The Connecting Across Cultures “New Mainers” series with the Camden Public Library continues on Thursday, February 24, at 6:30 pm. This online presentation will explore the experience of recent immigrants to Maine and the need for municipalities outside of southern Maine to get involved in advocacy and support. Connecting Across Cultures is a midcoast-based network of volunteers that celebrates diversity, produces educational programming about immigration, and holds fundraisers.
The panelists will be:
Fatima Saidi, the Grants and Contracts manager for the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (MIRC), which brings together a statewide network of 85 organizations that are working to promote immigrant inclusion and integration. Fatima was born in Afghanistan. She came to the U.S. as an international student at Bates College.
Papy Bongibo, President of the Congolese Community Association of Maine (COCOMAINE).The mission of COCOMAINE is to facilitate the integration of Congolese people and assist them during their transition to life in Maine. COCOMAINE also strives to promote entrepreneurship and Congolese culture through events and forums. Papy is also the founder of New England African Arts, Entertainment, and Community Association and an entrepreneur.
Chelsea Hoskins, the City of Portland Resettlement Coordinator. She has worked for the City of Portland since 2017, and ran the Portland Community Support Fund when it was in operation. She then served as the Program Coordinator for the City of Portland Family Shelter for nearly three years before transitioning over to her role as Resettlement Coordinator. Click here to register and receive the Zoom link to attend: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UyFkMTbIQmCEF2lJA7-ANQ
