Our Coaches, located throughout the world (US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Nigeria, South Africa, India and more…) volunteer their time and expertise. They are passionate about utilizing their skills and experience to support refugees virtually in a close, one-on-one relationship. The majority are ICF certified coaches working professionally as leadership, life coaches, wellness, and spiritual coaches.

What Our Coaches Say

"I am continually inspired by the courage of the refugees I work with, and it is incredibly rewarding to be a volunteer with Refugee Jumpstart Coaching. Being part of their journey as they rebuild their lives fills me with a deep sense of purpose and hope. "

Bee Jeziorska, UK/Poland
“It is truly inspiring to get insights into the many challenges our clients need to overcome including putting their careers on hold. It is also humbling for me to witness their amazing optimism and determination to succeed”.”

Barry Bar El, USA
“Coaching refugees has allowed me to see deep into the heart of some of the most courageous and enduring people in the world.”

Trish Presland, USA
“Joining RJS and working with our clients has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life. The kindness shown by clients, and the desire to share their stories and goals, and them trusting your coaching and support, you can’t help but root for their success. This wonderful organization has managed to create a family atmosphere, even though the coaches, refugee clients, and leadership are spread across multiple continents and time zones. You certainly feel that your work and commitment as a volunteer is valued. The support and vision of the leadership is unique and very special. The world will be a better place as Refugee Jumpstart Coaching continues to grow and achieve their mission aims.”

Jeevan Singh, Canada
“Being a coach to refugees is my effort to help ease the pain of people searching for new lives. The people I have worked with are amazing. I’m grateful that I have some skills that will help them.”

Jeanne Hartley, USA
“The thing that surprised me the most was how much I learned about myself working with RJS and the clients-- find commonalities with people from very different backgrounds and to work together towards one goal and the sense of pride at the end of the coaching journey when you see how far you have come together. The human connection above all :) ”

Karaline Mangalousi, Greece
“As an ICF PCC Coach & Better World Advocate, I enjoy volunteering as an RJS Coach for talented refugees. Their journey aligns with the United Nations’ goal of reducing inequalities and it brings me immense joy to seeing them create meaningful lives for themselves, their communities, and their countries. I appreciate this opportunity.”

Mònica Barnés (Spain)
“Connection... this is the biggest impact for me serving as a coach with RJS. The humble honor of being allowed to connect with another person's journey in this huge community we call the world is awesome. Everyone has a story; empathy connects us to one another.”

Mark Felton, Jr. USA
"Having the privilege to be a part of RJS has sincerely been life changing for me. I am forever in awe of the resilience of the clients we serve. Working one-on-one offers an education for everyone as we collaborate and learn from each other, making this world better and give everyone a fair chance to thrive. RJS is a pillar for this to happen. Knowing what is possible when people come together, fosters the notion that equity and hope for a successful future is absolutely feasible and requires doing so together. Seeing one person win is a win for the world".

Stephanie Ohannesian, USA
"It's inspiring to see RJS clients reconnect with who they are, what they love, and realize these core aspects of themselves are still inside them! As a Coach it’s a privilege to see their journey embracing this - their demeanor starts to shift, their talents shine even brighter, their outlook on the future becomes more hopeful and they start setting more personally meaningful and motivating goals."

Sarah Crittenden, UK
"As a coach, I have always worked on building resilience with my clients, who come from all walks of life. Refugee Coaching has been instrumental in giving me depth and perspective on Resilience, the same concept I've been coaching on for years. The new learnings opened me to a world unknown to me, a world that's already been Resilient and Persevering in the past; my work with the refugees has up my game many notches above in a very short time. In all modesty, this platform also fulfilled my dream of making a difference in the world with my skills and competencies,for which I shall remain forever indebted to it."

Mehnaz Amjad, (Hyderabad) India
Coaching with Refugee Jumpstart Coaching has been such a privilege over the last (nearly) two years. I have been blown away by the drive and openness of the clients I have had the opportunity to support. They have come from very different backgrounds and each have had incredibly different goals – but what they all have shared has been an openness, resilience and depth of thought that makes working with them such a pleasure. So often coaching is reserved for just the highest achieving executives – this brilliant charity makes that same level of support available to those who are restarting their lives in a new country.

Brenna Dorrance, UK
Having lived in South Africa, Canada, and the US, I have the appreciation and empathy for the challenges faced by individuals resettling in a new country. I have been fortunate to work with refugee clients in the USA, Greece, the Middle East, and Asia. I find this work incredibly meaningful as I get to know the clients, their strengths, and their stories, and to support them in achieving goals that offer dignity and hope for them and their families.

Debra Barrath, Los Angeles
The RJS Coaching clients I have worked with are resilient, creative, curious, wise and courageous. Working with them fills me with respectful awe. I salute each of you.

Anne Mburu-de Wagt, India
It has been a wonderful honor and experience to work with the clients of Refugee JumpStart Coaching. I've had several opportunities to learn and really be invited into someone's journey. The humility, perseverance, and beauty of the character of these clients has inspired me as a coach, and as a person.

Marc Felton, US
Working with refugees has been a profound experience and reminder that resilience knows no borders. Despite facing unimaginable challenges, many approach life with optimism, determination, and a strong sense of purpose. They don’t dwell on what they’ve lost; they focus on what they can build. I’ve seen them set ambitious goals, embrace new challenges, and adapt with unwavering determination. Their stories are not just about survival but about growth, hope, and perseverance. They prove that no matter the circumstances, drive and potential are universal, and with the right support, they can thrive just like anyone else.

Daniel Etta, Spain
I have found working with RJS clients truly inspiring. Witnessing their transformation as they discover their 'new melody' is remarkable. It is a testament to the power of coaching. Regardless of their background, clients embrace the rhythm of progress, finding clarity and confidence. Through setting goals and committing to them, they craft a future they can dance to. Coaching, at its core, is a universal language of empowerment, enabling individuals to create a life filled with meaning and joy.

Adepeju Adegoke, Nigeria
Work with RJS members is incredibly nuanced and deeply human. For individuals uprooted across borders, transitions, whether by choice or by force aren't just shifts in location; they are recalibrations of identity itself. They dismantle old identities, forcing them to explore who they are in the absence of familiar relationships and environments. In many ways life resets itself for them. However, it also opens windows of hope, resilience and resolve. My role as a coach is to create a positive connection between who they are and who they want to become. My focus remains on deliberately creating conditions where an expansive identity can emerge, replacing any limiting, residual shades of the past.

Srideep Sarkar, England
Working with refugees has consistently challenged my assumptions and expanded my understanding of resilience. While we often focus on trauma and struggle, I'm continually amazed by their unwavering determination to rebuild and thrive despite overwhelming circumstances. Their resourcefulness, adaptability, and refusal to be defined by their hardships inspire me daily. Rather than simply providing support, I find myself learning profound lessons about courage, perseverance, and the human capacity for transformation. They remind me that strength isn't the absence of struggle... it's the choice to keep moving forward.

Fatima Adam, England
Working with RJS has been deeply humbling and meaningful. In a world that often silences refugees and the displaced, RJS coaching offers a rare, safe space where they feel heard, respected, and valued. I’ll never forget the client who said, “I’ve never shared this with anyone before…”, and then began exploring ideas once out of reach. These moments remind me that my role is to walk alongside them, restoring confidence, uncovering strengths, and holding hope in dark times. For those rebuilding their lives, coaching is not a luxury, but a powerful tool for healing, renewal, and reclaiming their voice.

Susan Fong, Malaysia
Working with refugees as a mentor and considering their career transitions has been deeply rewarding. I’m always inspired by their resilience and adaptability, especially when they learn to put together their CV and LinkedIn with confidence. One of the most fulfilling moments is witnessing that “lightbulb” shift, when they realize how many resources they have. It’s a reminder that successful mentoring isn’t just about strategy; it’s about helping people reconnect with their strengths and rediscover their professional identity. Seeing them step into interviews with genuine confidence is always a highlight.

Elza Baptista Filha, Portugal
I’ve always found it deeply rewarding to coach young people through career transitions, but working with my RJS clients has been especially meaningful. My first client has been a true joy to work with. While he was already comfortable reaching out and engaging with others, what stands out most is how quickly he expanded his network, embraced feedback, and adapted along the way. His persistence and openness have been remarkable. What moves me most, though, is his resilience.

Cecilia Manzolillo, United States

Meet Our Coaches and Mentors

Abdul Kahlid

Principal Lecturer, Republic Polytechnic

Singapore

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Adepeju Omobaa Adegoke, MA

Organization Development Consultant & Coach
Nigeria

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Aderonke Akpatam

HR Development & Coach
Nigeria

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Agata Miluszkiewicz

HR & Administration Manager -MBA
Certified Life Coach
Poland

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Aleksandra Południkiewicz

Empowering Careers & Transforming Mindsets with Neuroscience.

Berlin, Germany

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Ana Rita Silva, ACC

Leadership & Executive Coach and Group & Team Coach
Facilitator and Trainer
Braga, Portugal

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Anyith Sotillo

Trained Co active Coach | Leadership Coach
USA (Seattle, Washington)

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Annabel Smith

MSc ACC Personal and Workplace Coach
United Kingdom (England)

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Anne Mburu-de-Wagt, PhD, ACC

Nutrition Educator, Consultant, Certified Coach
India (New Delhi)

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Ayesha Samad

MA (Psychology)
Holistic Life and Wellbeing Coach
Pakistan

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Barry Bar-El, MA

Organization Development Consultant

USA

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Bee Jeziorska BA, BSc

Project Lead, Strengths Coach, MSc Psychology student
UK/Poland

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Brenna Dorrance, LSE

Director, Programmes / Strengths Coach

United Kingdom

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Caroline den Dulk

Organisation Development (MA) and Coaching (ACC), specialising in international development.

Italy | Thailand

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Caroline Ehrbar BS

Critical Care Nurse
Life Coach and Spiritual Coach
Switzerland

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Camilla Kardel Sharma

Existential Coaching & Counseling Practitioner
USA

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Cecilia Manzolillo

Career and Financial Services MBA
USA (New York)

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Chidrea Dimude, MA

Career Coach & Talent Leader
UK

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Christine Hissong, JD

Life and Conflict Coach, Attorney, and Mediator
USA (Virginia)

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Cindy Miller, PhD

Leadership Coach; Org. Dev. Consultant
USA

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Consolee Amina

Academic Trainer and Advisor
South Africa (Capetown)

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Dania Baayoun

Certified Executive and Mindset Coach
USA (California)

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Daniel Etta, ACC

Founder, Coachetta
Leadership & Life Coach
Spain

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Daniel Yaffe

Co-Founder and COO @ AnyRoad + BSide

USA (San Francisco, California)

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Debra Barrath, MN, ACC, CLHP

HealthCare Consultant/Coach

USA

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Dieudonne Ingabire

Community Development Practitioner | Agribusiness & Youth Empowerment Coach

Rwanda

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Elza Baptista

MEd in Psychology, Pedagogy, and Didactics
Executive & Somatic Coach (PCC/ICF)

Portugal (Olhão, Faro)

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Evie Arnold

ACC, Gallup Global Strength Coach, Leadership & Productivity Coach
United Kingdom (Bath)

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Faiza Sumbal Hoda

ICF-ACC Certified
Mindset Changing Life Coach | NLP & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner | Corporate Trainer.

Pakistan (Karāchi, Sindh)

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Fasika Mekonen, DBL

Leadership development and team coach
USA (Maryland)

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Fatima Adam

Career Coaching and Team Coaching

Germany (Dresden)

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Federica Piga

Neuro Language Coach & Trauma Recovery Coach

Bulgaria (Sofia)

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Feyza Ramazanoğlu

PCC, CPCC, ORSC’er
Leadership and Systemic Team Coach
Turkey (İzmit)

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Francesca Enase, MCIPD, ACIPM

HR Leader | Talent Management
Nigeria

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Gina Alexandris

ACC, MEd and LLB
Career Coach & Consultant

Canada (Toronto)

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Hanan Fara

Academic and Career Transitions Coach
United Kingdom (Birmingham)

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Helena Cristina Martins dos Santos Gonçalves

Executive Coach; Leadership and Career Coach, Certified by EMCC
Portugal (Porto)

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Inês Gonçalves

Executive and Life Coach (ICF Member) and NLP Master Practitioner
USA

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Jayne Ugboma, PCC

Serial Entrepreneur, PCC, ACC Certified Life Coach

Canada

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Joshna Johnson

MBA/ MsC/ PCC
UAE (Dubai)

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Iwona Suska-Spagnoli, ACC

Personal Development, Life and Career Coach

Belgium

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Luna Mando

Life & Executive Coach

Spain (Barcelona)

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Maimon Arif

Impact Leadership Coach, Team Coach / ICF ACC, ACTC

Malaysia

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Maja Skalar

MA, Erickson Professional Coach
Solution-focused and team coaching
Coaching for Transitions

Austria

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Mary French

Life and Success Coach
Staff Scientist
USA

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Marc Felton Jr

Executive Coach, Mentor, MS, ACC
USA (Texas)

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Mehnaz Amjad

MBA (HR), PMP, SHRM-SCP, (Certified Life Coach)
India (Hyderabad)

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Michele

Life Coach | Administration | Operations

Canada (Montreal)

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Millie Kafuka kasunda, MA

Career Coach Policy and Communications Specialist
Malawi

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Oyiza Salu, MCIPM

Chief Talent Officer/ Coach

Nigeria

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Patricia Akinlotan, MSc

Executive Director, Coach Training
Nigeria

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Paul Steele ACC

Development Manager: Personal & Executive Coach

USA

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Reine Diop-Awad

General Manager, Global Beauty Company
France

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Roberta Basili

Certified Career |
Work-life Balance Coach (ACC-ICF)
Former Senior Recruiter in Tech
Netherlands (Amsterdam)

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Reva Banka, B.A, ACTC, PCC

Leadership and Life Coach
USA (Atlanta)

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Romana Ullah, PCC, CCMP, ELI-MP

Organizational Development & Leadership Coach
USA (Franklin, Tennessee)

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Sarah Crittenden, BA

Personal & Executive Coach

United Kingdom

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Sandra (Sandy) Westlake, ACC

Private Sector Partnerships Expert
Business and Career Coach
Italy

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Sari Buksner

Executive & Leadership Coach
Canada (Quebec)

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Shabeen Mazher

ICF PCC Career & Wellbeing Coach, Neuroscience & EI Facilitator,
Pakistan

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Silvia Risetti Alcock, MSc, EIA-P

Corporate and Executive Coach, Leadership Development
Italy

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Srideep Sarkar (PCC-ICF Certified)

Leadership and Personal Productivity Coach
London

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Stephanie Ohannesian

Burnout and Generational Ancestry Coaching
USA

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Susan Fong, MSc, ACC

Life Coach; International Development
Malaysia

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Susan Kremer

PCC-certified Career & Transformational Life Coach

Germany (Berlin)

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Tanya Smith

CEO–Red Bug Coaching & Consulting Inc.
Certified Integral Development Coach PCC
Canada (Ottawa)

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Tanya Kutovaya

Founder, Tata Wellness | Transition Coach (LVSC)

Netherlands

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Tayo Ilori, BA, ACC

Logistics Management
Certified Coach
Nigeria

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Tinka Claeys

Executive & Negotiation Coach

Belgium (Brussels)

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Wanda Winterboer

People Strategist, Certified Business & Life Coach
Certifications: ICF-ACC | NLP Practitioner.

Netherlands (The Hague)

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Zoltan Mester, ACC

Financial Advisor; Coach
Austria

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Zsófia Tukacs, ACC

Learning & Development Officer @ UNHCR | Executive Coach
Hungary

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