SAIFURAHMAN AYAR LEMAR

Saifurahman Ayar Lemar is a perfect example of the human spirit’s unyielding resilience. Throughout the nearly two-decade-long conflict in Afghanistan, Saifurahman worked tirelessly as a journalist while also providing crucial support to U.S. military forces as an interpreter. When  the Taliban regained control in 2021 and American troops withdrew, Saifurahman’s life was in serious, immediate danger. Fortunately, he and his family were able to escape and resettled safely in Denver.  

Saifurahman wasted no time in building a new life here. He swiftly enrolled in English classes at Emily Griffith, and is currently enrolled in part-time courses in Emily Griffith's Multimedia & Video Production program.

Daniela Ponce Schaefer

Daniela Ponce Schaefer has a degree in Administration and worked in the arts before moving here from Argentina. She decided to pursue a career in healthcare after her mom passed away and to be able to better support her sister with special needs.

Omid Rawaan

Emily Griffith Technical College student Omid Rawaan fled Afghanistan when the Taliban seized control of the country last August. 

His first name, Omid, means “hope” and he says it took a lot of hope for him to successfully escape his home country where he served as a security guard for the Afghan president.

“Refugees are those types of people who had many problems in their home country, and they come here, and they have many hopes,” he says.

Franscelia Tineo

Franscelia Tineo was driving for Instacart before she started taking English Language Acquisition Classes at Emily Griffith Technical College. 

Now, because of her improved English skills, she has a much better paying job as a graphic designer in Denver. 

STERLING WALKER

Sterling Walker has broken down barriers and paved a new path for his life, and is well on his way to achieving his career goals thanks in large part to the support of the Emily Griffith Foundation. Fueled by a passion for welding, Sterling's aspirations were hampered by a cycle of low-paying jobs. Sterling enrolled in Emily Griffith Technical College’s Welding program, but his dreams demanded financial backing. Here's where the Emily Griffith Foundation stepped in, providing scholarships and 360 Funds to help support him along his journey. Sterling's determination paid off as he recently completed the program and immediately secured an interview for a structural welding role. His ambitions reach higher, as he plans to join the Pipefitters Union and eventually pursue an apprenticeship. 

Eleni Fikremariam

After arriving in Denver from Ethiopia one year ago, Eleni Fikremariam, 21, sat at home for the first six months, afraid to communicate with anyone. 

“I didn't have confidence to talk to anyone,” she says.

Diana Schmitt

Diana Schmitt always dreamed of becoming a hairdresser when she lived in Ukraine. 

It was a goal that seemed out of reach for the longest time, until she moved to Denver seven years ago and learned about Emily Griffith Technical College. 

“I knew that I wanted to do hair when I moved here,” she says. “But, I wanted to learn English first.”

ESTHER PINALES

Esther Pinales is just one example of how Emily Griffith Foundation's support can transform lives, as she embarks on a new chapter of her journey towards becoming a professional Massage Therapist. Her faith and passion for helping and healing others guided her towards this new career.

Esther received scholarships that didn't just cover her program tuition; it reignited her sense of self-worth and reaffirmed her belief in a brighter future. She will complete the program on December 15 and will then take the state-required exam to gain licensure, setting the stage for a fulfilling career as a professional Massage Therapist where she can share the gift of her healing touch with the world.

Joshua Moore

Joshua Moore is a student in Emily Griffith Technical College’s Multimedia and Video Production program, which he chose as it is well aligned with his experience in the Army. Once he graduates and earns his certificate, Joshua hopes to land a full-time job in the field.

Suleiman Kayita

Three years ago, Suleiman Kayita fled his home in Tanzania, Africa, due to a difference in political ideology with the government. He was forced to leave his wife and six children.

“I’m an asylum seeker. I came here just to seek protection,” he says. 

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helped him leave Africa for Denver — a move that happened just three months before COVID-19 hit the United States.