to fostering meaningful connections and promoting cultural understanding will help create a transformative experience for both mentors and mentees.

Recruiter

Betty Mayani, who is currently completing her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Vermont, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the BIPOC Youth Mentorship Program. During her graduate studies, Betty completed an impactful internship at UVM Children’s Hospital, where she worked closely with immigrant children and their families. This experience deepened her understanding of the unique challenges these children face and further ignited her commitment to advocating for equitable opportunities.

Betty is known for her warm, empathetic approach and her ability to build trust with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Her dedication to empowering youth and fostering resilience has been a hallmark of her work. As a recruiter for the mentorship program, Betty will focus on identifying mentors of color who can serve as strong role models while ensuring each child is paired with a mentor who understands and supports their individual needs. With her extensive experience, strong advocacy skills, and unwavering commitment to creating meaningful connections, Betty is poised to make a profound impact on the program and the lives of the youth it serves.

Grace Fleming is the BIPOC Youth Mentorship Program Trainer and an organizer for the program. She played a key role in helping develop the program and compiling data and evaluations to ensure it runs smoothly. Her role—along with her project partner, Hiba Hussain—is supported by the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship through the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. Their Schweitzer Fellowship project focuses on strengthening the program by creating a toolkit and developing a framework to ensure its long-term success.

Grace is currently a medical student at the Larner College of Medicine, pursuing her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree with an expected graduation in 2028. She is passionate about supporting BIPOC communities and advancing health equity, and she hopes to build on her experiences to further these efforts as a future physician.

Hiba Hussain is a BIPOC Youth Mentorship Program Trainer, volunteer, and organizer for the program through the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship at the Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont. She played a key role in helping develop the program and compiling data and evaluations to ensure it runs smoothly. Alongside her peer, Grace Fleming, she works to ensure that mentors and mentees feel supported by developing resources that foster cultural pride, belonging, and overall well-being.

Hiba is currently a second-year medical student at the Larner College of Medicine. She is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and advancing health equity, and she aspires to carry these values forward as a future physician by ensuring her patients feel truly heard and understood.

Christel Tonoki is our BIPOC youth Mentorship Program Trainer. She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health along with studies in Law. Her background is rooted in advocacy and public health, with experience working at both the state and university levels to promote equity in healthcare and access to services. Her passion lies in supporting BIPOC students, building community, and creating spaces where growth can happen both personally and professionally.

In addition to serving as a mentor, Christel is also a Mentor Trainer and assists with recruiting new mentors for the program when needed. She hopes to share her knowledge while also learning from those she works with.

Cultural Liaison

With a Bachelor of Science from Norwich University and 6 years of experience in refugee resettlement, Amerlin offers invaluable insight into the challenges faced by BIPOC and refugee youth. His perspectives will ensure that program initiatives are not only culturally relevant but also accessible and empowering for all participants.