My name is Susan Osiago, Director of Asian Pacific American and Refugee Student Services Department (APARSS).
As a passionate advocate for cultural diversity and educational equity, I have dedicated my professional journey to the development of multicultural curriculum that celebrates inclusivity and embraces the unique identities and experiences of all students and fosters understanding among diverse communities.
Away from the world of curriculum development, I find inspiration in the great outdoors. Hiking and immersing myself in the beauty of nature is not only a personal passion but also a source of rejuvenation. Whether traversing rugged mountain trails of Southern Arizona, or exploring serene forests, I am constantly reminded of the intricate interconnectedness of our world – a perspective that informs and enriches my work in curriculum development.
Combining my love for multicultural education with my reverence for nature, I am committed to nurturing holistic learning experiences that empower individuals to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By embracing the diverse tapestry of humanity and the vastness of the natural world, I aspire to leave a positive impact on both the educational landscape and the lives of those I encounter.
My name is Henri Nzeyimana. I’m an experienced educator and advocate of child protection and youth development who has outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with a high sense of integrity, honesty, and responsibility. I’m fluent multilingual in English, French, Kirundi, Kinyarwanda, and Swahili. I firmly believe in diversity, gender equality, and equal opportunity for all.
Prior to coming to the United States, I worked as a teacher and a child protection program manager with International NGOs and United Nations Agencies. I oversaw a wide range of integrated programs promoting education, protection, health, sanitation, and hygiene for displaced and refugee children in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad, and South Sudan. He coordinated programs promoting community empowerment and engagement in school management to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged children.
I have been dedicated to helping refugees and immigrants’ integration through training, education, and employment services in his different capacities as an educator with Tucson Unified, and a member of the Interagency Refugee Education Network in Tucson. Henri currently serves as Tucson Unified Refugee Student Services Program Coordinator.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature, a Master's degree in Human Rights, Humanitarian Action, and Education, and certificates in community interpreting and refugee education.
The languages I speak are: Kirundi, Swahili, French, Kinyarwanda, and English
As a proud American with Korean heritage, my name is Yoon Lee. I arrived in the United States as a college freshman, eager to learn a new language and culture in the land of opportunities. With a passion for education and communication, I pursued both undergraduate and graduate degrees, aiming to better understand my new home and its people.
As an empty nester with independent children, I am fully committed to my work as a program coordinator for APARSS which is both rewarding and challenging, and I wholeheartedly believe in its mission. I am dedicated to making a positive impact by working towards better opportunities for all students, particularly those who may face additional challenges as refugees or from Asian-Pacific American backgrounds. Each day, I am inspired by the small changes we can make to create a more inclusive and equitable environment. As I continue my work, I am grateful for the support of those who share the vision of a better future. I believe that through collective efforts, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and communities.
Thank you for your support in this important work.
The languages I speak are: Korean and English
My name is Nellie Lopez, Administrative Assistant, with the Asian Pacific American and Refugee Student Services Department (APARSS). I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. I attended Tucson Unified schools and graduated from Tucson High School and attended Pima Community College.
I began my career with Tucson Unified in 1970. I have worked in different capacities ranging from Library Clerk, Teacher Assistant, Administrative Assistant to Executive Assistant. My latest job is Administrative Assistant with APARSS.
I enjoy working with the Administrative Team, Language/Student Specialists and staff. I love helping the students and parents so they can have better opportunities for a successful future.
The languages I speak are: English and Spanish.
My name is Yummna Qureshi, I graduated in 2018 from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies in Social Behavior and Human Understanding Emphasis.
Currently, I am the School Community Liaison for Asian Pacific American and Refugee Student Services department. Through this position, I help students get the resources and supplies they need to be successful in their education. I am also the SharePoint Web Developer for this department.
I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. My heritage is from Pakistan as both of my parents were born there.
The languages I speak are: Urdu, Hindi, and English
