At the heart of Jumpstart Refugee Talent is a community of individuals driven by resilience, compassion, and a commitment to empowering refugee newcomers. One such individual is Nigara Shaheen, one of Jumpstart’s Talent Associates, whose personal journey and professional dedication exemplify the spirit of the organization. 

Why I joined Jumpstart:  

As a refugee athlete navigating a period of transition, I’ve been looking for ways to stay true to my personal values, especially giving back to the refugee community. I could not have found a better place than Jumpstart, where refugees are seen as assets, not just beneficiaries. 

What “refugee talent” means to me:  

Refugees are rarely associated with positive words, yet refugee talent highlights the strengths and skills they bring with them, shifting the narrative and showing that refugees are valuable contributors, not just survivors. 

About Nigara  

Nigara Shaheen is a two-time Olympian (Tokyo 2020 & Paris 2024) and international development professional who blends high-performance resilience with expertise in international trade, economic development, and stakeholder engagement. With a postgraduate degree in International Development and a master’s in International Trade, she has worked across government, international organizations, and nonprofits to advance inclusive economic growth and empower marginalized communities. An award-winning speaker featured at global forums such as the Hillary Rodham Clinton Global Challenges Summit and One Young World, she now serves as a Talent Associate at Jumpstart Refugee Talent, where she supports refugee newcomer refugees in building meaningful career pathways.