This World Refugee Day, we are reaching back in history and taking inspiration from seven extraordinary individuals, among many over the years, who have stood with refugees. They have shown that progress is possible, even when the odds can feel too great to overcome.

Conflict and crises weaken health systems, deplete essential health resources, and consequently lead to staggeringly high rates of maternal and newborn mortality. Pregnancy and childbirth do not stop in times of crisis, and neither should access to high-quality, life-saving care. Many of these deaths can be prevented with accessible and cost-effective interventions, yet these often remain under resourced and underdelivered in humanitarian settings, where heath systems are disrupted, and human resources are insufficient.

Talented, driven, and soon co-enrolled in the IRC’s Connect 2 Success and Career Development programs, Sandrine began working with Carlos McClaney, Youth Career Readiness Coach, in October 2022 and with his support, completed the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program at Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC).