Who We Are
Founded by community, for community
In 2025, immigrants, refugees, and U.S. citizens in North Carolina came together to establish RILOC as a consortium focused not only on serving communities, but on strengthening the organizations already rooted within those communities.
RILOC operates from a consortium perspective: connect, strengthen, empower, and sustain. Our long-term goal is to help create an ecosystem in which refugee and immigrant-led organizations can access the knowledge, resources, partnerships, and opportunities necessary to become stronger and more sustainable.
Empowering community-led change
To empower refugee and immigrant-led organizations and the communities they serve through capacity building, leadership development, economic empowerment, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
Inclusive, resilient communities
To create inclusive, resilient, and empowered communities where refugee and immigrant-led organizations have the capacity, resources, and leadership necessary to shape their own futures and contribute meaningfully to society.
The principles behind every decision
Inclusion
Everyone deserves to participate fully in the social, economic, civic, and community life of society.
Empowerment
We enable individuals and organizations to develop their own capacity and exercise agency.
Equity
We identify and address barriers that prevent communities from accessing opportunities and resources.
Integrity
We promote honesty, transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of resources.
Collaboration
Lasting change is strengthened through partnerships, shared knowledge, and collective action.
Respect for Lived Experience
We recognize refugees and immigrants as leaders, contributors, advocates, and decision-makers.
Sustainability
We seek solutions that strengthen organizations and communities for the long term.
The people guiding RILOC
WISDOM KARUNGU B
Founder & Chaiman
FABRICE OKITO JR
ICT Manager
Ms.IRAKOZE MIREYE
Ass.Head of Program
BENIS LUBUNGA
Community Engagement Liaison
Organizations and communities at the center
Stronger together
RILOC functions as a network and coalition, creating opportunities for organizations to learn from one another rather than working in isolation.
Accountable and transparent
RILOC is committed to developing strong governance systems that promote accountability, transparency, ethical leadership, responsible financial management, community representation, and strategic decision-making.
North Carolina roots, national vision
Founded in North Carolina, RILOC begins its work from the state's diverse refugee and immigrant communities. Our long-term vision is to develop a broader network connecting organizations across the United States.