About Us

We bring a human-centered lens focused on dignity and resilience.

Our mission is to design places to thrive amid journeys of forced displacement.  

We define journeys of forced displacement broadly, both in time and location. These journeys are inherently filled with trauma, and reverberate across generations.

By shifting our policies and practices through the lens of those most impacted, we can build remarkable places where people can thrive.

Who is on a journey of forced displacement?

Refugees and migrants escaping war or violence

People and descendants of people impacted by religious and racial persecution

LGBTQ community members seeking refuge from policies that endanger their lives

Youth in our child welfare and juvenile justice systems, separated from their families and communities

Climate refugees

We are human-centered co-creators who embrace experimentation and authenticity through a trauma-informed lens.

We anchor ourselves in cultural knowledge and wisdom to develop person-centric solutions to “wicked problems.”

We are not afraid of “wicked problems”.

In fact... we seek them out!

“WICKED PROBLEM”

noun

A problem that is difficult or impossible to solve because of incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements that are often difficult to recognize.

SOURCE: UNHCR

Who We Are

Aimee Mitchell, MSW, LiCSW

Aimee has spent her career grounded in the values of justice, equity and healing. 

With nearly 18 years of experience in executive leadership roles - both in community non-profits and state government…Aimee is dedicated to transforming social service processes for the betterment of both those served and those providing service. As a clinical social worker, a guardian, a foster parent and an adoptive parent, these identities have provided critical vantage points to understand the missteps.

“Between ensuring family-focused service delivery when others were content to meet minimums… connecting leaders in response to the mental health needs of the workforce and community… and leveraging a time of unprecedented change for positive outcomes, Aimee's leadership as part of the Covid-19 pandemic was nothing short of heroic”.

Dr. Larome Myrick

Larome is simply transformative. His dedication to creating spaces where youth have a greater sense of dignity and can see themselves as something more than the system always has… is exceptional. Larome is the connector on the team, a force behind growing Places to Thrive.

Known for his passion and precision in his work. He excels at bringing people together and is highly respected for his dedication and expertise.

“What truly sets Dr. Myrick apart, however, is his unwavering commitment to helping others. He is always willing to lend a helping hand, offer guidance and support, and go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those around him. His dedication to his work and his compassion for others are truly inspiring.”

Arghawan Bani

In her own words….

“I escaped a war to chase a dream—a dream not just to continue my education but to redefine my existence. As a refugee, I’ve experienced the heart-wrenching ordeal of condensing years of memories into a single backpack, stepping onto a path veiled in uncertainty.

Along this journey, I uncovered the profound power of storytelling—a bridge that connects us, carving out spaces for our shared humanity and knitting together the fabric of community.

Now, it’s my turn to contribute, to weave my own stories into this tapestry, giving back to the world that has embraced me.”

Angie Bannerman Ankoma, MPH, MSW

Angie is someone inspirational to be around. She is a distinguished leader committed to advancing equity and justice across various sectors. As a social worker and public health practitioner, Angela's heart lies in spearheading initiatives focused on community investment, health equity, and advocacy.  Her leadership in securing significant funding, managing complex projects, and fostering strategic partnerships underscores her effectiveness in driving meaningful change. Angela's exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment to equity, and extensive experience across public, private, and nonprofit sectors position her as a prominent figure driving positive change.

Joe Jean-Phillipe

Larome texted Aimee one day to say, “Meet Joe - he is from Haiti”. Needless to say, the rest is for the history books. Joe is an extraordinary person working tirelessly to bridge cultural gaps between migrant communities and US culture. He has a multi-faceted background in science, public health and equity consulting. Joe is currently serving in the Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the RI Department of Administration. This work builds on an existing career of working for the state of Rhode Island during the COVID 19 pandemic and serving as the Providence Police Department’s Advisory Board to help transform the police force into a more diverse organization and consulting to many businesses and leaders.

“Joe has the incredible ability to put people first. His ability is to connect …in a way that isn’t forced …but one that makes everyone feel as they are part of his life. It is nearly impossible to not smile within minutes of meeting Joe. His authenticity and integrity can be felt immediately.”

Mercy Muthoni Ndung’u

Mercy Muthoni Ndung'u, also known as Lee, is a fierce feminist and relentless human rights activist with a deep passion for advocating LGBTQ+ rights and confronting injustices worldwide. Lee co-founded Queer Kenya and works every day to support queer refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp. She is unafraid to call out human rights violations wherever they occur, tirelessly fighting for equality, dignity, and freedom for all people. Mercy’s dedication stems from an unshakable belief in the power of activism and the importance of standing up for marginalized communities. She is driven by a vision of a world where everyone can live authentically and free from oppression, and she channels her passion into action every day.

“Queer Kenya is a beacon of hope, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and creating a community where love, identity, and self-expression are not only accepted but celebrated. Together, we stand resilient, fighting for a future where everyone can live authentically and freely, knowing they are valued and supported.

Haseena Rahman

With a law degree from Afghanistan and a Master’s in Law from the U.S., Haseena Rahman brings nearly a decade of experience in government and private sectors. As an Afghan woman who has experienced forced migration and displacement firsthand, she has a deep, personal understanding of the challenges refugees face when arriving in new communities.


Her journey has ignited a passion for supporting refugees as they navigate the complexities of migration and resettlement in the U.S. Haseena is dedicated to using her legal expertise to assist refugees in obtaining legal status while also drawing on her interpersonal skills and lived experience to create welcoming environments where they can rebuild their lives. Human rights and refugee resettlement are undeniable parts of her life. She is committed to helping refugees find the support and resources they need to establish new communities and futures in the U.S.

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