SSRRA – USA – Civil Society Conference – 2015

April 17-18, 2015

Creating Humanitarian Awareness and Peace Building in South Sudan

 

Ramada Plaza Omaha Hotel and Convention Center 3321 South 72nd Street Omaha, NE 68124

8:30 am – 7:30 pm

http://www.ssrra.org

 

Dear Attendee:

Welcome to the 1st SSRRA – USA – 2015 – Civil Society – Conference

The SSRRA-U.S.A was established in September, 2014, with a goal to mobilize and coordinate the efforts of South Sudanese community stakeholders, groups and individuals contributions throughout the United States to help provide basic emergency assistance to South Sudanese. The initial and primary aim was to provide humanitarian assistance to South Sudanese in devastated areas of the country. The SSRRA – USA premiere conference in 2015, as a humanitarian crisis response initiative. Our grassroots efforts resulted in this highly-regarded, educational and professional conference. By highlighting our agency’s own strategies, presenting current evidences of the crisis facing our love ones in daily basis, and developing our own USA crisis response team, this conference is truly a conference of, by and for the community.

This conference’s theme is, “Creating Humanitarian Awareness and Peace Building in South Sudan.” The conference will present new, innovative approaches to humanitarian crisis in our country and help to support the IGAD’s peace initiative in Addis Ababa. We know you will learn a great deal from this conference, equipping you in your quest to effectively serve individuals in our community. This is the first SSRRA – USA conference with presentations and cultural shows throughout the entire two days conference and concerts on Saturday evening, featuring our local talented musicians. Our convention begins at 8:00am on Friday, November 28, with numerous thought-provoking exhibits cultural artifacts, books-written by Nuer and more from friends.

We believe you will find this conference an educational! On behalf of the conference planning committee, we welcome you to the 1st SSRRA – USA Conference and thank you for your attendance.

Sincerely, Malakal D. Goak

Deputy Executive Director and Chair of the Conference South Sudan Relief & Rehabilitation Agency (SSRRA) USA

P.O. Box 241573 Omaha, NE 68124

Office: (402) 965-1490. Cell: (402) 612-7613

Website: http://www.ssrra.org

 

Conference Leadership/Planning Committee

 

  1. Malakal Deng Goak

Deputy Executive Director and Chair of the Conference South Sudan Relief & Rehabilitation Agency (SSRRA) USA

Founder and current executive director for Caring People Sudan in Omaha, NE

  1. John Chuol Kuek, Ph.D., MFT

Psychologist; Marriage and Family Therapist Deputy Chairman of the Conference

Secretary General of South Sudan Relief & Rehabilitation Agency (SSRRA) USA President of South Sudanese Community Council of San Diego

Board Chair of La Maestra Community Health Centers Foundation in San Diego Visiting Lecturer of several Universities in California and Arizona

  1. Gatluak Ter Thach, D

President & CEO of the Nashville Int’l Center for Empowerment

City Political Advisory Council to Nashville’ Mayor on Refugees and Immigrants Board Chair for Middle Tennessee Area Habitat for Humanity

Council Member for Tennessee Department of Children’s Services Vice Chair for Finance and Economic Development of NCIC

  1. Isaac Kueth Gang Reath, D

Assistance Professor of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s College of Sciences, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Vice Chair for IT/Data management

Executive Secretary of Jonglei Peace Initiative (North America) Board member, Leadership Institute of New Sudan (LIONS)

  1. Sophia Gai, BA

Former South Sudan Member of Parliament in Juba, South Sudan, was first nominated in July 09th, 2011. A member of “Water, Irrigation, and Natural resources Committee”; and a Secretary General for South Sudan Parliamentarian Women Caucus.

 

Program Schedules

 Security Team: Dak Muor/ Mr. Livi Both

 Master of Ceremony (MC): Dr. Isaac Kueth Gang and Mrs. Nyayual puoch Tut, Dr.

Gatluak Thach and Anna Andrew/ Sibit Deng and Day One

Master of Ceremony (MC): Dr. Gang, Ph.D. and Ms. Daya Batim

 

Friday, April 17, 2015

8:30-9:30: Breakfast

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Registration

 

Venue: All presentations will be held at the main hall. Nuer Figures’ power point shows

9:35-9:40 AM: South Sudan and US national Anthem

 10:45-10:50 AM: Traditional Dancers/Shows

 11:00-11:05 AM: Opening Remarks, House Keeping Rules and Guests Introduction (Prayer: Pastor John Gok Badeng)

 Mr. Malakal D. Goak, Chairman of the Conference Mr. William Pay Tuoy-Giel, Executive Director

 

General Conference Team’s Recognition Recognition of Sponsors (Display all sponsors’)

11:10 – 11:15 AM Letter of Solidarity between South Sudanese and United States (Young South Sudanese)

11:20 – 11:30 AM Brief messages from Nebraska government leaders Mr. Gernandt Vice president Omaha City Council

Mr. Pete Governor of Nebraska

 11:35-11:60 AM: Traditional Dancers, Entertainers and Shows

LUNCH BREAK 12:00 PM – 1:00 pm

 1:05 – 1:20: Governor of Nebraska Introduced by: Mr. Malakal Goak

 1:25 PM – 1:50 PM: Keynote Speaker: Hon. Hussein Mar Nyuot Introduced by: William Pay Giel/ Mr. Gatwech Peter Kulang

 1:55 – 3:10 PM: First Presentations: Peace Building in South Sudan

  • Role of the US government in the current Peace initiative of South Sudan
  • Peace building/ sustainable peace and roles of the diaspora in promoting peace and unity among South Sudanese
  • Economics empowerment
  • Role of Christianity in Peace building

 

Presenter 1: Amb. Susan Page (20-minutes)
Presenter 2: Mr. William Pay Tuoy-Giel (15-minutes)
Presenter 3: Pastor James Chuol Tang (10-minutes)
Presenter 4: Hon. Reath Muoch Tang (10-minutes)
Presenter 5: Amb. Miyong Kuon, Rep (10-minutes)

 

3:05-3:15: Tea/Coffee Break

Venue: Main Lobby

3:20-4:30: Presentation #2: Human Rights Violation in South Sudan

  • Genocide prevention
  • Accountability and Peace Approach
  • Effect of war on children, women and aged people

Presenter 1: Haward N. Esptein, Director of Jewish Com (15-minutes) Presenter 2: Hon. Alan Potash, Jewish Community Rep (15-minutes) Presenter 3:   Hon. Sophia Pal Gai                                        (20-minutes)

4:50 – 5:00 PM. All Invited Guest Speakers

 6:00 – 7:00 PM: Panel Discussion: All presenters Moderated by: Mr. William Pay Tuoy-Giel and Ms. Daya Batim

7:10 – 8:00 PM: Closing Remarks by the keynote speaker. Hon. Hussein Mar Nyuot Concluded with prayer by: Rev. James Nhial Ruey

7:05 – 10:00 PM: All leaders Meeting

Day Two: Saturday, April 18, 2015

Venue: Main Hall

Master of Ceremony (MC): Dr. Thach and Mrs. Nyayual Puoch Tut Sebit Thach and Nyaruot Majiok

8:00 -10:00 AM Breakfast

 10: 05 – 10: 15: Traditional Dancer/ Entertainment

10:20-10:25 AM: Opening Remarks, House Keeping Rules and Guests Introduction Opening Remarks/ Prayer (Pastor. TBA)

10:30-10:11 AM: South Sudan and US national Anthem

 11:00 -11:15 AM: Dancers/Singers and Entertainment

11:05 – 1:40 PM Guest Speakers. Hon. Changson Lew Chang (45-minutes) Introduced by: Dr. Gatluak Ter Thach

 LUNCH BREAK 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

 1:45 – 3:00 PM: Last Presentations: Humanitarian Crisis in South Sudan

 

· Civil insecurity
· Food shortage
· Health Disparity
· Mental health
Presenter 1: Hon. Daniel Wuor Joak (20-minutes)
Presenter 2: Gatwech Peter Kulang (20-minutes)
Presenter 4: Dr. John Kuek, Ph.D (20-minutes)

3:05 – 3:15 PM: Break/ Entertainments/ Shows 3:20 – 4:00 PM: Words of encouragement on the following items:

  • Mission of Nuer elders toward Peace initiative
  • Rwandan’s prospective on the committed genocide in Juba
  • Integration challenges to new arrival in Omaha
  • Wards of encouragements
  • Updates on refugees

 

Speaker 1: Hon. Matthew Mathiang Deng (5-minutes) Speaker 2: Amb. Hon. Bol Gatkuoth             (5-minutes) Speaker 3: Mr. Yien Wuroal            (5-minutes)

Speaker 4: Pastor Kip Tyler                            (5-minutes) Speaker 5: Pastor Michael Williams (5-minutes) Speaker 6: Parde Karen                    (5-minutes) Speaker 7: Hon. Chamjock Chung   (5-minutes)

4:05-7:00 pm: Panel Discussion: All the presenters Moderated by: Hon. Sophia and Dr. Gang

 8:00 – 9:00 PM: Town Hall: all Sessions with conclusion of the Conference and Awards, Recognition of State Representatives and attendees/ Q&A Forum/ Resolution

Moderated by: Mr. Malakal D. Goak and Dr. John Chuol Kuek

Closing Remarks by the main Event by Guest Speaker: Hon. Changson Lew Chang Closing Prayer by: Rev. TBA

 6:00-70pm: Dinner

7:05pm-11:40PM: Concert/Entertainment

KEY NOTE SPEAKER/ 1:05 – 1:50 PM (45-minutes)

Hon. Hussein Mar Nyuot

Chairman of South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Agency, SSRRA – HQs, SPLM/A-IO

Hon.Nyuot earned his master’s degree from Former Deputy Governor of Jonglei and Current SPLM/A in Opposition

Guest Speaker/ 1:05 – 1:40 PM (45-minutes)

Hon. Gabriel Changson Chang

Chairperson of National Committee for Finance and Resource Mobilization, SPLM/-IO

Hon. Gabriel Changson obtained a bachelor’s degree in banking from Khartoum Polytechnic (1978). He earned his master’s degree from Duke University (USA). Hon. Changson worked for several banks in Sudan; he worked for Central Bank of Sudan and Commercial Banks, Khartoum El-Nilien and Ivory for, 30 years. Hon. Changson held several ministerial positions, from April 2003- July 2013, in Sudan and South Sudan. He currently serves as chairperson of National Committee for Finance and Resource Mobilization for the SPLM/A-IO. He is a current Chairman of United Democratic Salvation Front (Main Stream) party.

Some Presentations and Abstracts

 Effect of war on children, women and aged people By: Hon. Sophia Pal Gai

 Hon. Sophia Gai holds a bachelor’s degree in Community Development from Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya. Hon. Gai was a former South Sudan Member of Parliament in Juba, South Sudan, was first nominated in July 09th, 2011. Hon. Gai was a member of “Water, Irrigation, and Natural resources Committee”; and a Secretary General for South Sudan Parliamentarian Women Caucus. In addition to this, prior to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (the CPA), Hon. Gai, was Secretary for Administration and Organization of the Sudan’s Peoples Liberation Movement Party (the SPLM), and a member of War Disabled Widows and Orphans Commission. She helped establish South Sudanese Women Parliamentarian Caucus for Peace to improve women’s participation in political decision- making, reconciliation, conflict resolution and peace building in South Sudan through knowledge transfer, professional development and capacity building. Through South Sudanese Women Parliamentarian Caucus for Peace, she has organized conferences, workshops and seminars to encourage women’s participation in politics, and to promote a realistic dialogue to address the current conflict in South Sudan. Furthermore, she is currently a member of the negotiation team for democratic reform and works very closely with South Sudanese women groups on the ground and has first-hand insight into the current political crisis in South Sudan.

Goals: as a human rights and peace activist, participants will learn morehorrible stories of South Sudanese refugees and placed persons, women, children, men who suffered the December 15th, 2013 massacre. Attendees will learn about the issues surrounding human rights violation currently taking place in South Sudan as well as the role and engagement services that the Diaspora South Sudanese can play in helping addresses the humanitarian needs and human rights abuses currently going on in South Sudan.

Peace building/ sustainable peace and roles of the diaspora in promoting peace and unity Among South Sudanese

By: William Pay Tuoy-Giel

 Mr. William has a Masters’ degree in educational leadership, with emphasis in community college and higher education from Northern Arizona University. Academic Advisor for the Maricopa Community Colleges System; has nearly a ten-year professional experiences working in the Higher Education in different capacities from Student Services to Academic Affairs. He was the recipient of the following awards: Phoenix Job Corps Community Partner award, Friend of the City of Phoenix award, Student employee of the year award, recognized by the Maricopa Community Colleges for his contribution to the professional growth of the employees of the college. Mr. William also served in the following South Sudanese Organizations; namely, former Chairman of the Greater Upper Nile Association of Arizona (2008-2010), former President of the South Sudanese Community Association of Arizona (2010 – 2015) and a member of the Leadership Council of the Arizona Lost Boys Center. He also co-founded the following

organizations: Alliance for South Sudanese in Diaspora, the Nile Institute for Peace and Development (NIPD) and Greater Upper Nile Association of North America. He is currently the Executive Director of the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Agency (SSRRA), USA and Executive Director of the Nile Institute for Peace and Development (NIPD). William resides in Chandler, Arizona with his lovely family.

Goals: to demonstrate how South Sudanese American Communities can be organized and worked together. Participants will learn a working definition of partnership approach to streamline humanitarian efforts from USA. Participants will have a clear understanding of how South Sudanese community stakeholders in partnership with SSRRA – USA can significantly impact their humanitarian responses.

Trauma: Impacts of War on Mental Health By: John Chuol Kuek, Ph.D., MFT

 John Kuek has a PhD in psychology with concentration in transpersonal psychology from Sofia University in Palo Alto, CA. He has published his first book, South Sudanese Community Insights: A Cross-generational Cross-Cultural Rescue Model for Families and Family Counselors. He also published Hunger for an Education: A research Essay on the Case of South Sudan and the Voices of Its People. FIRE. Forum for International Research in Education, (1) 2-

  1. His second professional journal article Culture and trauma: An ethnographic study of transpersonal approaches to trauma recovery from a Sudanese perspective. Palo Alto, CA: Sofia University. (Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, Pending Publication). His second book is coming soon, Culture, Trauma and Transpersonal Psychology: A Contemporary Study of South Sudanese. He is currently a visiting lecturer at many schools in California and Arizona.

Goal: Participants will learn about Impacts of war on mental health or psychological wellbeing. Participants will also learn about trauma, brain function, prevailing manifestation of psychological illnesses in decision making, physical body, how and who is more prone to disorders. Audiences will also learn about associate feature of trauma, trauma types and comorbidity.

GENERAL LIST OF All VOLUNTEERS

 

NAME PHONE CONTACT Email
1. Dr. Chuol Ruey 515-422-3072
2. Hon. Sophia Gai 402-617-2766
3. Nyayual Puoch Tut 402-320-5551
4. Nyanhial Dat 402-830-2805
5. Libi Chuol 402-609-8230
6. Nyabuay Wuol 402-972-1135 buayduany@yahoo.com
7. Dor Mayual 210-730-3136
8. Ruot Pal Gai 402-217-7147
9. Chol Yak 402-609-9206 Chol.gach@yahoo.com
10. Gai Pal Gai 402-617-6888 guylaam@yahoo.com
11. Sebit Thach Deng 917-971-5249
12. Nyayany Reath 402-594-9338
13. Nyaruot Majiok 402-310-7979
14. Riam Gatkuoth 515346-0730
15. Tabitha Jiechlat Tiach 515-219-4060
16. Dr. John Kuek 619-347-1411
17. Samuel Gai Bie
18. Dr. Gatluak Thaach 615-477-2767
19. Sarah (Nyabiey Joseph) 515-783-9932
20. Nyadang Jokow 402-213-1182
21. Changkuoth Duol Koang 402-326-9391
22. Chuol Bell 402-990-4055 cbelloscity@gmail.com
23. Wal Chol 615-710-2901
24. Tiechbor Rik 515-512-3826
25. Wath Puoch 507-351-5675
26. Charles Enosa 512-203-7749
27. James Ruach 832-208-7348
28. Aluel Mayen 512-826-7949
29. Wal Rambang 615-710-2901
30. Dobuol Khat 320-223-3516
31. Nyaboy Chan 402-853-4273
32. Duach Rut 3210-469-3545
33. Nyakong Kuan 507-399-4772
34. Deng Keach 712-299-7453
35. Tut Kier 712-229-3307
36. Nyanchiew Nyak 507-412-0263
37. Nyawan Kuon 507-589-8149
38. Nyabuony Chieng Chut 507-363-0147
39. Chol Tongyik 507-351-1108
40. Nyabuona Biel 515-918-1641

 

Sub-committees

Finance Design & Media

Engagement

 Public Education and

Mobilization

 Protocol &

Program

 Security & Safety
Dor Mayual Gai Pal Gai Nyayany Reath Dr. Chuol Ruey Changkuoth Koang
Nyanhial Dat Chol Yak Libi Chuol Hon. Sophia Gai
Nyayual Tut Nyabuay Wuol Rout Pal Gai Dr. John Kuek
Nyaruot Majiok Sebit Thach Deng Nyadang Jokow Dr. Gatluak Thach
Sarah Joseph Chuol Bell Changkuoth D. Koang Dr. Isaac Gang
Wath Puoch Tiechbor Rik
Riam Gatkuoth Aluel Mayen
Charles Enosa Chol Tongyik
Nyakong Kuan Nyawan Kuon
Deng Keach Nyanchiew Nyak
Nyaboy Chan Nyabuony Chut
Wal Rambang James D. Khat
Duach Rut
Tut Kier
Nyadang Jikow

 

South Sudan Relief & Rehabilitation Agency, SSRRA Leadership, SPLM/A-IO


National Chairperson of the National Committee of Humanitarian Affairs, South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Agency, SSRRA – HQs, SPLM/A-IOHon. Hussein Mar Nyuot

 

Former Deputy Governor of Jonglei and Current Chairman of South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Agency

SPLM/A in Opposition

 

Hon. Gatwech Peter Kulang, BA., MA/ Advanced Candidate

Executive Director, National SSRRA – HQs Pagak, South Sudan.

 

Hon. Gatwech Peter Kulang is an Executive Director of National Committee for Humanitarian Affairs which is in charge of South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Agency (SSRRA) SPLM/ -IO, Pagak, South Sudan. Hon. Kulang was Founder of the South Sudan Development Agency (SSUDA) International. He is also an Ambassador for Peace, Founder of Nasir Community Development Agency (NCDA), Founder of Australian Friends of Sudan Network,

and in 2007 he was nominated as one of the “Top 100 Melbournean Influential Person” in Victoria, Australia. Hon. Kulang has been working with SSUDA since its launch in Australia ten years ago. His commitment to this agency and the people it supports is absolute. He is a key driver in organization community events and activities for all age ranges within the South Sudanese community. Hon. Kulang works very hard to ensure that the South Sudanese community becomes active participants in their local community areas. He is committed to supporting new arrivals to Australia to help them retain the best of their mother culture, while adopting the strengths of their new culture. He is always ready to share his knowledge of the South Sudanese community and help others understand the history of Sudan particularly the Southern part of Sudan and its cultural practices. Hon. Kulang has strong connections with church groups and religious groups. He had begun his early career in church literacy with the Presbyterian Church of Sudan and ACROSS Church department in Nairobi (1994-1996. He also

worked with SIL-Sudan as an Apprentice Officer and Language Consultant in Nairobi, KenyaHe has developed excellent networks so that he can support the community and is always looking for opportunities and partnerships. Hon. Kulang worked for Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), Government of South Sudan, Juba. Hon. Kulang changed his career and became a humanitarian worker with Relief Association for South Sudan (RASS) as Database Officer. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) – specializing in International Community Development in Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia (2007 – 2008). Diploma – specializing in Community Welfare from Holmesglen Institute Tafe, Melbourne, Australia (2004 – 2006).

Hon. Kulang is currently pursuing a Master of Arts (MA) degree in International Relations and Diplomacy at Cavendish University, Uganda due November 2014. Hon. Kulang is the Author of IN SEARCH OF HUMANITY: A personal Experience in Community Work, Published in Oct. 2010.

William Pay Tuoy-Giel, M.Ed

Executive Director, National SSRRA – USA

Mr. William is currently working for the Maricopa Community Colleges System as an Academic Advisor where he helps students from diverse background as they pursue their career goals. Mr. He earned two Associate degrees in Arts and General Studies from Gateway Community College, a Bachelor of Art (BA) degree in Political Science, Minor degree in Family and Human Development Studies and Certificate in International Studies from the Arizona State

University (ASU, 2006). William earned a Masters’ degree in educational leadership, with emphasis in community college and higher education from Northern Arizona University. He plans to pursue further education, a Ph.D. in Law and Public Policy.

He was the recipient of the following awards: Phoenix Job Corps Community Partner award, Friend of the City of Phoenix award, Student employee of the year award, recognized by the Maricopa Community Colleges for his contribution to the professional growth of the employees of the college. Mr. William also served in the following South Sudanese Organizations; namely, former Chairman of the Greater Upper Nile Association of Arizona (2008-2010), former President of the South Sudanese Community Association of Arizona (2010 – 2015) and a member of the Leadership Council of the Arizona Lost Boys Center. He also co-founded the following organizations: Alliance for South Sudanese in Diaspora, the Nile Institute for Peace and Development (NIPD) and Greater Upper Nile Association of North America.  He is currently the Executive Director of the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Agency (SSRRA), USA and Executive Director of the Nile Institute for Peace and Development (NIPD).

Mr. Malakal Deng Goak, BS

Deputy Executive Director, National SSRRA – USA

Mr. Goak is the founder and current executive director for Caring People Sudan in Omaha, NE. Caring People of Sudan’s emphasis is on child/parental skill acquisition, improved family functioning, increase parent-Child interactions and community engagement for support and sustainability once the child and/or community are no longer unsafe. As a leader who devoted his life to serve humanity to make a different in people’s lives, Mr. Goak worked as a senior inspector (DS-grade) for ministry of Social and Cultural Affairs, Malakal Upper Nile (1997-

1998). Before he decided to leave Africa for the United States, Mr. Goak worked for Community Development Office for Upper Nile at ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) in Nairobi, Kenya (1998-2003). Right after he gets situated in the state Nebraska, Mr. Goak started human service again as a family support specialist with Owens & Associates in Omaha, NE (2004-2006). He also works as a community liaison and board member for immigration and Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Inc. (2006-2008). Mr. Goak served as a president of Sudanese American Network for Advancement of Democracy in Sudan (SANADS) (2009- 2011). He currently served as board member for African Leadership League in Nebraska. Mr.

Goak graduated with associate degree of community development and leadership at Ethiopian Adventist College, Sheshemane, Ethiopia. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Human Services at Collins University (2010).

Dr. John Chuol Kuek, Ph.D.,MFT.

Secretary General, National SSRRA – USA

Dr. Kuek works as the first East African Marriage and Family Therapist for La Maestra Community Health Centers in San Diego. Dr. Kuek earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with minor in counseling at National University in San Diego. Dr. Kuek has a master’s degree in counseling psychology and graduated with an honor from the University of Phoenix, San Diego campus. Dr. Kuek earned his Ph.D. in psychology with concentration in transpersonal psychology from Sofia University in Palo Alto, CA. He is a current chairman of the board of director for La

Maestra Community Health Centers Foundation. Dr. Kuek is a current president of South Sudanese Community Council of San Diego. He was a chairperson of the second Nuer Community International Convention of 2013 (NCDS-IC). He is a founding member and a current director of resource mobilization for Alliance for South Sudanese in Diaspora (ASSD).

Professional Publication: Dr. Kuek has published his first book, South Sudanese Community Insights: A Cross-generational Cross-Cultural Rescue Model for Families and Family Counselors. He also published Hunger for an Education: A research Essay on the Case of South Sudan and the Voices of Its People. FIRE. Forum for International Research in Education, (1) 2-

  1. His second professional journal article Culture and trauma: An ethnographic study of transpersonal approaches to trauma recovery from a Sudanese perspective. Palo Alto, CA: Sofia University. (Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, Pending Publication). He published a book chapter, “Soul Speaks” by Zara Marselian. His second book is coming soon; Culture, Trauma and Transpersonal Psychology: A Contemporary Study of South Sudanese. In his upcoming book, he fully narrated the history of South Sudan and its current civil war. Dr. Kuek is currently a visiting lecturer at University of California San Diego (UCSD) and Arizona State University (ASU), plus several other universities and colleges in San Diego.

Dr. Gatluak Ter Thach, Ph.D.

National Treasurer, National SSRRA – USA

Dr. Thach is the founder and current president and CEO of Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE). NICE is a nonprofit community-based organization that provides direct social services and educational programs for refugees and immigrants in Middle Tennessee. In 2010, NICE became an affiliate of ECDC in contracting with the State Department in Washington, DC’s Refugee Resettlement Program, and it resettles refugees here in the United States. In additional to his role at NICE, Dr. Thach also serves on several leadership boards of

directors, including the board of directors for the Sudanese Human Rights Organization, Advisory Council of Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, the Council for Nashville’s Mayor, Tennessee for All of Us, Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity, the Sudanese Presbyterian Church, Alliance for South Sudanese in Diaspora, South Sudan Relief Rehabilitation Agency – USA, and others.

 

Dr. Thach’s work focuses on providing leadership and supervision to his organizational team and their subordinates. He is an expert in community and organizational development, program and budget planning and management, strategic planning, collaboration and partnership building, resource development (grant writing), executive coaching, advocacy, and executive couching.

Dr. Thach earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science with minor in mathematics from Tennessee State University in Nashville Tennessee in 2003. He went on to pursue a

master’s degree in public service from Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, and graduated as a member of Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in social science.

Dr. Thach earned a PhD in Organizational Leadership with emphasis on Strategic Planning from Argosy University in Nashville, TN. Dr. Thach received numerous awards in leadership and community services, including CEO of the Year Award, Distinguished Service Award, Human Right Rising Advocate Award, Power of Inclusion Award, Community Empowering Award,

New Immigrant Leadership Award from White House, Peace Ambassadors USA Award, among others. He is also an author of My New American Dream. His upcoming book is: “The Sustainable Integration for New Hope.”

 

Mr. Kueth Yul Dieu, MSAJS.

Public Relation and Information Officer, National SSRRA – USA

Mr. Yul is a proficient Child Protective Service professional, currently working for the Government of State of Arizona/ Department of Child Safety. He has years of experience in Juvenile court, Child Welfare and Social justice system. He is currently working as DCS Specialist 3 managing Dependency and Adoption Cases.

Previously, Mr. Yul worked with local law enforcement agencies in San Diego, California, as Public Safety Officer and US border Patrol. He completed several Law Enforcement Trainings, such as Firearm Safety, law of Arrest, Automated Regional Justice Information System (ARJIS), and community police academy. Mr. Yul holds a Master of Science Degree in Administration of Justice and Security from the University of Phoenix, San Diego California Campus. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from National University, San Diego California. Mr. Yul is a currently a member of Coalition of Advocates for South Sudan (CASS). He is a co-founder and a member of Jonglei Peace Initiative. He is also a founding member of the Alliance for South Sudan (ASSD). He is currently serving as lead Minister for the South Sudanese Covenant Church in Arizona; and as a treasurer for the South Sudanese Covenant Churches Councils in Diaspora. Mr. Yul has previously served as President of the Lou Nuer Community in the USA. He also served as Media Director for the Lou Nuer Community USA, Canada and Australia. He previously served as Director of Web-designs for Nuer Community Development Service in USA. He served as a Vice Chairman for the Nuer Community Development Services in Arizona. He is a member of the board of director for the Sudanese Community Association in Arizona. Mr. Yul is currently pursuing his second Master’s Degree in Jurisprudence in children and Family Law at Loyola University Chicago, with possibility to advance into Doctorate of

Law.

Dr. Isaac Kueth Gang, Ph.D.

Executive Director, South Region SSRRA – USA

Dr. Gang is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science, MIS & Engineering at the University of Mary Hardin- Baylor’s College of Sciences, department of Computer Science & Engineering (CSE). He joined the UMHB CSE faculty in the fall of 2011 from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) where he taught as an Adjunct Professor of computer science at the USM’s School of Computing. Dr. Gang earned an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in computer science from Hinds Community College in 2000,

Bachelor of Art (BA) degree in history from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2004, a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in computer science from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2004, Master of Science degree in computer science from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2008, and Doctor of Philosophy in computational science from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2010. Dr. Gang is the founding member of Alliance for South Sudanese in Diaspora (ASSD), Coalition of Advocates for South Sudan (CASS), and Jonglei Peace Initiative –North America. In addition to his professional expertise in science, technology and IT, Gang has an extensive peace and leadership training background with the Institute of Sustainable Peace based in Houston, Texas, United States. He has attended and facilitated peace and leadership training for over 4 years with ISP. In addition, Dr. Gang has volunteered for numerous organizations and has lobbied for many causes, especially human right issues affecting his first home (South Sudan). He considers himself a human and political rights activist and is always concerned about human rights conditions throughout the world. In addition to his work with Institute of Sustainable Peace (ISP) and the Sudanese Peoples’ Liberation Movement (SPLM), he is currently involved with South Sudan Relief & Rehabilitation Service – USA as its south regional director. In that capacity, he is responsible for mobilizing resources (monetary and materials) to help the suffering South Sudanese internally displaced persons (IDPs) survive war, disease and famine. Also, he is currently the International Affairs Director of ASSD, Executive member of CAS, and the Executive Secretary of Jonglei Peace  Initiative North America.

Mr. Dhan James Kueth, MPA

Executive Director, Midwest Region SSRRA – USA

Mr. Kueth has been employed as a Refugee Specialist in the Bureau of Refugee Services, Iowa Department of Human Services for the past 7 years. With all of his years of experience working with social services agencies, with the Depart of Human Services, Lutheran Services of Iowa, and Drake University Head Start, he has excellent experience working with people facing different types of crises, providing support, making resources available to them while generating and maintaining professional relationships with other agencies and authorities. Mr. Kueth is the Chairman of

Greater Upper Nile Community in State of Iowa. Mr. Kueth also held a variety of other positions benefitting the South Sudanese people of Iowa, across North American and back home in South Sudan. He also has had many opportunities to talk with American groups, educating them both about the war in Sudan and the process of adjusting to life in America. Thus he has extensive experience in helping refugees from many different countries make the transition to the American culture. He is Passionate in organizational and strategic planning. Mr. Kueth and his son are actors in the “The Good Lie” movie, featuring the civil war and suffering of the South Sudanese people. Mr. Kueth has outstanding interpersonal motivational and presentation skills. Mr. Kueth has an Associate of Arts degree from Des Moines Area Community College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in human services from the University of Iowa, and a Master of Arts degree in public administration from Drake

University.

Mr. Lam Thot Muang, MBA

Executive Director, West Region SSRRA – USA

Mr. Muang is currently an outreach specialist for The Harris Group, San Diego Gas and Electric. He graduated with an associate degree in accountant from San Diego City College. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accountant from the University of Phoenix, San Diego campus. He earned his master’s degree in business administration from University of Phoenix, San Diego campus. He was a chairman of the SPLM/A Chapter of California, (2002-2008). He served as an SPLM/A West

Region coordinator (2006-2010). He was an acting SPLM/A representative of the United States (2010). Mr. Muang served as a director of administration and finance for state minister of health of Malakal, Upper Nile (2012-2013). Mr. Muang is a current board member of La Maestra Community Health Centers. He is a current secretary general for the Sudanese American Presbyterian Church of San Diego. He is currently board member of Southern Sudanese Community Center in San Diego.

Mr. James Deng Kuol

Executive Director, East Region SSRRA – USA

Mr. Kuol is president and CEO of Rubar International Corporation (dba) African International Grocery Store and Bondoleec International Export of Goods and Service. His company has grown steadily with yearly gross income of 1 million dollars in revenue. He is also a licensed community Health outreach worker for the state of Maine, assisting people in need of health care and health care practitioner in meeting their health need. Mr. Kuol served as a manager for Connecticut Rental (LLC), where his duties entails supervising 7 direct support staff, organizing sales and services for

customers’ order, and implementing strategic and logistic planning for customers’ need (2000 2006). Mr. Kuol attended Hartford Community College

(2005).

Ms. Daya Batim Moses, BA

Administrative and finance officer, Capital Region SSRRA – Canada.

Ms. Daya Moses is currently working as a community worker, helping the needy individuals. Ms. Daya have been involved with my community (South Sudanese) and other communities in

Canada since 2004. She joined Amnesty International in 2009 in which she is now an active member and a human rights activist fighting against human rights abuses of all sorts by governments, organizations or individuals. She volunteered as a settlement worker assistant at Catholic Cross-Cultural Services in Mississauga, where she helped South Sudanese with new comer’s settlement services such as access to community housing and so on. She worked as a Project Coordinator for Women Assisting Women in Settlement (WAWS) funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) through the United Way of Greater Toronto Area (2006-2008).

Ms. Daya also worked as a research assistant to the principle investigator for Social Wellbeing and Integration in Canada, funded by the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine. She was also a youth worker and counsellor for the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa, where she worked with troubled youths (16-17 yrs) in a homeless youth facility center. She also worked as country resource person (workshop facilitator) for South Sudan, Center for Intercultural Learning (CIL). She founded the Daya Organization for Children whose mission is to serve vulnerable children (Orphans and the disabled) in developing countries. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Management from the University of Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A. She speaks several South Sudanese dialects as follow: Nuer, English, Arabic Juba, Madi, Kuku, Kakwa and Bari.