Meet Our Team

Economic Empowerment Program Manager
She/Her/Hers
Email

Carolina serves as the Economic Empowerment Program Manager at the IRC in UT. She grew up in Tijuana, Mexico, and San Diego, California, and brings more than nine years of experience in humanitarian and economic empowerment work across Benin, Guatemala, the Philippines, and Mexico.

At the IRC, Carolina leads initiatives focused on financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and long‑term economic integration for refugee and immigrant families. She supports clients from their earliest steps—setting goals, building businesses, strengthening financial skills, and celebrating successes on the path toward lasting economic independence.

Outside of work, Carolina enjoys writing short stories, taking long walks, and searching for the best donut spots in Utah.

Languages: English, Spanish, French, Mandarin, ASL, Bariba

Financial Capability Coordinator
He/His/Him
Email

William is the Financial Capability Coordinator at the IRC Salt Lake City office. In this role, he supports refugees, immigrants, and community members with budgeting, credit building, debt management, loan applications, and IOM travel loan repayment.

Originally from Minnesota, William earned a degree in Criminology with a focus on International Relations from the University of Iowa. He began his IRC career in Phoenix as an R&P Caseworker before moving to Salt Lake City, where he also served as an ECM Caseworker. His experience across programs reflects his long‑standing commitment to supporting newcomers as they rebuild their lives.

In his free time, William enjoys Utah’s outdoors, including hiking, camping, hunting, and mountain biking.

Individual Development Account (IDA) Coordinator
He/Him/His
Email

Ahmed supports refugees and other new Americans through enrollment in the Individual Development Account (IDA) program and provides ongoing financial coaching. IDA is a matched savings program that helps participants work toward goals such as purchasing a vehicle, home, small business, or post‑secondary education.

Ahmed arrived in the United States in 2009 on a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) and was supported by the IRC during his resettlement. He previously worked with IRC Salt Lake City as an interpreter before pursuing overseas work as an Arabic Linguist and Cultural Advisor for the U.S. military and the Department of State. After returning to Utah, he was excited to rejoin the IRC and continue serving the community.

Ahmed holds a BA in English and Literature and an MA in Linguistics. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, fishing, camping, swimming, and soccer.

Languages: Arabic, English

Senior Small Business Coordinator
She/Her/Hers
Email – Schedule Appointment

Jamaica brings a broad and practical background to her role as a Small Business Counselor, drawing on experience as a small business owner, grocery industry professional, artist, and parent. Her career spans retail management, HR, accounting, and brand representation within the grocery sector.

Through her own entrepreneurial journey, she developed a deep appreciation for the role of community and support systems in small business success. Jamaica is passionate about improving access to resources for entrepreneurs and supporting business owners through every stage of their journey.