Three IRC team members included in YNPN '30 Under 30 Class' of 2023

The IRC in Atlanta is thrilled to announce that three of our very own—Naika Dieujuste, Mu Ni, and Sultan Minhas—have been named as part of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) Atlanta ‘30 under 30’ Class of 2023!

Photo: IRC Atlanta

The IRC in Atlanta is thrilled to announce that three of our very own—Naika Dieujuste, Mu Ni, and Sultan Minhas—have been named as part of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) Atlanta ‘30 under 30’ Class of 2023! 

Each year, YNPN Atlanta recognizes 30 young professionals who are making waves in Georgia’s nonprofit sector with this award. We are so proud that our talented team members are included in this esteemed group of awardees. Please join us in congratulating Naika, Mu Ni and Sultan and the rest of the incredible ‘30 Under 30’ Class of 2023—the next generation of nonprofit leaders in Georgia! 

Naika Dieujuste, ICM Caseworker

Naika Dieujuste was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti but grew up in South Florida. After earning her master’s degree in clinical mental health in 2022, she joined IRC as an Intensive Case Management (ICM) Caseworker. “My primary role is providing case management services to our most vulnerable clients that are unable to navigate systems independently from IRC,” Naika shared. “The goal is to help the client achieve self-sufficiency and address barriers that they might face on the path to integration.” Now a year into her role, she shared that it is a privilege to engage in work she is passionate about—helping restore the lives of our clients. “It brings me joy to see clients thrive and be able to manage their needs and help other community members. My proudest accomplishment in my role is being able to close out a case because the client no longer relies on our services and has successfully gained autonomy."

When asked what called her to this role, Naika shared: “I was called to this work because I believed in the organization mission. I am humbled by our clients' resilience and their commitment in overcoming unique challenges and barriers as they navigate the U.S.” 

Thankful to be recognized by the YNPN, Naika looks forward to continuing her dedication to human services. “It is most rewarding to serve our clients and do the work that I love but being recognized for my contributions is truly a gift. I am honored to have been chosen for this year’s YNPN 30 Under 30 Award.” 

Mu Ni, ICM Supervisor

Mu Ni was born in a refugee camp on the Myanmar-Thailand border, where she grew up before being resettled in Georgia by the IRC in Atlanta in 2009. Already familiar with our IRC community, she joined as a staff member in May 2022. “I chose IRC in Atlanta because it has changed my and thousands of people's lives in Georgia,” Mu Ni shared. “I chose the ICM position in particular because I had experiences with my mom who had ongoing medical needs but did not know where to seek help due to language barriers and being new to the country. From my experiences, I think newcomers, who have already faced many chaotic, including wars in their countries, do not deserve to face any more challenges. I’m here to help and support vulnerable populations who are ready to improve beyond their barriers and reach their goals.”  

When asked what accomplishment she was most proud of during her time at IRC, Mu Ni shared, “The proudest accomplishment I had in my role would be watching my clients gradually improve and achieve their goals such as navigating their healthcare system, transportation, and budgeting independently.” 

While she has lent her talents to humanitarian work for half a decade already, Mu Ni expressed that the recognition by YNPN this year marks a difference: “I’ve worked for the nonprofit sector and served people for almost six years without any expectations in return. I am honored and appreciative to be recognized for the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) 30 Under 30 award. This has motivated me to continue the great work and serving people. I’m thankful to IRC for giving me the opportunity to grow—especially my manager, Emmanuel Burks, who trusts me to oversee ICM and SCM programs and taught me to be a leader. I also would like to shout out to my ICM and SCM team for all their diligent work and commitment. I’m pleased to be where I am right now. " 

Sultan Minhas, Business Counselor 

While both of his parents are asylees originally from Pakistan, Sultan Minhas was born in the U.S. and grew up in Dalton, Georgia. “I was first exposed to the work at the IRC as a Resettlement Services Intern in 2019, where I was immediately impressed by the impact of the work and the dedication of the staff at the IRC,” Sultan shared. After completing double majors in Political Science and Arabic Studies at Emory University in 2022, he continued devoting his skills as a multilingual advocate to humanitarian service, and joined the Microenterprise Development team at the IRC in Atlanta. “I was specifically drawn to this role because it gives me the opportunity to help clients beyond the initial resettlement period, with the goal of helping them, and their businesses, flourish within the local community. I have found immense fulfillment in providing culturally competent assistance to refugee and immigrant business owners, unlocking opportunities for them to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams!” 

When asked what accomplishment he was most proud of during his time at IRC, Sultan shared, “My proudest moments have been seeing the transformation and growth within the business owners who we serve. It's really amazing to see business owners who are part of our program gaining confidence and reaching their full potential, especially considering the unique challenges refugee and immigrant business owners face.” 

Fittingly, he is proud to be included in this year's 30 Under 30 class: “I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition and I cannot express enough gratitude to my team members and mentors here at the IRC, specifically my supervisor Kendall Souders who has given me amazing opportunities for personal and professional development.”

We could not be more proud of this awesome team!

Photo: IRC Atlanta

Our entire Extended Case Management (ECM) team works hard to support especially vulnerable clients with essential needs beyond initial resettlement services. ECM Program Manager Emmanuel Burks nominated Mu Ni and Naika for their exceptional dedication to the humanitarian work we do at the IRC in Atlanta. “Mu Ni is an exemplary employee who embodies tact, will, and a commitment towards constructively impacting lives,” Emmanuel shared. “Naika is an invaluable employee who radiates a combination of personality, intelligence, and ability to provide the best client work.” 

Likewise, MED Supervisor Kendall Souders nominated Sultan for his continuous positive impact on his business clients, IRC in Atlanta colleagues, and community. “His unwavering dedication to uplifting refugees and immigrants drives his work. Sultan's dynamic personality, innovative approach, and genuine care for his clients truly distinguish him at IRC and within his community," Kendall shared. "Over the past two years working alongside Sultan, he has exhibited tremendous professional growth and is emerging as an experienced and trusted business counselor, leader and advocate.” 

We could not be more proud of this awesome team—many thanks to the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network Atlanta chapter for uplifting their talents and for standing with refugees! 

IRC Atlanta team members included in previous YNPN ’30 Under 30’ classes include: 

2021: Jennifer Potts and Kaycie Pitts 

2020: Sharita Khatiwada and Samiha Ross 

2019: Lauren Bowden and Grace Paulsen 

2018: Fiona Freeman 

To learn more about the work of the IRC in Atlanta and for information on how you can get involved with the IRC as a donor or volunteer, please contact Development Director, Heloise Ahoure, at [email protected] or 678-636-8941.  

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