GERA’s executive team works to maintain the daily operations and key projects of the organization and help to guide the organization forward.
Sikandar Khan
Executive Director
Sikandar Khan is an elected ward leader for Paterson, New Jersey. He has extensive experience serving his community, including as Commissioner to the Paterson Board of Adjustment, Coordinator and as the Senior Economic Development Representative to the City of Paterson. As Executive Director he oversees the overall strategic direction of the organization.
Oumar Kouraogo
Director of Finance
Oumar Kouraogo has five years of experience in the areas of financial management. As Director of finances he manages the organizational budget and oversees grant allocation and builds partnerships with private and public stakeholders.
Valeria Gomez Palacios
Director of Programming
Valeria Gomez Palacios is a Nicaraguan public policy professional passionate about a human rights approach to development with experience working with Latin American governments, research centers, the nonprofit sector, and multilateral organizations. As Program Director Valeria is responsible for shaping GERA’s policy direction and managing relationships with international organizations.
Sofia Wahdat
Program Manager
Sofia Wahdat is a marketing professional and the daughter of Afghan refugees and has dedicated her career to working with Afghan and American organizations committed to Afghanistan, based in-country and the United States. As Program Manager Sofia is at the forefront of GERA’s ground operations working directly with families to conduct intakes, need assessments and provision, and support impact analysis.
Soleiman Rahel
Executive Director – California
Soleiman Rahel is an acquisition professional with over 28 years of experience supporting a myriad of programs across the country. He has also served in a variety of leadership roles as an officer in the U.S. Air Force holding the rank of Colonel. He recently served as the Governor of Task Force Liberty at Joint Base McGuire, Dix, Lakehurst in New Jersey where he oversaw operations of largest and most successful camp leading over 1400 airmen, soldiers, sailors, and marines supporting arrival, housing, welfare, education, and transition of over 16,000 displaced Afghans to their new homes across the U.S. At GERA he oversees the strategic direction of the organization’s California branch.