About the Chicago Leadership team

James Gillman, a senior at Walter Payton College Prep, serves as the Chicago Manager of Finances of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition (CSRC). He is motivated to spark change in refugee communities because he believes that all people deserve an equal opportunity. In the future he hopes to pursue a business degree, using the experiences he has on the leadership team of this organization to further his successes.

Ansh Malhotra, a senior at Walter Payton College Prep, serves as the Chicago Manager of Fundraising of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition (CSRC). Through his involvement with CSRC, he has developed a strong passion for supporting the organization’s mission and providing support for student refugees. He plans to pursue a career in finance and entrepreneurship after high school. 

Atul Shiwakoti, a Junior at Walter Payton, serves as the Chicago Manager of Corporate Partnerships of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition (CSRC). I am a very driven person with a strong passion to make an impact on the communities in Chicago, and NSRC’s mission aids with that goal. I hope to build relationships that grow opportunities and resources. In the future, he plans to attend university and pursue computer science and/or economics.

Liam Baltazar-Pruitt, a senior at Walter Payton College Prep, serves as the Chicago Manager of Expansion of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition (CSRC).

He believes every refugee should have access to education and supportive environments, and he's committed to helping expand this drive to more schools, ultimately bettering the lives of refugees everywhere. In the future, Liam wishes to study business in college and pursue a career in corporate law. 

Aarav, a junior at Payton College Prep, serves as the Manager of Internal Affairs of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition (CSRC). He joined the National Student Refugee Coalition to help advocate for displaced youth and build a more welcoming, supportive community for refugees and underprivileged families. He hopes to pursue the pre-med track in order to continue assisting people who are in need.

Obree Fischer, a senior at Walter Payton College Prep, serves as the Chicago Manager of Volunteer Coordination of NSRC. He recognizes the struggles student refugees face and is a part of NSRC in order to build relationships to help impact their lives for the better. Obree hopes to study architecture and urban planning in college.

Sofia Gutiérrez-Uribe, a junior at Lane Tech, serves as the Chicago Manager of Community Engagement of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition (CSRC). As a granddaughter of an immigrant, she believes everyone deserves safety and access to community and education. In the future, Sofia hopes to study Music Business with the goal of joining the music industry.

Enrique Morales, a senior at Walter Payton College Prep, serves as the Chicago Manager of External Expansion of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition (CSRC). He wanted to be part of NSRC because he wanted to help as many immigrant families as I could, to repay the help that his family got when they came here. In college, Enrique hopes to study animal sciences, as he plans to be a veterinarian in the future. 

Hermella Berhane, a junior at Walter Payton College Prep, serves as the Chicago Manager of Donations of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition (CSRC). She joined NSRC to help spread resources to those in need and to make a meaningful impact in the community. In the future, she hopes to be a lawyer for international affairs!

Eli Flood, a Senior at Walter Payton Preparatory High School in Chicago, serves as the Walter Payton Chapter Manager of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition (CSRC). Through volunteering for the organization, Eli hopes to provide refugee families in Chicago and beyond with all the necessary resources to rebuild their lives and feel truly welcomed by their new communities. In college, Eli plans to study pre-med and public health, where he hopes to continue working at the intersection of medicine, health equity, and immigrant communities.

David Rodriguez, a sophomore at Walter Payton College Prep, serves as the Walter Payton Chapter Vice Manager of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition (CSRC). He joined to help those in need, whether it’s food or resources, and David hopes to pursue engineering while continuing his efforts to help others. 

Layla Arroyo, a junior at Lane Tech College Prep, serves as the Lane Chapter Manager for NSRC. Inspired by the organization’s mission to provide support, safety, and hope to refugees, she is committed to helping build a stronger, more compassionate community. In the future, Layla plans to pursue a career in the medical field, where she hopes to continue making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Benet McConkey, a junior at Lane Tech, serves as the Lane Tech Chapter Treasurer of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition (CSRC). She decided to join the NSRC because she believes that everyone should feel welcome and safe, especially when entering a new space. As a granddaughter of Korean immigrants who have helped others find community, she found the NSRC mission to be invigorating. She plans to major in Business and wants to continue to build things that will make her generation's future brighter.