management and administration
Ellen Smith, Executive Director
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Ellen Smith serves as the Executive Director for Keeping Our Promise, Inc. She works on educating audiences about the SIV program, grant writing, housing, fund-raising, and in-kind donation management. She has assisted over 1,000 SIV refugees and their families since 2014, and her passion for helping these families started with assisting one Army captain in Syracuse, NY gather donations for his interpreters.
The National Council of Jewish Women – Greater Rochester Section selected Ellen as the winner of the 2019 Hannah G. Solomon Humanitarian Award. and she was awarded the “Spirit of America” award by the Reserve Officers Assn. for starting this model program, and creating a welcoming community for those who served our country. |
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Ellen was previously a credentialed journalist for 29 years, with 37 top journalism awards including awards from the National Press Club, Society of Professional Journalists, the Investigative Reporters & Editors Inc., and the Edward R. Murrow Award.
Mubaraka Mohammadi, Community Program Director
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Mubaraka came to the United States in September 2023. She is a photographer, educator, and athlete originally from Daykundi, Afghanistan, passionate about capturing stories of change in her country. As a Hazara woman, she has always been driven to highlight the resilience of Afghan youth and athletes, showcasing a new face of Afghanistan—one that is moving forward, not backward. Since 2019, she has worked on photo series such as Skateboarding in Afghanistan and Skiing on the Slopes of Baba Mountain, focusing on people who inspire change in their communities. Her photography and athletic pursuits are fueled by a deep desire to document the strength and spirit of those shaping a brighter future for Afghanistan.
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She spent several years with Skateistan, a nonprofit empowering Afghan children through sport and education, where she held multiple roles—including Programs Officer, Programs Coordinator, and Sport & Class Educator. At Skateistan, she led the development and delivery of educational and sports programs for marginalized students in Afghanistan while also managing program logistics, coordinating with local partners, and ensuring compliance with organizational guidelines. She has extensive experience in creating and adapting educational content, managing teams, and monitoring program quality and impact. Additionally, she was responsible for the visual documentation of programs, capturing photographs and videos to promote initiatives and engage stakeholders.
Earlier in her career, she worked with organizations such as Ziviler Friedensdienst (GIZ) and BRAC, focusing on education and socio-cultural programs aimed at empowering vulnerable communities in conflict-affected regions. These experiences provided her with a strong foundation in program planning, teaching, and community engagement, as well as a deep understanding of working in challenging environments.
Mubaraka joins KOP to direct efforts within the resettled SIV community here in Rochester. Her support makes accessible resources and programming available, building a solid foundation for SIVs to thrive in their new lives.
Earlier in her career, she worked with organizations such as Ziviler Friedensdienst (GIZ) and BRAC, focusing on education and socio-cultural programs aimed at empowering vulnerable communities in conflict-affected regions. These experiences provided her with a strong foundation in program planning, teaching, and community engagement, as well as a deep understanding of working in challenging environments.
Mubaraka joins KOP to direct efforts within the resettled SIV community here in Rochester. Her support makes accessible resources and programming available, building a solid foundation for SIVs to thrive in their new lives.
Bellal AhmadZAI, OPerations
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Bellal relocated to the United States three years ago, with the help of KOP, following the Taliban's takeover of his home country.
With over 15 years of experience in journalism and media, Bellal has held significant roles as a journalist and news anchor in Afghanistan and the United States, including serving as a media advisor to the Afghan Parliament. His work has earned him prestigious awards from organizations such as Reporters Without Borders, the Overseas Press Club of America, and the Rumi Awards. |
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Bellal is now working as KOPs Operations Manager, and coordinates the arrival process in preparation for incoming SIV which includes: house set ups, furniture donation coordination, welcoming families at the airport, and more. He also provides vital translations services in office, on our website, and for distributed materials for various grants.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bellal enjoys spending quality time with his wife and children. He is also a fitness and bodybuilding enthusiast, dedicated to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bellal enjoys spending quality time with his wife and children. He is also a fitness and bodybuilding enthusiast, dedicated to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.
M. Amirzay, case manager
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Coming Soon!
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Chandee searcy, Community & Volunteer Engagement
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Chandee Searcy began volunteering for Keeping Our Promise in 2019. She is KOP’s liaison with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has participated in many late night arrivals at the airport, been a part of a Caring Circle, and volunteers on the fundraising committee.
In 2021, Chandee transitioned to a part-time position with KOP focusing on community & volunteer engagement and administrative work. Chandee enjoys finding new places in nature to explore with her husband and four children, sneaking away to her basement to throw on her pottery wheel, and serves on the board of directors at Family Promise of Greater Rochester. |
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