Events
Unity to Serve International
Date: August 12, 2025, | Time: 6:00–10:30 PM
Venue: 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Purpose
The inauguration ceremony formally introduced Unity to Serve International (USI), articulated the organization’s vision and purpose, highlighted community needs, and announced strategic partnerships aimed at empowering immigrant and refugee communities.
Guest Arrival & Registration
Guests were warmly welcomed upon arrival, registered, and enjoyed light refreshments. The atmosphere quickly settled into a welcoming, community-focused spirit that carried throughout the evening.
Opening Remarks
Dr. Frozan Nikzad, serving as the event facilitator, delivered heartfelt opening remarks emphasizing unity, service, and collective responsibility in uplifting immigrant and refugee communities. Her inspiring words set a purposeful and welcoming tone, fostering connection among all attendees and framing the evening’s program around shared values and community engagement.
Video Introduction
A short film introduced Unity to Serve International, highlighting the organization’s vision, mission, core programs, and the pressing challenges it aims to address. The presentation provided guests with a clear and compelling understanding of USI’s role in creating meaningful impact.
Executive Director Inauguration Speech
Mr. Ramin Khanzada, Executive Director of USI, delivered the inauguration speech, grounding the evening in both vision and lived experience.
He opened with a compelling vision:
“Imagine stepping into a room where every face radiates hope, every story embodies resilience, and every person feels truly seen, valued, and empowered. This is the future that Unity to Serve International is working tirelessly to create.”
Mr. Khanzada extended a warm welcome to distinguished guests, including Janessa Oriol, District Director for Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, county representatives, partners, professors, colleagues, friends, and members of USI’s Board of Directors. He also acknowledged Mr. Brad Adams as Strategic Adviser.
He outlined USI’s mission to empower immigrant and refugee communities—particularly Afghan women—through technology access, workforce development, digital literacy, health and family support, and community engagement. He emphasized that USI is not merely providing services but “igniting transformation.”
Drawing from his personal experiences with Afghan families resettling in California since 2021, Mr. Khanzada described Unity to Serve as “the bridge—a launchpad where individuals can gain experience, grow confidence, and take their first steps toward self-sufficiency.” He also announced plans to establish a dedicated Workforce Development Department for job placement, leadership training, and ongoing support.
He connected USI’s mission to his prior work with Women Integrity for Society Empowerment (WISE) Organization, which created 102 jobs in Afghanistan, 85% filled by women, framing Unity to Serve as the continuation of that dream—a vision of dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for every woman.
He concluded with a call to action, inviting attendees to join as volunteers, donors, mentors, and advocates.
Guest Speaker: Mr. Brad Adams
Mr. Brad Adams delivered remarks on “How Nonprofit Organizations Build Strong, Inclusive Communities and Foster Social Impact.” He highlighted the essential role of nonprofits in bridging gaps, creating spaces of belonging, and turning compassion into action. He emphasized partnerships, volunteerism, and community-driven initiatives as practical pathways to expand opportunities and strengthen social cohesion.
Survey Results Presentation: Needs and Challenges Among Afghan Immigrants in California
During the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Sultan Ahmad Aria presented findings from a comprehensive survey conducted by Unity to Serve International to understand the needs, challenges, and priorities of Afghan immigrants residing in California. Conducted between June and July 2025, the survey included 135 participants, offering a representative snapshot of the community’s current circumstances and aspirations.
Key survey findings included:
- Recent Resettlement: 57% of participants had arrived in the United States after 2021, reflecting recent waves of migration, while 34.8% had been in the U.S. since 2021 or earlier.
- Demographics: 54.8% identified as male and 44.4% as female, highlighting the perspectives of both men and women navigating resettlement challenges.
- Education: Nearly half of respondents held a bachelor’s degree, with others possessing high school diplomas, master’s degrees, or currently pursuing studies. Despite these achievements, only 12.1% were employed in roles fully aligned with their education, highlighting barriers to workforce integration.
- Employment & Income: 20% were employed full-time, 26.7% part-time, and 40% were actively seeking work. Nearly half reported an annual pre-tax income of less than $30,000.
- English Proficiency: Approximately 40% were intermediate speakers/writers, while 44% were fluent, suggesting additional support would benefit professional and educational integration.
- Community Needs: Participants prioritized job-related assistance, financial support, skills and training, educational and language programs, and support for children.
Mr. Aria concluded that the survey results provide a data-driven foundation for USI’s initiatives, guiding workforce development, vocational training, women’s empowerment, and broader community engagement strategies.
Panel Discussion: Afghan Immigrant Challenges, Solutions, and Future Vision
Moderator: Mr. Sultan Ahmad Aria
Panelists: Mr. Brad Adams, Dr. Massud Juya, Ms. Kawser Amine
The panel explored challenges, solutions, and a future vision for Afghan immigrants in California, offering insights from community outreach, entrepreneurship, and women’s advocacy perspectives.
Challenges:
- Language barriers, limited employment access, and financial constraints.
- Mental and social strain of resettlement (Mr. Adams).
- Gaps in entrepreneurial support and financial literacy (Dr. Juya).
- Cultural and gender-specific barriers affecting Afghan women (Ms. Amine).
Solutions:
- Mentorship programs, workshops, and volunteer-driven support (Mr. Adams).
- Entrepreneurial programs and partnerships for vocational growth (Dr. Juya).
- Women-focused leadership training and mentorship networks (Ms. Amine).
Vision:
- A thriving, economically independent, socially integrated Afghan community.
- Unity to Serve as a central bridge connecting newcomers with resources.
- Entrepreneurship, innovation, and community engagement as pillars of sustainable growth.
The discussion concluded by emphasizing collective responsibility among community organizations, policymakers, and stakeholders, reinforced by audience engagement and questions.
Partnership Presentation: Unity to Serve International & PomTech Global
Presenter: Mr. Jamshid Sultanzada, CEO of PomTech Global
Mr. Sultanzada presented the partnership project, detailing that 25 professional websites will be built for USI clients within one year. Each website package has a market value of $5,800, bringing the total project value to approximately $145,000. This milestone marks USI’s first major project supporting Afghan startup businesses.
The session concluded with the formal signing of the partnership agreement, symbolizing a shared commitment to serving Afghan entrepreneurs and fostering digital empowerment.
Book Raffle Giveaway: Helen Keller – An Inspiring Life
Following the partnership presentation, Dr. Frozan Nikzad and Mr. Ramin Khanzada hosted a Book Raffle Giveaway, highlighting Helen Keller’s life as a symbol of perseverance, education, and empowerment. Winners were announced and received copies of the book, reinforcing USI’s belief in education and shared inspiration within the community.
Appreciation Ceremony
Mr. Ramin Khanzada honored individuals and organizations whose collaboration made the event a success. Appreciation Letters were formally presented, recognizing invaluable contributions and reinforcing a culture of acknowledgment, partnership, and respect.
Closing Remarks
Mr. Nafe Sadat delivered closing remarks, expressing gratitude to guests, partners, and community members. He emphasized community collaboration, empowerment, and the power of partnerships, encouraging attendees to continue engagement in initiatives fostering opportunity, resilience, and hope. His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause.
Group Photo
Immediately following the closing remarks, all attendees gathered for a group photo, symbolizing unity, collaboration, and community. The photo captured the collective spirit of support for Afghan immigrants and the mission of USI.
Dinner & Networking
Attendees enjoyed Dinner and Networking, deepening connections, sharing reflections, and exploring opportunities for future collaboration. The gathering reinforced the evening’s central theme of unity and collective impact.
Live Music Performance
The evening concluded with a Live Music Performance by Mr. Mortaza Hagjo, Mr. Sohrab Siddiq, Mr. Kamal Ahmad, and Mr. Edress Osman. They performed eight songs, enriching the event with cultural vibrancy, harmony, and shared joy. This closing highlight left attendees with lasting memories of celebration, unity, and community spirit.
Impact
The inauguration gathered leaders, partners, and community members to celebrate USI’s launch as a transformative force for immigrants and refugees. With new partnerships, data-driven strategies, and an inspiring vision, the event embodied USI’s core message:
“Together, we serve with UNITY.”
