The Human Migration Institute (HMI) marked a decade of impact on November 8, 2025, celebrating its 10th Anniversary Gala at The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture. The sold-out evening brought together refugee families, community advocates, public officials, and long-time supporters to honor a decade of courage, belonging, and transformation.
From the moment guests walked through the doors, the atmosphere was warm, vibrant, and full of anticipation. Attendees were greeted by dedicated HMI staff and volunteers, then welcomed into a beautifully curated reception featuring culturally inspired artwork, handcrafted baskets, a lively silent auction, complimentary drinks, and a photo booth that quickly became a crowd favorite.
HMI was honored with a series of recognitions celebrating its ten years of service and community impact. Congressman Mark Takano presented a certificate from the US Congress, followed by a county proclamation led by Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina. Assemblywoman Leticia Castillo then recognized HMI for a decade of service to the community. The City of Riverside also issued an official proclamation, signed by Mayor Patricia Lock-Dawson, declaring November 8 as “Human Migration Institute Day.” The celebration concluded with a certificate from the University of California, Riverside, signed by Chancellor Jack Hu, honoring HMI’s ten years of partnership and commitment to serving the community.
Throughout the night, guests enjoyed a beautifully plated dinner followed by baklava as they were guided through an emotional and inspiring program that reflected the heart of HMI’s work. Dr. Selin Yildiz Nielsen, Founder and President, opened the evening with powerful remarks about HMI’s origins, its growth, and the unwavering resilience of the families it serves. The program featured moving testimonials from refugee women whose stories of survival, education, healing, and new beginnings filled the room with emotion. Captivating singing performances by Liza Pakholchuk and Anastasia Kovaland, paired with cultural dances by Negar Haji Kamali and Melis Yurdakul, followed by a 10-Year Retrospective slideshow celebrating the more than 1,500 lives touched by HMI, moved the audience and highlighted the powerful impact of HMI’s work.
“From the beginning, HMI has stood for dignity, hope, and the belief that every person deserves the chance to rebuild their life,” said Dr. Selin Yildiz Nielsen. “Tonight, we celebrate not only where we’ve been, but the shared future we are committed to building together.”
As the night drew to a close, guests participated in a spirited silent auction and left with a renewed sense of purpose and connection. The overwhelming energy in the room reflected what HMI represents: hope, humanity, and the belief that community is built together.
As HMI enters its next decade, the organization remains dedicated to expanding its programs and strengthening its mission to ensure every newcomer has the support, tools, and community they need to thrive.
For more information about the Human Migration Institute and its ongoing work, visit www.hmir.org or contact info@hmir.org.
###
About Human Migration Institute (HMI)
Human Migration Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Riverside, CA that promotes community building in order to support refugee populations. HMI connects newcomers to essential services, such as resettlement assistance, ESL instruction, community tutoring, career pathways, and support for newcomer women and girls, helping them gain stability, confidence, and belonging. Both with local and global programs, HMI provides a second chance in creating a new meaning for “home” and “community” Guided by values of empathy, dignity, collaboration, and transparency, HMI transforms lives while strengthening the communities refugees call home.