Advisory Board
Immigrant Food partners with some of America's most prominent immigration gurus
There is an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
In the journey of creating Immigrant Food, we’ve been counting on the support and counsel of several immigration gurus, who advise us on everything from answering our 3 a.m. emails (not calls!), to recommending content for The Think Table. Together, they are some of America’s leading immigration experts. Their experience includes working directly with immigrants, advising former presidents and policymakers on immigration policy, and partnering with America’s businesses on immigration reform.
Meet our advisory partners and be sure to look for them when you’re at Immigrant Food!
Marshall Fitz
Managing Director of Immigration at Emerson Collective
Marshall is the Managing Director of Immigration at Emerson Collective, a social change organization founded and led by Laurene Powell Jobs. Marshall is one of America’s most well-known and respected voices on immigration policy, and a regular contributor to a wide array of news outlets including the Washington Post, The Hill, ThinkProgress, but also The Washington Times and Fox News. He was previously vice president for immigration policy at American Progress and a former adviser to the Obama White House.
Benjamin Johnson
Executive Director, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
Benjamin Johnson is the Executive Director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) in Washington, DC. AILA is the national association of more than 15,000 immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.
Angela Kelley
Chief Advisor – Policy and Partnerships at American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
Angela has been at the forefront of policy debates and legislative work on immigration policy and was part of the creation of the Department of Homeland Security following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Angela is regularly quoted by major news organizations including The New York Times, Washington Post, POLITICO, and also has appeared on national television and radio including PBS, MSNBC, Fox, and National Public Radio. Angela began her career as a staff attorney at Ayuda, one of our five heroic NGO partners.
Andrew Selee
Executive Director at Migration Policy Institute (MPI)
Andrew Selee is President of the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), a global nonpartisan institution that seeks to improve immigration and integration policies through fact-based research, opportunities for learning and dialogue, and the development of new ideas to address complex policy questions, a position he assumed in 2017. He also chairs MPI Europe’s Administrative Council.
One Journey
NGO that highlights the artistic contributions of immigrants and refugees
One Journey is an exceptional non-for-profit organization that connects people through the ‘common languages of humanity’, which include music, dance, art, storytelling, technology, food, and more. Our partnership aims to connect Immigrant Food to the artistic community. It has been a natural fit. Immigrants are scientists, economists, business leaders, but they are also artists, singers, dancers, and storytellers. One Journey has the know-how to unite and showcase the talent of aspiring immigrant artists and performers. Vanda Berninger, Wendy Chan, Julia Duncan and the entire team of volunteers at One Journey are instrumental to