OCS Student Coordinators 2021-2022

International Refugee Assistance Project Co-Coordinators

The International Refugee Assistance Project is part of the wider Wesleyan Refugee Project.

Will Halm ‘22: Government Major, Data Analysis Minor, Writing Certificate

IRAP is a legal organization based in NYC which represents refugees trying to settle in the United States. At Wesleyan, we research assistance organizations available in each state, and compile guides for that state! Back in 2018 when I was a freshman, I knew that I wanted to do social justice work, and that researching was one of my skills, so this organization was a good combination that allowed me to help people using my strengths. Over time, I got really involved, and the coordinator at the time made me a co-coordinator.

IRAP Is really great for people who love doing research, but there aren’t always a lot of opportunities to do research that directly helps people, and is a good starting point for political engagement.

Ashley Ogwang ‘23: Government, English

I agree, I think IRAP is very much a comfortably collaborative organization! As someone with immigrant parents, and as an immigrant myself, I know firsthand how difficult accessing legal representation can be, especially immigration lawyers, which is why I got involved with this organization. I also got more involved because it’s really interesting to see how different parts of this country operate, and how their social policy works. Seeing how different states allocate resources is incredibly eye-opening. I think IRAP is really educational and a great way to engage with different immigration advocacy organizations.

They can be reached at: whalm@wesleyan.edu and aogwang@wesleyan.edu