Fatimah Alawami is a Louisville, KY native! She is pursuing a B.A in Political Science as well as a minor in social change and advocacy and dance at Loyola University of Chicago. Fatimah hopes to work in public service to create institutional change through policy in law and politics. Fatimah became a restorative justice intern at FORA because she believed FORAs mission of helping refugee students reach their goals, mirrored her own beliefs that education should be accessible to all. In her free time, Fatimah enjoys dancing, listening to music, reading, and journaling!

Aisha Hernandez Orozco was born right here in Chicago and decided to stay in the city to continue her education at DePaul University as a Criminology major. She hopes to pursue a career in law so she can continue to advocate and work towards justice for marginalized communities. Aisha enjoys learning new things, as well as reading and writing. In her free time, she likes going to the gym, watching tv shows, and spending time with family and friends. Aisha comes from a Mexican- Pakistani American family. Her background has undoubtedly influenced her passion for working with diverse communities, which is why she chose FORA. Aisha unequivocally believes that education is a powerful tool for change, which attracted her to FORA. FORA’s mission aligns with her personal beliefs that access to education should be provided to all, prompting her to be a part of that impact.

River Preston-Gage is from Gainesville, FL. She came to Chicago to pursue a BA in Sociology and Anthropology, as well as a BS in Human Services from Loyola University Chicago. River is a senior at Loyola and after graduation she plans to attend the London School of Economics and Political Science to pursue an MSc in International Migration and Public Policy in fall 2025. She plans to work in research, policy advocacy, and analysis to better understand and address conflict-induced migration and human rights violations faced by migrants and refugees. After this, River hopes to obtain a law degree in international human rights law and work within the multilateral system to defend the rights of migrants and refugees on a global scale. In her free time, River likes to travel, binge watch documentaries and cooking shows, drink coffee, listen to music, and spend time with her friends and family. River joined FORAs team because of its mission to support educational success for students from migrant backgrounds and its deep commitment to community empowerment. She wanted to engage more directly with the community she lives in and was inspired by the passion and dedication of both the staff and volunteers, and most of all, the students’ unwavering determination to learn. River believes her time at FORA has provided her with invaluable insight into grassroots-level work, and what it means to build community and stay grounded in the real-world impact of policy. 

Decha Perron was born in Ipswich, Massachusetts but she moved to Chicago to pursue a B.S. in Psychology and Criminal Justice as well as a minor in Global Studies at Loyola University Chicago. In the future, Decha hopes to become a Clinical Psychologist and continue volunteer efforts with organizations directly involved with refugee populations. She is also a part of Loyola’s Refugee Coalition which prompted her to join FORA as a restorative justice intern. Decha comes from a family of refugees so she has seen first hand how important education is in allowing refugees to build successful and self-sufficient lives. She recognizes how much of a privilege education is and she wanted to contribute her skills to help empower and create the opportunity for students to achieve their goals. When she is not volunteering, Decha enjoys reading, and making jewelry!

Isabel Perez-Becerra grew up right here in Illinois! She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Loyola University Chicago. After graduation Isabel strives to complete a Clinical Psychology PhD program to make a positive impact within the field of psychology. With her unique perspective as a marginalized individual she aims to diversify the field and the scope of academic research. Isabel is a proud first-generation student raised by two immigrant parents. She has a passion for uplifting and making an impact on individuals who may not otherwise have the same opportunities as others. FORA’s mission of creating opportunity is something that aligns with her values and has allowed her to use her strengths to make a positive impact. Outside of FORA Isabel enjoys giving back to her community. She has volunteered doing beach cleanup in Rogers Park and also previously tutored children who only speak Spanish. In her downtime she enjoys spending time in nature, reading, as well as running and staying active. 

Evie Abderrazza grew up in Lakewood, Ohio. She moved to Chicago to attend Loyola University Chicago and pursue a bachelor of arts in Global studies. Evie plans to continue her education abroad and pursue a Masters of Law (L.L.M) and a Juris Doctorate (J.D). Outside of FORA, Evie enjoys helping out in her community and she relaxes by watching 2000’s movies. Evie began working at FORA in the Fall of 2024 as a work study educational fellow because  she believes that FORA has built a fulfilling community that is grounded in her values and is aligned with her goals.

Matthew Slattery is from Omaha, Nebraska. He is currently attending Loyola University Chicago to pursue a B.A in Political Science and a minor in Environmental Science and Advocacy and Social Change. He then hopes to enroll in a masters program for Urban planning after finishing undergrad.  Matthew enjoys spending time being active in the outdoors, with his family and friends as well as his dogs! He also enjoys trying new foods and playing rugby. Matthew chose FORA because he believed it was important to work for an organization that was dedicated to enhancing the community as a whole. 

Landry Hudman is from the great state of Texas and moved to Chicago to attend Loyola University Chicago as a Criminal Justice Major! Landry hopes to become a lawyer in the future so she can continue to help those in need. In her downtime she  loves to do anything artistic, such as taking photos, painting, drawing, and traveling! Landry was excited to dive into her goal of helping those in need by joining FORA as a restorative justice intern. She believes that what FORA does is very unique and wholeheartedly wanted to be a part of their mission!