The Report Is In: Read Our 2023 Annual Report

Who We Are

Providing Comprehensive Immigrant Support, Community Integration, and Advocacy

Our Commitments

Our Mission

To be a trusted partner and advocate for all immigrants

Our Vision

Every Immigrant in Indiana is thriving

Our Values

Accountability

We are committed to equity. We strive to eliminate disparities by providing fair and unbiased access to resources and services. We acknowledge and value the unique strengths of everyone within our diverse communities

Collaboration

We are committed to equity. We strive to eliminate disparities by providing fair and unbiased access to resources and services. We acknowledge and value the unique strengths of everyone within our diverse communities

Equity

We are committed to equity. We strive to eliminate disparities by providing fair and unbiased access to resources and services. We acknowledge and value the unique strengths of everyone within our diverse communities

Trust

Building trust is foundational to our mission. We cultivate open and honest relationships with immigrant neighbors and community partners to ensure safe, inclusive, and welcoming communities.
Additional Support

Meet Our Team

Bekah Joslin
Manager of Training & Resources
Christina Arrom Garza, J.D.
Chief Operating Officer
Derek Torrico
Accounts and Grants Manager
Ginger Kosobucki
ELL Director
Giovanni Rivera
Immigration Specialist
Gurinder Kaur
Chief Executive Officer
Julia Lohal
English at Work Consultant
Juliana Meh
Bell Program Coordinator
Kayla Byrd
Fundraising & Marketing Specialist
Maria Yuquilima
Marketing and Communications Manager
Nilofar Sherzad
Community Navigator
Rochenide St Preux
Project Liaison Manager
Safi Muloway
Office Coordinator
Sergio Roldan
Natural Helpers and Immigrant Support Manager
About Us

Join Our Team

Join the next generation of people helping immigrants and refugees build homes in Indiana.
View Careers
Additional Support

Our Board

Lisa Sirkin Vielee
Chair
Owner & President, Well Done Marketing
Naomi Kwang
Immediate Past Chair
Partner, Barnes and Thornburg, LLP
Ashley Overley, M.D.
Secretary
Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center
Kristie S. Johnson, PhD, CFRE
VP of Development & External Affairs, The International Center
Tammy Lieber
Editor Enterprise Marketing and Communications, One America
Soula Banich
VP – Chief Operations Officer, ISR
North Hospital, supporting Saxony and Tipton IU Health
Dulce Vega
Development Director, Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of Indiana
Ephraim Palmero
Program Officer, Policy & Engagement LISC Indianapolis
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
Luisa Macer
Treasurer
Community Outreach & Fan Engagement Manager, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Linda Simba
Clinical Labs & Data Sciences Advisor, Eli Lilly and Company
Charles J. Garcia
President & CEO, C GARCIA ASSOCIATE, INC.
Leonard Hoops
President & CEO, Visit Indy
Nida Ansari
Chief Executive Officer, Karmic Partners
Mark Wuellner
Chief of Staff, Brown Lier Law
George Khazal
VP of Systems and Infra Engineering, Salesforce
Ritu Chokshi
Partner & Immigration Attorney, Chugh
Michael B. Murphy
President, CUMARSAID GROUP INC.
Mario Rodriguez
Executive Director, Indianapolis Airport Authority
Aaron Spiegel
Executive Director, GIMA
Amy Minick Peterson
Founder and Board Member Emerita Decorate
About Us

Our History

2005

The former First Lady of Indianapolis, Amy Minick Peterson led a study to determine how immigrant newcomers’ needs were being met in Central Indiana. Together with members of the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC), chaired by community leader Yvonne Shaheen, Mrs. Peterson researched various immigrant populations and their needs, facilitated focus groups with service providers, and studied best practices in other cities for assisting immigrants and refugees.

2006-2015

 Immigrant Welcome Center, as it is known today, was established with the help of 12 volunteers known as Natural Helpers. In 2008, Immigrant Welcome Center moved its office into the John H. Boner Community Center. Immigrant Welcome Center relocated its offices to SouthEast Community Services in 2015.

2020-2023

The first Chief Executive Officer who is a woman of color and an immigrant, Gurinder Kaur, is hired to lead the Immigrant Welcome Center. In May 2021, our offices were relocated to the Central Library in downtown Indianapolis.

2024

Immigrant Welcome Center moves to its current location at 2049 N. Meridian Street. This freestanding building offers enhanced opportunities to welcome clients and partners. It also offers almost 1,000 sq. feet of meeting and training space. It is accessible by bus, car, and foot.