Alisa Roadcup from the Chicago Refugee Coalition

In this episode of The Real Estate Diplomat, Chicago Refugee Coalition Executive Director Alisa Roadcup talks about their work and how their operations adapted during the pandemic. Alisa also speaks what brought her to this field of work, and on what composes being a refugee, the effects of the pandemic on the lives of refugees in Chicago, how supporting refugees impact communities, and more. Aaron also pledges to donate a portion of his real estate closing in 2022 to the Chicago Refugee Coalition. As always, there's a lot to unpack in today's episode, so tune in and enjoy!

An episode from The Oprah Winfrey Show

When she was in college, Alisa wasn't so sure about her career track until she she happened to watch an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show. The episode focused on a Nigerian woman named Amina Lawal. What happened in this episode became a pivotal moment for Alisa.

In the episode, Oprah had activists, human rights organizations, and women from Amnesty International talking about Amina Lawal's case. Amina was sentenced to death by stoning for conceiving a child out of wedlock. Because of the public outcry for Amina and the show calling out for urgent action against Amina's case, thousands of people took action on behalf of Amina for Amnesty International USA. That very moment sparked Alisa's spirit for service work.

About Alisa Roadcup:

Alisa believes when you empower a girl; you empower an entire community and generations beyond. She is a social entrepreneur and executive strategist passionate about creating a safer, more just world for girls and young women. Alisa's twenty-year career has focused on the human rights sector as an advocate for women and girls, namely refugees and asylum seekers, especially those displaced throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.

From 2012-2018 she led RefuSHE, an award-winning international NGO. Alisa's leadership was honored as an International Woman Leader by Chicago Woman magazine and named a 2017 Emerging Leader by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

​She has appeared on BBC Worldwide, WBEZ Worldview (NPR) radio, ​MSN, Refinery29, The Chicago Tribune, ABC7 primetime news, and NewsDeeply and frequently speaks on issues of forced migration and women's rights.

Alisa holds certifications in Forced Migration from Northwestern and Oxford Universities, a BA in Humanities, and an MA in Comparative Religions. Alisa currently serves on Chicago Council on Global Affairs Women and Global Development Advisory Committee.

Outline of the Episode:

[02:32] How Alisa runs the Chicago Refugee Coalition during a pandemic

[04:40] The effects of the pandemic on refugee families

[07:05] What influenced Alisa's passion for humanitarian work

[11:42] Having support nurtures your potential and courage

[15:58] What's the difference between a refugee and someone simply seeking a better life in other countries?

[19:57] Why Sullivan High School is so special

[24:34] What makes Chicago Refugee Coalition different?

[28:46] About Connor Mautner – The Founder of Chicago Refugee Coalition

[32:48] A message to anyone who is against taking refugees

[36:08] Our responsibility as Chicagoans and Americans…

Resources:
Website: http://www.chicagorefugee.org
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alisaroadcup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisaroadcup/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alisa.roadcup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisaroadcup/

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