Pamela joined Tahirih in 2021 as a Grant Writer. As a grant writer, Pamela is responsible for writing grant proposals and reports to funders who support Tahirih’s five local offices, communicating to current and potential funders the mission of Tahirih and the importance of supporting the organization. Prior to joining Tahirih, Pamela served as a grant writer and communications associate for New Vision Youth Services, Inc. in Virginia and as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Virginia Modeling Analysis and Simulation Centre at Old Dominion University (ODU). Pamela was born in Ghana where she spent most of her life. Pamela has lived and studied in the United Kingdom (UK).

“I am inspired by Tahirih’s commitment to assist courageous immigrant women and girls fleeing their country because of sexual assault and gender-based violence.”

Education: Old Dominion University, PhD (ABD)

Caitlin Burnett originally joined Tahirih in 2011, but returned in 2017. As Government Grants Manager, Caitlin helps to secure and steward the variety of government funds which support Tahirih’s services to survivors across the country. During her time away from Tahirih, she was Grants Officer for Public Justice, an organization dedicated to using impact litigation to combat social and economic injustice, protect the Earth’s sustainability, and challenge predatory corporate conduct and government abuses. Before joining Tahirih in 2011, she was in institutional fundraising for a community-based organization serving immigrants and refugees.

“I believe that everyone, as a global citizen, has a role to play in upholding the human rights of our most vulnerable neighbors. I am inspired by the compassion, non-partisanship, and dedication to excellence which are deliberately woven into Tahirih’s organizational DNA, and proud to support holistic services for women and girls seeking freedom from violence.”

Education: Ithaca College, BA; American University, Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management

Hometown: Williamsburg, MA

As Grant Writer, Alexis is responsible for writing grant proposals and reports for funders who support Tahirih’s five local offices, informing current and potential foundation funders about Tahirih’s important work and our progress against proposed goals. Alexis joined Tahirih in 2022.

Prior to joining Tahirih, Alexis was the Director of Advancement and Planning at the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas, where she led grant writing and all other fundraising activities and chaired the Museum’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility steering committee—Museums Empowered. She has also worked as a grant writer at the Lied Center of Kansas performing arts center, interned at the Robert J. Dole Archive and Special Collections, and served as Children’s Liaison for two years at the Milton Public Library.

“I admire Tahirih’s three-pronged approach of social services and legal representation, outreach and training, and policy advocacy that provide both immediate and long-term support for immigrant survivors of violence.”

Education: University of Kansas, MA; Marshall University, BA

Hometown: Harts, West Virginia

Cristina Fernandez joined Tahirih in 2019. As the IT & Operations Director, Cristina leads implementation of IT and data strategy as well as common operations processes across the organization. In addition, Cristina provides for the availability, integrity, and security of all of Tahirih’s information systems, data, and telecommunications. Prior to joining Tahirih, Cristina served as a logistics coordinator at Bishop O’Connell High School following a hiatus from the workforce to raise her family. Cristina has lived and studied in Central America.

“I discovered Tahirih while searching for an organization whose mission it is to enact change where it is desperately needed. It is my honor and privilege to support the incredible staff at Tahirih who dedicate themselves to fight alongside our courageous clients in their search for the rights and justice all people deserve.”

Education: University of North Carolina-Greensboro, BA; University of Virginia, ABD

Languages: Spanish, French, Italian

Hometown: Annandale, VA

Julissa joined Tahirih in 2024. As the Major Gifts Officer, Julie is responsible for implementing new strategies that deepen relationships with Tahirih’s current and prospective donors, broaden the base of support, and increase donor contributions and retention to support Tahirih’s programs and services. Prior to joining Tahirih, Julie served as the Area Director at Best Buddies International. Julie is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

“As a daughter of immigrants and first generation graduate, I am inspired by Tahirih’s vision of a gender-equal society and commitment to excellence in serving courageous immigrant women, like my mother. My first language was Spanish and I was bullied for not knowing English. However, I was determined to learn and did so in just three short months. I am college graduate who is proud to be bilingual! It has become my personal mission to educate donors and our community on the immigrant journey and why Tahirih’s mission is so important.”

Education: University of Texas at Arlington

Languages: English, Spanish

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Alex joined Tahirih in 2017. As Public Policy Manager, Alex coordinates Tahirih’s state-level legislative advocacy and supports both Tahirih staff and Tahirih’s partners who engage their state legislatures in pursuit of Tahirih’s policy goals. An expert on child marriage legislation, Alex leads Tahirih’s campaign to end child marriage in the United States. Prior to joining Tahirih as an intern in 2017, Alex worked as an interpreter and administrative assistant at Bayside Pediatrics in Annapolis and interned with the International Rescue Committee in Baltimore. Alex has studied and lived in Spain and Latin America.

“I am inspired by Tahirih’s commitment to working with survivors not only as clients, but as partners and fellow advocates seeking a more just world.”

Education: American University, MA; University of Delaware, BA

Languages: English, Spanish

Hometown: Alexandria, Virginia

Beth Ann Hellert joined Tahirih in 2009. As the Senior Grants Finance Manager, she manages Tahirih’s financial grant reporting and related projects. Prior to joining Tahirih, Beth Ann was the Director of Business Operations at the American National Red Cross in the Plasma Services Divison. Before that, she was the Manager of their Business Operations. She spent an academic year at the Universidad de las Americas in Puebla, Mexico.

“I am inspired by the courage of the women and girls who seek Tahirih’s assistance and their drive to improve their lives and those of their children. I am also inspired by my colleagues’ tireless commitment and work in service to these women to help them achieve safety and dignity.”

Education: University of Texas at Austin, MBA; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BA

Languages: Spanish

Hometown: Fairfax, VA

Jessica Horning joined Tahirih in 2017. As the Senior Database Programmer Analyst, Jessica is responsible for the data analysis done at Tahirih. This includes our quarterly grant reports, annual impact reports, and any other data needed about our programs and work.

Prior to joining Tahirih, Jessica served as a freelance data analyst working on economic security issues and with as a data analyst with Wider Opportunities for Women. Jessica’s father worked for the State Departement, so she was born in Germany, spent two years in Moscow, spent five years in Bangkok before moving to the United States at age eight.

Jessica co-authored the chapter, “Dying with Your Boots On: The Realities of Working Longer in Low-Wage Work,” in the book, Overtime: America’s Aging Workforce and the Future of Working Longer about difficulties facing retirees in America.

“I am inspired by Tahirih’s mission to serve those most in need of care in our society: those fleeing gender-based violence in their homes.”

Education:  The University of Texas at Austin, MSSW; James Madison University, BSW
Hometown: Reston, Virginia

Meredith joined Tahirih in 2019 as a grant writer. In 2022, Meredith joined the communications team as the Communications Coordinator/Writer where she supports Tahirih’s work through content creation and project management. Prior to joining Tahirih, Meredith served as a Senior Program Associate at IBTCI, a USAID contractor, and as a Research Assistant at Democracy International. Meredith has studied and worked abroad in Spain and Kenya.

“I am inspired by the courageous immigrant survivors of gender-based violence that Tahirih serves who are overcoming incredible obstacles to build better, safer lives for themselves and their families, and by the tireless work of my colleagues to support them and raise awareness about gender-based violence.”

Education: George Washington University, MA; University of Virginia, BA

Languages: Spanish

Hometown: Alexandria, Virginia

Brittany Marshall joined Tahirih in 2017. As Senior Supervising Finance Manager, Brittany is responsible for the grants management, compliance, and accounting services; preparation of budget proposals and reports; and broad customer service to both internal and external stakeholders including Tahirih program directors and sub-grantees. Prior to joining Tahirih, she served as the Program Manager for Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation managing the provision of college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Brittany also served as the Operations Manager for the United States Veterans Initiative, the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of comprehensive services to homeless and at-risk veterans.

“I am inspired by Tahirih’s commitment to gender equality and the common interest of staff and partners to advance women in fulfilling their mission in all departments of life, that they may be on the same level as men and enjoy equal rights.”

Education: Virginia State University, BS; Trinity Washington University, MSA

Hometown: Washington, DC

Tatiana joined Tahirih in 2019. As Senior Finance Manager, Government Grants for our National office, Tatiana is responsible for preparing budgets and grant adjustment notices; preparing and submitting reports to meet monthly, quarterly and annual compliance requirements; supporting the annual financial audit; and ensuring Tahirih fully leverages grant resources to serve women and girls fleeing violence. Prior to joining Tahirih, Tatiana worked as a Grants Manager at Loudoun Citizens for Social Justice and as a Budget Analyst and Grants Specialist at the Loudoun County Government, Department of Fire and Rescue. Tatiana was born and raised in Moldova and spent 8 years in Toronto, Canada before moving to the United States.

“I am inspired by the variety of services that Tahirih provides to immigrant women and girls helping them flee the violence and start a new life with no fear.”

Education: Moldovan Academy of Economic Studies

Languages: English, Russian, basic French, basic Romanian

Hometown: Chisinau, Moldova

Casey Carter Swegman joined Tahirih in 2013. As the Director of Public Policy, Casey is responsible for leading Tahirih’s state and federal policy advocacy focused on improving protections for immigrant survivors while simultaneously seeking long-term, systemic change. She also oversees the Tahirih’s Forced Marriage Initiative which provides direct services to survivors across the country, training and technical assistance to service providers and advocates nationally. She engages in extensive domestic and international training and outreach, and she is a nationally recognized expert on the issues of forced and child marriage in the United States.

Casey has been with the Tahirih Justice Center for over 10 years and comes to her position as Director of Public Policy by way of a career in direct service with immigrant survivors of gender-based violence as well as refugees and asylum seekers. Before stepping into the role of Director of Public Policy she spent many years at Tahirih as the Manager of the Forced Marriage Initiative where she provided direct case management to survivors and individuals at risk of forced and child marriage. Prior to joining Tahirih in 2013 she worked at the International Rescue Committee and prior to that she worked overseas at the Refugee Processing Center in Nairobi, Kenya.

Casey is a sought after expert for outlets covering issues impacting immigrant survivors of gender-based violence including NPR, Politico, PBS NewsHour, the Hill, the Washington Post, and the New York Times among others. She has published an applied research paper on The Intersection of Forced Marriage and Other Forms of Harm in the United States as well as Time To Lead: The Federal Government’s Role in Ending Child Marriage in the United States.

Casey was born in Washington, DC and raised in Maryland. While she spent time living abroad in Cameroon, South Africa, and Kenya she returned to Washington, DC in 2011 and has been a resident of the District for the past 14+ years.

“I am inspired by Tahirih’s unconditional dedication to collective movement building and working in coalition through an intersectional lens as we seek to advance policies that center those most vulnerable and marginalized in our communities. We know we cannot do this alone and we deeply value our partners and allies across movements.”

Education: Georgetown University, MA; Drexel University, BS

Hometown: Burtonsville, MD

Hellitz Villegas joined Tahirih in 2018. As the Forced Marriage Initiative Project Manager, Hellitz provides direct services to individuals in the U.S. facing or fleeing forced marriage, responds to requests for technical assistance nationally, conducts education and outreach, and helps to craft policy solutions. Prior to joining Tahirih, Hellitz worked with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence as a hotline advocate with the Women’s Center of Jacksonville, Florida’s Rape Recovery Team. In addition, she held several positions with Hubbard House, a domestic violence center in Jacksonville, where she facilitated support groups, conducted intakes for children, and served as a resident advocate in the Hubbard House emergency shelter, providing care to shelter residents and responding to crisis calls on the hotline. Hellitz is also an experienced criminal court victim advocate, assisting clients with intake, protection orders, and relocation as well as providing external referrals. With over eight years of experience in the social advocacy setting, Hellitz’s career has focused on advising those in crisis by providing support in both therapeutic and educational settings.

“I am excited to work for Tahirih as they provide holistic, client-centered services for women and girls to know that a life without violence is possible!”

Education: University of North Florida, BA

Languages: Spanish

Hometown: Bayamón, Puerto Rico

Morgan Weibel joined Tahirih in 2010. As Director of Client Advocacy, Legal Services, Morgan is responsible for the execution of Tahirih’s legal services nationwide and works collaboratively with other program directors to lead the organizational implementation of interdisciplinary representation teams, oversee legal services program standards, facilitate best practices and provide trauma informed supervision to the managing attorneys and litigation counsel.

Prior to joining Tahirih, Morgan served as Graduate Research Fellow at the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies where she drafted a protocol for the investigation of femicides and assisted Professor Karen Musalo in updating sections of her course book related to asylum based on membership in a particular social group. Morgan also worked for three years as a paralegal at a San Francisco-based firm focusing on asylum and deportation defense.

During law school, she interned in the Trial Chambers of the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Morgan also studied, literature, law and politics for one year at the University of Granada Spain.

“I am inspired by the strength and courage of the survivors that I have the privilege of working alongside at Tahirih. Their unwavering commitment to breaking century-old cycles of violence and the courage that it takes to stand up for themselves and ultimately all of us remarkable.”

Education: UC San Francisco, JD; UC Berkeley, BA

Languages: Spanish

Hometown: Fresno, California

Awards and Recognition

Morgan was named Leader of the Year by AILA’s DC Chapter Liaison Division in 2013, and in 2008, she won National Championship and First Place Speaker Awards at the UC Davis Asylum Law Moot Court Competition.

In the Media

• “Despite the #MeToo Movement, Roll-Backs in Protection Endanger Immigrant Women: It is Time for #ImmigrantWomentToo,” Morgan Weibel, Think Immigration, blog post, 27 March 2019.
• “Matter of A-B-: How the Attorney General Attempts to Subvert Asylum Law and Dismiss Domestic Violence as a Private Affair,” Morgan Weibel and Sayoni Maitra, PLI Current: The Journal of PLI Press, Vol. 2, No. 4, Autumn 2018.
• “Witnessing Cruelty at the Border,” Morgan Weibel, San Francisco Examiner, op-ed, 23 August 2018.
• “The Asylum Process Under Trump Has Become Arbitrary and Inhumane,” Morgan Weibel, Los Angeles Times, letter to the editor, 8 August 2018.

Meaghan Whalen joined Tahirih in 2022. As Director of Development in the national office, Meaghan helps support the organization in achieving its fundraising objectives. She brings over a decade of fundraising experience and is excited to collaborate with the wider team to further strengthen and advance the fundraising program and to cultivate meaningful relationships with Tahirih’s stakeholders. Before Tahirih, she served as a Major Gifts Officer of Food & Friends and as Assistant Director of Development with Jesuit Refugee Service/USA both in Washington, DC.

“The vision of a gender-equal society and holistic, client-centered services provided for immigrant women and girls inspires my work at Tahirih.”

Education: Rockhurst University, BA

Hometown: Kansas