This past month, our Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (OIRA) has continued building community connections. We are grateful to have a extremely knowledgeable and talented staff and have been introducing you to one of our team members each month, all of whom play an important role in this work. This month, I'm pleased to highlight Massarra Eiwaz-Ransom, interim policy advisor for OIRA. As you'll see, OIRA is built with a diverse group of passionate people. I look forward to strengthening our partnerships to make a beneficial impact through identifying, developing and operating a statewide immigrant and refugee integration strategy, OIRA's mission.
Our office is also in conversations with immigrant and refugee communities regarding concerns around potential changes in federal policy. We are working with others to understand potential impacts. As a reminder, public charge law which relates to people’s immigration status has not changed and if that law is changed, people will be notified ahead of time.
During a time of uncertainty, I want to thank you for the work you do, for the people and families who make up our communities, and for building a strong future together. Wishing you warmth, joy, and moments of gratitude this season. Take care and be well!
Cheryl Miller, Interim Director, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement
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State Senator Kayse Jama has made history in his new role as the first Somali-American legislator to ever serve as a state Senate majority leader in any US state. Hiiraan News recently reported on this accomplishment: "People from across Oregon—Somali-Americans, immigrants, and Oregonians of all backgrounds—have shown overwhelming support,” Jama said. “Their encouragement inspires me to work even harder.”
As Majority Leader, Jama chairs the Senate Housing and Development Committee and serves on several influential panels, including the Senate Labor and Business Committee, Senate Finance and Revenue Committee, and Joint Tax Expenditures Committee.
Jama’s journey began in Somalia, where he was born into a nomadic family. His life took a pivotal turn at the age of eight when he moved to Mogadishu to pursue his education. He completed high school against the backdrop of escalating conflict, leaving him no choice but to flee the civil war. After years as a refugee, he arrived in San Diego in 1998 and eventually Portland, Oregon, his home.
“This is an incredible honor and a profound responsibility,” Jama told the BBC Somali Service. “I look forward to serving my colleagues and constituents with dedication and integrity.” Many congratulations, Senator Jama!
OIRA, in collaboration with Oregon Futures Lab (OFL), hosted a two-day Legislative School training for over 35 immigrant and refugee community partners to enhance their understanding of the legislative process, including timelines, key players, politics, the state budget and campaign planning. The training featured engaging discussions, resource sharing, panel sessions, and group activities, culminating in a visit from Senator Kayse Jama, who emphasized his commitment to supporting refugee and immigrant communities in Oregon. We are grateful for the enthusiasm and dedication participants brought to this event and look forward to continued collaboration to empower and grow these communities.
 Legislative School attendees listening to OFL trainer, Robin Ye
 Attendees, panelists, OFL and OIRA staff group photo
 Cheryl Miller (OIRA), Senator Kayse Jama, and Kien Truong (Office of Sen. Kayse Jama)
 from left to right: Eric Scott (Community Clinical Advances), Luke Glaze (Salem for Refugees), Claudia Al-Amin (Somali Oregon Service Center), Tsegamlak Mengistu (Oregon SW Washington African Community Development Center), Yulia Brockdorf (DAWN), Estifanos Abraham (Oregon SW Washington African Community Development Center), and Edward Buck-Shannon (Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon)
 Misty Schoene (OIRA), Cheryl Miller (OIRA), Djimet Dogo (IRCO), Anthony Castaneda (SEIU 503), Robin Ye (OFL Trainer), Delina Biniam (Family Forward), Kien Truong (Sen. Kayse Jama), and Massarra Eiwaz-Ransom (OIRA)
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Massarra Eiwaz-Ransom is the interim policy advisor for the Oregon Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (OIRA). With a rich background in public health, social services, and community engagement, she’s dedicated her career to serving people in immigrant and refugee communities. Her work spans nonprofits, academia, and coordinated care organizations, giving her a well-rounded perspective with this work.
As a former refugee from Iraq, Massarra’s personal journey fuels her passion for advocacy and empowerment. She specializes in culturally specific services, refugee health initiatives, and promoting equity through social justice. Her leadership roles, including co-chairing the Oregon Department of Human Services employee Refugee and Immigrant Network, reflect her commitment to fostering inclusivity.
Massarra holds a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Public Health and Applied Anthropology, which shaped her expertise in program development and community research. Currently on rotation with OIRA, she continues to make a meaningful impact through her work, championing resilience and well-being for immigrant and refugee communities. We are so glad she's with us!
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