Khamisa Abdalla

Khamisa Abdalla
Delegate for Nebraska
Resettled Refugee from Sudan

Khamisa Abdalla is the Refugee Congress Delegate for Nebraska. In 2001, she and her 7 children arrived in the U.S. from Egypt as refugees.

Khamisa’s dreams of completing her education and sending her children to university came true in the U.S. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and human services from the College of Saint Mary in 2013. Today, she works at the Asian Center as the Women’s Program Manager.  In this position, she advocates for women and finds projects to promote financial literacy and empowerment.

Khamisa also develops and conducts activities to promote healthy living among elderly refugees and serves as a Domestic Violence Advocate and a Community Breastfeeding Educator. She received the Inspire Awards “Excellence in Nonprofit” in 2018 and was recognized for her professional life and emergence as a leader and role model in the Lincoln, Nebraska, community. In 2022, she received the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit, the highest award given by the Red Cross for saving or sustaining a life.

Khamisa is not only a voice for the Sudanese community, but for all refugee and immigrant families who have arrived in her city. She works tirelessly to ensure that families receive the compassionate guidance and resources necessary to succeed. Her perseverance and leadership are well-known in Lincoln, and her story demonstrates that, while the trials and tribulations of the refugee experience are difficult, triumph is indeed possible.

“Refugee resettlement services are important. It is essential to help the refugee adjust and emerge safely in their new society and home. The moment I came to America, I felt as a plant pulled out of its roots and planted in a different soil. To survive, I need more than water, air and environment. I need to feel a sense of belonging.”

In the News:

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