About RILOC — Who We Are, Mission & Leadership

Our Story

Why RILOC Exists

RILOC was founded on a simple observation: the organizations best equipped to support refugee and immigrant communities are the ones built by refugees and immigrants themselves. Too many newcomers were navigating housing, jobs, and healthcare systems alone — often through services that didn't reflect their language, culture, or lived experience.

We formed as a coalition to change that: pooling resources, expertise, and advocacy power across refugee and immigrant-led organizations so that no single group has to face systemic barriers alone. Today, RILOC connects a growing network of community partners delivering coordinated, culturally responsive programs across housing, education, workforce development, health, and civic life.

Coalition staff planning together around a table

Our Mission

RILOC is a nonprofit community consortium dedicated to empowering refugees, immigrants, and underserved populations through economic empowerment, advocacy, leadership development, and community integration.

Our Vision

To create thriving, inclusive, and economically empowered communities where refugees and immigrants achieve long-term success, full civic participation, and lasting belonging.

Core Values

The principles behind every decision

Inclusion

Every voice belongs, regardless of origin or status.

Empowerment

We build capacity that lasts a lifetime.

Collaboration

Change happens across sectors and cultures.

Integrity

Transparent and accountable in all we do.

Service

Community need shapes our priorities.

Sustainability

Programs built to outlast any grant cycle.

Leadership

Guided by lived experience

Dr. Leila Osman

Executive Director

Twenty years leading refugee resettlement and policy advocacy.

Marcus Tan

Director of Programs

Oversees all eight departments and program quality standards.

Portrait of RILOC Director of Community Partnerships

Amara Diallo

Director of Partnerships

Builds coalitions with NGOs, government, and universities.

Portrait of RILOC Director of Finance and Operations

Daniel Reyes

Director of Finance & Operations

Ensures transparency and stewardship of every donated dollar.

Our Philosophy

Organizational Objectives

RILOC organizes its work around clear, measurable objectives that keep every program accountable to the communities it serves.

Expand access to economic opportunity for refugee and immigrant households.
Strengthen civic participation and community leadership pipelines.
Deliver culturally responsive health, wellness, and family support services.
Advocate for policy that protects and advances immigrant rights.

Strategic Goals

Our Five-Year Roadmap

Goal 1

Double the number of families reached through Community Development programs.

Goal 2

Launch RILOC chapters in ten additional metro regions.

Goal 3

Grow the Certification Pathways program to 100% self-sustaining funding.

How We Work

Transparency & Governance

Community Governance

Our board includes refugee and immigrant community members alongside sector experts, ensuring decisions stay grounded in lived experience.

Financial Transparency

Independent annual audits and published financial statements keep our stewardship of donor funds fully accountable.

Annual Reports

Every fiscal year, we publish a full report on outcomes, spending, and coalition growth.

View Reports

Our Journey

Milestones Along the Way

A coalition built step by step, alongside the communities we serve.

Coalition Founded

A handful of refugee-led organizations join forces to coordinate resettlement services.

Workforce & Education Programs Launch

ESL, GED support, and job-readiness training become core offerings.

Eight Departments Established

RILOC formalizes into specialized departments for deeper, coordinated impact.

Regional Expansion

Coalition partners grow across dozens of communities nationwide.

Today

RILOC supports thousands of families annually through 25 dedicated programs.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find what you're looking for? Contact our team.

Who is eligible for RILOC programs?

Our programs primarily serve refugees, immigrants, and underserved community members, though many workshops are open to the broader public. Eligibility details are listed on each program page.

Is RILOC affiliated with a specific country or region?

No. RILOC is a coalition of refugee and immigrant-led organizations serving newcomers from many countries and backgrounds.

How is RILOC funded?

Through a mix of individual donations, foundation grants, government contracts, and corporate partnerships — all detailed in our annual report.

Can my organization become a coalition partner?

Yes. Visit our Partners page to learn about NGO, business, government, and university partnership tracks.