Atem Aleu

Atem Aleu
Program Assistant Director, National Refugee Leadership and Lived Experience Council (NRLLEC)

Atem Aleu is a dedicated and results-driven community development professional with over a decade of experience in refugee support, capacity building, and conflict resolution. He is passionate about empowering marginalized communities and fostering sustainable development through strategic initiatives and inclusive policies.

Atem currently serves as the Program Assistant Director of the National Refugee Leadership and Lived Experience Council (NRLLEC) at Refugee Congress, where he leads national efforts to amplify refugee voices and drive impactful policy changes.

Previously, Atem worked as the Refugee Capacity Building Grant Coordinator at the Utah Department of Workforce Services, managing grant funding, collaborating with community partners, and enhancing organizational capacities to support refugee-led initiatives. He also served as the Refugee Community Programs Supervisor, overseeing community integration and support initiatives. His professional journey includes roles as a Part-Time Instructor and Program Coordinator at Harvard University and a Case Worker at Kakuma Refugee Camp, where he developed youth-focused programs addressing education, vocational training, and social integration.

Atem holds dual Master’s degrees in Coexistence & Conflict Resolution and Cultural Production from Brandeis University, along with a B.F.A. in Fine Arts from Brigham Young University. His academic background reflects a strong commitment to fostering coexistence, cross-cultural understanding, and sustainable development.

Certified in mediation and conflict resolution, Atem excels in stakeholder engagement, program development, and cultural competence. His professional strengths include designing and implementing community-based initiatives, building organizational capacity, and resolving conflicts in diverse settings.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Atem is a dedicated community volunteer. He serves as a member of the Episcopal Church Diocese of Utah's Standing Committee and has represented Utah as a Delegate and Associate Delegate for the Refugee Congress.

Fluent in Dinka and English, Atem is adept at working with multicultural communities. His certifications include the Case Management Certificate Program from the University of Utah, Basic Mediation & Conflict Resolution Training, and the FBI Citizens Academy Program, among others.

Atem’s career is defined by his unwavering commitment to creating opportunities, building partnerships, and fostering resilience among vulnerable populations. He continues to advocate for refugee empowerment and integration, leveraging his skills and expertise to make a lasting impact.