Catherine McAuley Center’s Immigration and Business luncheon addresses current immigration climate

The Catherine McAuley Center’s third annual Immigration and Business Luncheon and awards ceremony praised the resiliency and economic contributions of Eastern Iowa’s local immigration workforce March 6, honoring individuals from Afghanistan to the Democratic Republic of Congo who have made the state home. “Just to show our immigrant and refugee community that they're cared for, that they're seen, that it's understood that they make a huge contribution and are welcome here,” Catherine McAuley Center’s Executive Director Anne Duggar said, on the event’s importance in the community. Ms. Duggar said the shifting political landscape has made events like the Immigration and Business Luncheon and awards ceremony all the more imperative. “It feels a little bit more important to do this and to stand up with our community members, our newest community members,” she added. The celebratory atmosphere was punctuated with somber undertones as speakers acknowledged the spate of recent anti-immigration and refugee federal policies, including the halt of federal funding to refugee resettlement programs like the McAuley Center, which laid off half its workforce in February as a result.

“These are unquestionably tough times for our communities,” keynote speaker Rekha Basu, reporter, editorial writer and columnist for Gannett and Des Moines Register Media, addressed the audience assembled at Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids. Ms. Basu recounted numerous issues affecting immigrants and refugees that were tackled in her columns over the years. “We have rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, the court system, the free press, and a host of other institutions are in place to keep things in check,” she said, addressing the swirl of rumors and fear currently gripping the immigrant community. Ms. Basu admitted she struggled to understand why some immigrants who have successfully settled in the U.S. supported an administration that aggressively targeted migrants fleeing persecution in their homeland. “Maybe some of us can't imagine being in their shoes. (There’s) a temptation to say, ‘I made it here on my own, and so can you.’ But none of us truly makes it on our own, whether it was an individual or institution or visa lottery or parents that got us here and enabled us to stay,” Ms. Basu said, urging the audience to show solidarity with refugees. “As Sister (Catherine) McAuley said, our immigrant ancestors risked their lives so that we could call America home. May we do the same for our 21st century immigrants.”

Cedar Rapids council member Ashley Vanorny read a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell, declaring March 6, 2025 as Immigration and Business Day, and shared her background as grandchild of immigrants fleeing Nazi Germany and eventually settling in Iowa. “Since 2021, immigration has accounted for 60% of our growth, and in 2024 alone, 20,000 legal immigrants chose Iowa as their home, filling critical jobs in health care, manufacturing, agriculture and more,” she said, and thanked audience members who have welcomed refugees like her grandfather “who you would all understand was escaping just the utmost impossible circumstances.” The event’s emcee and Mayor of Marion Nick AbouAssaly, himself an immigrant who fled civil war in Lebanon as a child, also took the podium to make a proclamation on behalf of Marion. “I encourage all residents to welcome their immigrant and refugee neighbors, to create a stronger, more connected and inclusive community where all people are valued and celebrated,” his proclamation read, in part.

‘Who is my neighbor?’ award winner asks

Five awardees took the stage following the proclamations, including a Jefferson High School student. Rex Mwamba, president and founder of World Development, took home the Innovation in Business award, which recognizes businesses that use innovative solutions in hiring and working with refugees and immigrants.

Mr. Mwamba immigrated to Iowa from the Democratic Republic of Congo 12 years ago with his wife and son. Working as a second director of a construction company in his home country to working a warehouse line in a new country while attending school was difficult, he told the CBJ, noting that there were lots of tears from his family at first. “I told (my wife), if we succeed here, we could succeed anywhere else in the world. It's hard. I know, I understand, but we made it,” he said, and when things were rough, “I was just hoping that things will get better.” Other awardees recognized that evening included:

• Saadat Ahmadi, originally from Afghanistan and a Department of Justice immigration legal representative at Catholic Charities, was honored with the Emerging Employee Award, which is given to a refugee or immigrant who demonstrates exemplary service and dedication in their role within an organization.
• Vikas Kalia, an entrepreneur and business owner, was awarded The Outstanding Business Leader Award, which recognizes a refugee or immigrant who demonstrates leadership in the business arena.
• Mugisha Gloire, adopted at age four from the Democratic Republic of Congo and founder and CEO of United We March Forward, was recognized with the Emerging Community Leader Award, which is awarded to a community leader in the ECBO, nonprofit, or community organization arena who demonstrates commitment to amplifying the voices of refugees and immigrants.
• Alouise Francois, a student at Jefferson High School, took home the Youth Leader Award. New this year, the Youth Leader Award recognizes individuals under the age of 18 who demonstrate a commitment to promoting a welcoming community.

“Who is my neighbor?” asked Mr. Gloire, during his acceptance speech. “My neighbor is that person I go to church with and I see each day. My neighbor is that individual that when he heard I was sick, he said, ‘Hey, I'll come and help. I'll come and volunteer.’ Who are your neighbor(s)? We cannot be complacent, not stay quiet…I'm just saying, do something. Volunteer. Join a group. Do something. If you don't have money, use your voice. Use your talent. Please love your neighbors. Do something.”