Areas of Expertise
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Refugee protection
Human rights
Decolonization and Anti-Racism
Sexual Violence & Trauma
As the Liberation and Culture Specialist at NJCASA, Aria’s role operates across the organization’s connective tissue bringing a dynamic blend of anti-oppressive principles, liberatory perspectives, and a deep commitment to advancing the organization’s mission of eradicating sexual violence. With a foundation rooted in theatre and creativity, Aria is uniquely positioned as a gifted facilitator, adept at fostering transformative dialogue and driving meaningful change. She advocates passionately for the rights of communities that have been marginalized, utilizing an intersectional, culturally specific, and decolonized approach. At the heart of Aria’s work lies a dedication to liberatory education delivered through creative and engaging means. She believes in the transformative power of play and creativity as tools for healing and empowerment, particularly for individuals and communities navigating systems of oppression. Art and activism intersect in her daily practice, allowing her to craft innovative strategies that inspire and mobilize change at all levels of the socio-ecological model.
Aria holds a degree in Human Rights from Columbia University. Her professional journey includes significant roles, such as her impactful work with The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) during the Venezuelan Humanitarian Crisis. In this role, she worked closely with survivors of gender-based violence, conducted Refugee Status Determination (RSD) interviews, and adjudicated asylum claims with compassion and expertise. She also played a pivotal role in conducting workshops on Refugee Protection and Cultural Sensitivity for law enforcement and immigration officers and provided Human Rights trainings within the UN system in T&T. Her dedication to humanitarian efforts further extended to roles with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), where she made substantial contributions to Preventing Violent Extremism and Justice & Social Policy portfolios. In her previous nonprofit experience, she developed and facilitated trauma-informed workshops specifically designed for Muslim women. Additionally, Aria collaborated with the International Rescue Committee, offering crucial support to resettled refugees as they navigated integration and empowerment processes in New Jersey.
Embracing the boundless potential of liberation and creativity, Aria strives to illuminate pathways that honor diverse voices and foster profound societal change.