This training will provide sexual health service providers with an in-depth understanding of Afghan culture and the unique dynamics of the Afghan community in Tulsa. Participants will learn effective communication strategies around sexual health topics, tailored to respect cultural values and sensitivities. Additionally, the session will offer practical tips on building trust and offering culturally competent care to our Afghan community.
Cost: There is no cost for this training.
Registration will close one week prior to the training date, or when registration reaches capacity.
This training will be facilitated by our community partners, Benafsha Tasmim, Molly Bryant, and Elham Kucirek, all of YWCA Tulsa.
Facilitators:
Benafsha Tasmim originates from Afghanistan and came to the United States to pursue her education. With over 10 years of experience working in the social justice and development field, Benafsha has developed the desire and ability to deeply impact the lives of at-risk populations to help them reach their goals and full potential. Currently, she is the Director of Case Management at YWCA Tulsa, where she provides trauma-informed and strengths-based case management services to immigrant and refugee clients. She develops and implements program strategies to meet the unique needs of these populations while strengthening community partner relationships to promote external resources and internal program development. Throughout her career, Benafsha has demonstrated a passion for empowering vulnerable populations through education, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives. Benafsha holds a master’s degree in International Development from SIT Graduate Institute.
Molly Bryant is a Licensed Master Social Worker and the Senior Director of Immigrant and Refugee Services at the YWCA Tulsa. She is a proud member of the Cherokee Nation and honored, alongside her sister and cousins, to be the 7th generation since the Trail of Tears. Molly is Community Faculty at OU’s School of Social Work with an emphasis on macro social work and tribal policy. Molly also sits on the board of the Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation and El Centro: New Sanctuary Empowerment Center. Before joining the YWCA, Molly spent many years in the anti-violence movement working with survivors of sexual violence. She has also worked as a case manager for immigrant youth in Tulsa, an English teacher in Ecuador, and a program manager in Mexico. Her leadership style centers around collective liberation, decolonization, and joy. In her spare time, Molly enjoys embroidery, gardening, and swimming in Oklahoma creeks with her partner, their curly-haired babies, and their goofy hound dogs.
Elham Kucirek originates from Iran and moved to the United States more than 10 years ago to pursue her education. She earned master’s degrees in business administration and in higher education and leadership, before joining YWCA. Elham is thrilled to have found her calling and is now in her third year following her passion of helping clients attain self-sufficiency as they settle down in their new lives in the US. She presently works as a refugee health manager where her team assists clients to learn about the health system and finding solution for their health-related problems. She not only focuses on physical health but also takes care to address mental health as well. She connects refugees to the available health resources right for them. In her free time, Elham is a craft person and loves to create items and gifts with love. She married the American love of her life and enjoys sharing both cultures in their home. She has two young sons that are her motivation for helping clients to make their life better and easier.