How do refugees plant roots in unfamiliar ground to mark new beginnings? This question drives the work of Meymuna Hussein-Cattan, Founder and CEO of the Tiyya Foundation and a beacon of hope for the displaced. 

Born in an Ethiopian refugee camp in Somalia, Meymuna moved to America when she was three years old. Challenges and resilience marked her early years. Yet, she emerged as a force for change, helping others rebuild their lives upended by displacement and loss.

Meymuna offers vital support to refugees and immigrant households in Orange County, California. Through the Tiyya Foundation and her social enterprise restaurant, Flavors From Afar, Meymuna empowers people to celebrate their heritage and forge a successful path forward. In 2022, she was named a Top 10 CNN Hero.

In this conversation, Meymuna discusses the social isolation she experienced as a child, the decisions that led her to become a leader and entrepreneur, and how she builds trust and fosters community among diverse immigrant populations. She also reflects on the complexities of her work in light of the prevailing challenges around immigration.

Explore More:

• Website: Meymuna Hussein-Cattan, Tiyya Foundation, and Flavors From Afar

• Instagram: @meymunacattan, @tiyyafoundation, and @flavorsfromafar.co

Connect with Melissa Ceria and watch video clips of the interviews on Instagram @thelossencounters.

Discover more about this interview series, sign up for the monthly newsletter, and read transcripts at thelossencounters.com.

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