Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center has new director
Photo / Courtesy Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center
Faisal Khan was named executive director of the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, effective April 23.
The Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center has a new executive director, who began his role last week, the nonprofit said in its newsletter.
Faisal Khan, founder of the Carolina Peace Center in North Carolina, was selected after a comprehensive nationwide search.
“Faisal brings a combination of passion, perspective, and proven impact to the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center," said the nonprofit's board president, Quang Nguyen.
"His track record of advocacy and deep personal connection to our cause stands to not only enrich our mission but also create meaningful change. We're excited for Faisal to lead us with a fresh vision that mirrors the diverse hopes of our community.”
Khan takes over from Reza Jalali, who resigned last fall after three years leading the nonprofit.
The organization was co-founded in 2017 by Damas Rugaba and Alain Nahimana, who served as the Immigrant Welcome Center's first director. Nahimana died in 2020 at age 49 of complications from diabetes.
The Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center's mission is to "[serve] as a hub of collaboration that strengthens the immigrant community through language acquisition, economic integration and civic engagement."
Human rights advocate
Khan has more than two decades of experience in human rights advocacy, notably as director of the Carolina Peace Center, which he founded in 2016.
Recently relocating from Washington, D.C., Khan brings with him "a wealth of experience as a first-generation immigrant with deep connections to Maine, where he received much of his education," the Welcome Center said in introducing the new leader.
Khan's LinkedIn page indicates he studied at Husson University.
Back in Maine
In an introductory Q&A with his new employer, Khan said one of his most "cherished memories" from his first visit to Maine was waking up to see snow. "It looked like a scene from a fairy tale, very much preserved in my memory," he said.
After living in the South and, most recently, in Washington, D.C., he said he was looking forward to being back in Maine.
"Firstly, the natural beauty and the quality of life here are unmatched," he said. "It's a place where I can really embrace a slower pace away from the hustle of city life like in D.C. Maine has given me so much — from a quality education to lasting friendships — and it feels right to give back to this community that has offered me so much over the years.
"Experiencing the genuine warmth and kindness of the people here, makes Maine incredibly special to me."
As a side note, the Q&A also cited the top three books he said have influenced him: "Siddhartha," by Hermann Hesse; "1984," by George Orwell; and "Grapes of Wrath," by John Steinbeck.
"These books delve into profound themes like inequality, inequity and societal structures, which mirror my global travels and explorations of various communities," Khan said.
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