Meet the Founders
Sienna Nazarian
“I grew up hearing stories about how my grandparents, their parents, and the generation before them had to flee the countries they grew up in. When I realized I have the opportunity to help people that are being put in the same position today, it struck a chord in my heart to help.”
Sienna lives in Los Angeles and attended Brentwood School. Her work helping refugees began in 5th grade, when she was fortunate enough to organize a drive to collect instruments for Syrian refugees in camps across Greece. As a lifelong pianist, Sienna knew that sharing music could have the power to help heal; she was forever changed by the videos she watched of the refugees receiving their instruments. Since then, she has made it her mission to help refugees in any way she can. In the summer of 8th grade, after taking a design-thinking course titled “Refugees and Resettlement,” she was inspired to start The Refugee Empowerment Project with Lily as her way of continuing to serve refugees and bring attention to their experiences. When not working on REP, Sienna can be found making music, trying various foodie spots around town, or advocating in front of her local City Council.
Lily Sind
“Refugees deserve a voice. They deserve to share their stories with the world. As someone who has always felt secure and safe in her hometown, I feel the responsibility to help other kids across the world feel that same stability. The best part is, doing that is possible. All of us have the power to make an impact - educate yourself and actively seek out the voices that the world has silenced.”
Lily lives in Los Angeles and attended Brentwood School. When she first learned about the dire refugee crises all around the world in the “Refugees & Resettlement” summer course she went to with Sienna, she knew that creating innovative solutions to the issues refugees face would become a priority for her. Lily has a passion for expression - writing, music, and more. Lily believes that all refugees, asylum-seekers, and internally displaced people should have every opportunity to express themselves in some way and further their knowledge in their own interests. When not working on REP, Lily can be found songwriting, watching The West Wing, or listening to music.
Why We Do What We Do
In starting The Refugee Empowerment Project, founders Sienna Nazarian and Lily Sind want to ensure refugees equal access to opportunities and resources. They have made it their mission to bring a sense of hope to refugee communities across the world, bring together their own communities in the fight for opportunities and justice, and make a real change in the way refugees are perceived and treated.