From Refugee to Community Leader: Rona Lorber’s Journey
Rona Lorber arrived in the United States as a teenager, fleeing war-torn Afghanistan with her family at the age of 17. With no knowledge of English and having spent much of her childhood in a refugee camp in Pakistan, her early years were steeped in hardship, including being unable to attend school until she was 15 due to the Taliban’s oppressive regime.
A New Beginning in Elm City
Shortly after settling in Elm City, Rona took a job as a cashier in East Haven, viewing it as an opportunity to practice her English skills. Reflecting on those early days, she noted it was a unique environment to engage and learn about her new country.
Building a Career and Family
Twenty-five years later, Rona’s journey has come full circle. After attending New Haven Adult Education, completing pre-nursing training at Gateway Community College, and serving six years as a medical interpreter in Pashto, Dari, and Hindi at Yale New Haven Hospital, Rona now leads the health department of Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS). As a devoted mother of four, she now feels fully integrated into American society.
Celebrating Immigrant Stories
On a recent Saturday, the No Kings rally on the Green served as a backdrop for a collection of immigrant success stories, including Rona’s. Under a purple tent, IRIS staff recorded personal narratives, sharing them with the League of Women Voters. Katie Lowder, IRIS Community Engagement Director, emphasized the significance of these stories, stating that they represent the diverse tapestry of immigrant experiences that often go overlooked.
Navigating Challenges Amidst Policy Changes
Despite the challenges posed by the Trump administration’s restrictive immigration policies, which have hindered IRIS’s capacity to accept new families for resettlement, the organization remains steadfast. Currently, there are no new families being accepted, yet IRIS continues to support hundreds of resettled families in Greater New Haven, bolstered by the dedication of over 1,000 volunteers.
A Vision for Immigration Day
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, IRIS plans to showcase a new initiative highlighting immigrant narratives during its July 3rd “Immigration Day” celebration. This event, set to take place at the United Church of Christ Parish House on Temple Street, aims to honor the contributions of immigrants across generations in conjunction with the upcoming July 4th festivities.
An Enduring Legacy of Diversity
At the rally, the IRIS booth attracted many individuals eager to volunteer and contribute to the cause. Communications Coordinator Erin Kelley encouraged attendees to share their immigration stories, which would be recorded in brief sessions. One participant highlighted the gratitude he felt for his grandparents’ migration from Venezuela, while another shared her family’s journey from Italy to the Dominican Republic, underscoring the personal nature of these experiences.
Rona’s Moment of Transformation
For Rona Lorber, the defining moment of her American identity arrived when she embraced the nation’s diversity and the opportunities it offers. She remarked on the transformative power of immersion in such a rich cultural landscape, stating that “the beauty of America lies in its diversity. It absorbs you, and you become part of it.” Her story is but one among countless narratives that construct the American experience.
