The Catherine McAuley Center is celebrating the contributions of refugees and immigrants to the local business community and workforce at its third annual Immigration & Business Luncheon next month.
The event will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids on March 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with an optional refugee simulation offered prior to the luncheon. From 9 to 11 a.m. participants are invited to navigate scenarios that reflect the real-life experiences refugees face on their journey to safety in another country.
“This immersive experience highlights the immense courage and resilience of all who are granted refugee status,” a release stated, of the simulation.
Marion Mayor Nick AbouAssaly returns this year as the event’s emcee, introducing keynote speaker Rekha Basu, a reporter, editorial writer and columnist whose syndicated columns on issues related to race, gender, immigration and social justice appeared in the Des Moines Register for 30 years.
The Immigration & Business Awards will also be handed out during the event, honoring five awardees across five categories:
- Innovation in Business Award: Rex Mwamba, president and founder of World Development.
- Emerging Employee Award: Saadat Ahmadi, DOJ immigration legal representative at Catholic Charities.
- Outstanding Business Leader Award: Vikas Kalia, entrepreneur and business owner.
- Emerging Community Leader Award: Mugisha Gloire, founder and CEO of United We March Forward.
- Youth Leader Award: Alouise Francois, a student at Jefferson High School.
Returning as the presenting sponsor for this year’s event is Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.
“CRBT and CMC have had a long partnership, and we truly appreciate all of the activities that CMC performs in our community,” said James Klein, president of CRBT. “This Immigration & Business Luncheon is a wonderful way to learn more about people that have made an impact in our community. We believe that our differences of all kinds make our community stronger and well positioned for the future.”
Registration for the Immigration & Business Luncheon is open now through Sunday March 2 at https://cmc-cr.org/immigration-business-luncheon/.
