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Ryeora first joined UVNR as Research Director 2023 and later transitioned into executive leadership as the organization expanded its programs and community impact. She came to the U.S. as an international student and began her long-standing involvement with the Refugee and Immigrant Well-being Project (RIWP) at the University of New Mexico in 2016. Her academic and community-based work focuses on newcomer mental health, integration, and the social and structural conditions that shape the well-being of newcomer families. As Executive Director of UVNR, Ryeora oversees organizational strategy, programs, research and evaluation, community partnerships, grant development, finance, operations, and staff management. She also leads long-term planning and works closely with UVNR’s board, funders, and community partners. Her work brings together research, direct services, community engagement, organizational leadership, and systems-level advocacy to strengthen resources, opportunities, and institutional support for newcomer communities.