At its core, our mission is simple: to empower and aid as many vulnerable people we can with the resources available to us as students of Agnes Scott College. Inspired by the initial Every Campus a Refuge campaign at Guildford College, the leaders of our Every Campus a Refuge chapter can think of no better way to fulfill Agnes Scott College's mission to "to think deeply, live honorably, and engage the social and intellectual challenges of our time" than to provide a safe space for a refugee family (or families) to take refuge.
As a branch of the Every Campus a Refuge campaign at Guilford College, we share the same values but not the same story. Since launching the initial petition, the movers and shakers of Every Campus a Refuge at Agnes Scott College (ECARASC) have successfully negotiated with President Kiss to use a beautiful college-owned property for our soon-to-be guest families, partnered with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), started a non-profit to facilitate the ECARASC campaign (more information coming soon!), and started the exciting process of furnishing the property and working with the IRC to find a family who will thrive with Agnes Scott College and Decatur as their hosts!
Through our collaboration with the founder and Executive Director of the Guilford College campaign, the International Rescue Committee, and the Agnes Scott College and greater-Atlanta communities, we will work together to provide housing, food, and many of the services that an agency provides, to a refugee family at Agnes Scott College. We aim to facilitate and uphold the confidentiality, dignity, and safety of the families we host, while providing the resources to make the transition from resettlement to self-sufficiency as welcoming as possible.
As a community focused on global leadership and equipped with many amenities and resources, our college campus is a natural conduit for refugees in their new life.
Will you help our campus become the next refuge?
meet the executive team
Leila Chreiteh, Executive Director
"I began the Every Campus a Refuge campaign at Agnes Scott College because I was tired of discussing the refugee crisis as an abstract, purely academic or political issue. Dr. Abdo's initiative of reimagining campuses as conduits for social justice movements felt like the natural solution to an old debate of theory versus practice. In the end, studying human rights through theories and research will be nothing more than a trivial, futile mind-game if we refuse to also act."
--- Leila began the initiative at Agnes Scott College through an online and in-person petition demanding the campus and college President to use their resources to house a family of refugees. She is currently a senior at Agnes Scott College pursuing a self-designed Human Rights major. To contact her concerning ECARASC, please e-mail [email protected].
Lauren Goss, Executive Director
"The politicization of the refugee crisis is abhorrent--there are over 65 million refugees worldwide, and many of them have been living in camps for years with no end in sight. Forced from their homes, their countries, and their loved ones, these people are coping with things I could never imagine. I chose to engage with Every Campus a Refuge because I have the ability, privilege, and responsibility to help in every way I can--we all do." --- Lauren is a '16 ASC alumni with a double major in Political Science and Women's Studies who has continued her leadership role with ECARASC beyond her graduation. As one of the four students to speak with President Kiss directly about how to truly live out ASC's mission statement through the ECAR campaign, she has now shifted her skills to the set-up, management, and expansion of the non-profit side of the initiative. To contact her concerning ECARASC, please e-mail [email protected].
Molly Wilson, President
"My experience in Berlin volunteering with Syrian refugees and classes with former director of German Dr. Without Borders discussing their efforts to rescue refugees crossing the Mediterranean ignited my interest in being directly involved with Every Campus a Refuge ASC. Even a little effort helps, even one family. With privilege comes responsibility and duty." --- Molly is currently a senior at Agnes Scott College pursuing a major in Public Health. Although abroad during the initial phases of the ECARASC campaign, she immediately began helping the campaign as soon as she returned from studying abroad and has been an invaluable component to our recent successes. To contact her concerning ECARASC, especially about on-campus involvement and activities, please e-mail [email protected].
Mishaal Khan, President
"I have grown up with a passion for interacting closely with community service organizations: especially in regard to women and children’s issues in different parts of the world. I have assumed leadership roles in organizations that have resulted in the strengthening of my knowledge and the expansion of my perspectives. Since I am minoring in Human Rights, I wanted to use my skills and experiences to help create a better and brighter future for those who are passionate about restarting a new chapter of their lives." --- Mishaal is currently a senior at Agnes Scott College pursuing a major in International Relations. As one of the four students who approached President Kiss with the initial petition, she continues to be one of ECARASC's most passionate members. To contact her concerning ECARASC, especially about on-campus involvement and activities, please e-mail [email protected].
Darcy Fahey, Secretary
"The world is in terror right now, and because of that, America, is developing larger pockets of xenophobia and racism. We shouldn't belittle, mock, or dehumanize the people that are already dealing with a tough situation. If we leave refugees no options, then we will be sending them back into the corner of violent extremists. My own personal connection is my forceful evacuation from Sweet Briar College because of a corrupt president. I realize my situation is minor in comparison, but it does make me empathize. I want to make sure that a refugee family receives the same warm welcome I have gotten at Agnes Scott College." --- Darcy is currently pursuing a double-major in Political Science and Psychology at Agnes Scott College. As a core part of our team, she has been helping with the data entry, organization, and execution of our campaign, whose enthusiasm and commitment to the initiative has made her invaluable to our progress thus far. To contact her concerning ECARASC, especially about membership, and community engagement, please e-mail [email protected].
M.K. Grissom, Campaign Manager
Abi Chance, Treasurer
"I joined Every Campus a Refuge at Agnes Scott College because I saw an opportunity to embody global leadership and take action in a time of crisis for many families. At Agnes Scott College, we have access to incredible resources and standing by when we can make a difference is not an option." --- Abi is a senior at Agnes Scott College pursuing a major in Business Management. As one of the four students who proposed the Every Campus a Refuge initiative to President Kiss, Abi has been lending her expertise and time since the inception of the Agnes Scott College chapter of ECAR. To contact her concerning ECARASC, please e-mail [email protected].
Rachael Floyd, Fundraising Chair
"I don't want to live in a world where people feel alienated in a place that I call home. I see a lot of very harmful rhetoric in our country based in xenophobia and I want to have a hand in combating that through my work with Every Campus a Refuge. I feel a huge responsibility as an American citizen for the lives who have been ruined through our foreign policy and, although it's a Band-aid solution at best, I want to be a part of carving our a safe space for vulnerable people in the United States." --- Rachael is a senior at Agnes Scott College pursuing a major in Religion and Social Justice with a Political Science minor. From its inception, Rachael has been on-board with Every Campus a Refuge ASC through her role as the Social Media Chair, volunteering on campus, and expanding our network of allies off campus. To contact her concerning ECARASC, especially about how YOU can become a fundraiser, please e-mail [email protected].
Rocio Ochoa, Communications Co-Chair
"I was moved to be part of the organization because as a daughter of immigrant parents, I want to help other families find safety and refuge in the States whether it be online or in person!" ***
Rocio is a senior at Agnes Scott College pursuing a degree in Public Health. As a champion of communication, she has been an integral member of our team. To contact her regarding ECARASC, she can be reached at [email protected].
Zoe, Social Media Co-Chair
"I believe that it is our duty to help our fellow human beings in need. I am aghast at the way the idea of refugee resettlement is often treated, when people around the world are being uprooted and forced away from their homes. I want to do my part to stand up to the xenophobia and racism that plagues the urgent need to give refuge to people in our country. As Social Media co-chair, I hope to use my talents to spread the facts about the resettlement of refugee families and help brings some wonderful families to Agnes Scott!" *** Zoe is a rising sophomore interested in International Relations at Agnes Scott College. She has recently brought her excellent skill set to the team, and we are thrilled to have her! To contact Zoe in reference to ECARASC, especially any questions concerning our social media presence, you can reach her at [email protected].