Lin Naing was born in Karen State, Burma. He graduated from high school in 1985 and obtained a degree in geography from Moulmein University in 1992. His professional journey began at BRC in Bangkok, Thailand, where he served as a social worker before relocating to the USA in November 2005. In 2006, he took on the position of janitorial team leader at Wegman. Subsequently, from 2009 to 2011, he was a community liaison at IIB. From 2013 to 2014, he worked as a coordinator/care manager at the Burmese Community Support Center. His dedication led him to the Karen Society of Buffalo, where he contributed from 2016 to 2017. In 2020, he rejoined the Karen Society of Buffalo and has been an integral part of the team since the reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stephanie is the co-founder and principal consultant for Smith, Nadbrzuch, & Associates. She grew up in Pittsburgh and is a graduate of Houghton College. She moved to Buffalo specifically to work with the refugee population. She worked with Jericho Road for 8 years, including serving as their Executive Director. She now works independently, utilizing her operations, communications and development experience as a consultant with a variety of WNY nonprofits. She started working with KSB in 2018, and has been an integral part of our organization's growth.

Eh Ta Mu currently works as a case manager at the Karen Society of Buffalo. She obtained a BS in Health Services Administration from Bryant & Stratton College in 2024. Apart from being a dedicated professional, she is a nurturing mother and a devoted wife. Alongside her professional commitments, she generously volunteers as a Sunday school teacher at her church. Although she has yet to fulfill her ultimate dream, she derives satisfaction from her work and is content with her life. During her free time, she likes to go on hikes with her family, play music together, and experiment with new recipes while cooking with her loved ones.

Phaw Mu Nar was born in a Thailand refugee camp on March 12, 1992. She has 4 siblings, 3 brothers and 1 sister. She is the fourth of the children. Her family was displaced from Myanmar to Thailand, and now she lives in the United States. She moved to the US in 2009. She graduated from Lafayette High School in 2013. In the same year, she continues her 2-year college as a general study Associate of Art and 2-year study Bachelor of Psychology. While she studied in 2017, she also worked part-time with the PUSH Buffalo organization as a Street Team member canvassing around the neighborhood asking people about what problems they are facing in their daily life in the community and most people said housing, drugs, and many more. After we have had conversations with people, we ask them to join the monthly meeting to share their stories in the meeting to be part of the solution.

In 2018, she finished her Bachelor of Psychology. After graduating she became a Street Team organizer for one year. While working as a Street Team member, she knows and sees the need in her community and learns about what oppression costs people. She realizes that people need to know the system that has been set up for people like us to fail and be oppressed. system of oppression does not build for you to become successful in your life, in your jobs, and in your future succession. She asks herself, "How could I help organize people to understand the system of oppression?” Now she is a part of the Karen Society of Buffalo as a Domestic Violence Advocate. This is a good opportunity to start organizing women who are attacked by perpetrators and the system of oppression around them. I will demonstrate that women, not just stay-at-home spouses, manage housework, childcare, and support their husbands. mothers be more than mothers; they can be heroes and positive role models for their children. Women can be more than they think they are, and their dreams continue even when they have a family. Women can empower women to act positively, think positively, and be happy. Find happiness in yourself first then you will see happiness in others. Love yourselves, take care of yourselves, and care about your feelings, emotions, and spirituality. Then your children will find peace and safety in you.

She is a mother with one child and loves her people, culture, language, and tradition. She wants to pass her knowledge of her culture to her child and the new generation that has grown up in the US. To be able to know who they are, where they are from, and who they will become. She wants to teach her child that being a woman is not easy, but there is nothing impossible if you do not start to believe in yourselves and keep continuing your dream no matter what. Believe in yourselves and your dream, one day when you look back, you will be proud to be who you are right now in the present. Remember who you want to be to remember for.

Briana is originally from Rochester, NY but has been living and working in the Buffalo and Western NY community for 10+ years. Briana attended Niagara University to study Social Work and Spanish before completing her Master of Social Work at the University at Buffalo. Briana became a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in September 2018. Briana’s professional experience includes providing direct services to the foreign-born community, with a focus on rights-based education and resources for survivors of domestic violence. Briana also works to advocate within systems for increased accessibility to services. 

Pa Lu is passionate about giving back to the community. I have been involved with communities since I graduated from college. I’m currently working part-time at KSB as a case manager and giving back to the community by coaching soccer. Honestly, I am delighted to have an opportunity to give back to the community.

Paw Say Wah was born in Maela Refugee camp, where she spent her early years before relocating to the United States in 2008 with her family. She graduated from D’Youville University, earning a bachelor’s degree in professional health care studies. Her passion lies in assisting non-English speakers, breaking down language barriers, and advocating for her community. In 2024, Paw Say Wah embarked on a new chapter by joining KSB. Her goal is to cultivate strong leadership capabilities and hone her management skills. Beyond her professional pursuits, Paw Say Wah finds joy in dancing and remains deeply connected to her cultural roots 

K’Paw Soe was born in Karen State, Myanmar, and came to the USA in 2012 as a refugee. He graduated from Ouachita Hills College and is passionate about helping young people. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar and singing. Today, K’Paw Soe, continues to seek opportunities for growth and learning, inspiring those around him to have brighter futures.

Madee Greely is originally from Burma and formerly resided in a refugee camp in Thailand in 1988, where she obtained general education and became an elementary school teacher. She moved to the United States in 2007 and continued to receive education at the adult learning center as a first arriver.

In 2011, she worked in education as a parent facilitator, where she interpreted for parents and teachers to improve communication. In 2015, she worked with Jericho Road Community Health Center under their Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP) to help parents teach their children at home before the children’s first year of school.

In 2022, she is in charge of an afterschool program at the Karen Society of Buffalo where she teaches Karen language classes to American-born Karen children. She educates them on Karen literacy, history, and traditions to help them stay connected with their native culture. Additionally, she helps organize a Youth Program during the summer to keep children engaged with their heritage while on break. This program also aims to encourage parents to get more involved in their children’s education, providing better support for their kids to grow and learn.

As a case manager, she helps clients apply for services with DSS, such as SNAP and Medicaid. She also assists with any translation needed and helps with the application for green cards and citizenship.

As of 2023, she is serving as a Vice Chairman within the community in hopes of reuniting our community members and working with her peers to make the community grow.