Meet Team IJC - we’re running the NYC Half Marathon!
For the third year in a row, Immigrant Justice Corps was chosen as an official Charity Partner of the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon!
This year, IJC is sending five representatives to run the race on March 15 with a fundraising goal of $10,000. Meet the Justice Fellows and Community Fellows who are running and learn what inspired them to join the team!
Daad Sharfi
Community Fellow, Arab American Association of New York
“I deeply believe in IJC’s mission and I want to be part of the movement to increase access to competent legal representation for immigrants. As an immigrant myself from a low-income background, I have seen firsthand just how detrimental the inaccessibility to quality representation can be. I have experienced so much personal and professional development thanks to the Community Fellowship program and this is my small way of giving back to IJC.”
Donate to Daad’s fundraising campaign!
José Miranda
Justice Fellow, Catholic Migration Services
“I joined IJC because I want to use my law degree to build a more just society for immigrants. Running has been an important part of my life since I was 12 years old. Being an immigration lawyer is now my professional calling. So, running the NYC Half Marathon to raise money for IJC seemed like a natural way to merge two great passions of mine.”
Donate to José’s fundraising campaign!
Megan Elman
Justice Fellow, The Long Island Project (IJC)
“I was drawn to IJC because of its mission to increase access to counsel in immigration courts while providing new attorneys with training and community. I want to run alongside my IJC colleagues to raise awareness for our program while prioritizing an activity I used to love. Now, as I look ahead to a career in immigration law, I know the importance of self care and hope this half marathon will springboard me back into running.”
Donate to Megan’s fundraising campaign!
Sam Karnes
Community Fellow, Arab American Association of New York
“I joined IJC because it is an organization on the cutting edge of immigration work. I knew it would provide me with a solid foundation for what I hope will be a lifelong career in immigration. I’m running because every bit of support IJC’s clients have in weathering violent policies and rhetoric makes all the difference. I feel privileged to do this work and I want to try and support the communities I work with any way I can.”
Donate to Sam’s fundraising campaign!
Marisol Silva
Justice Fellow, Immigrant Justice Corps
“I come from an immigrant family that made countless sacrifices for me. My family’s immigrant past is the root of my commitment to helping current and future immigrant families. With IJC, I am able to provide legal representation for immigrant families and zealously advocate for their interests. My commitment to immigrant rights has anchored me to make this leap of faith from the couch all the way to the finish line!”
