GFM Institute - June Topic - The Welcomer: Engaging Muslim Immigrants and Refugees

Featured Presenter: Mariya Dostzadah Goodbrake

Mariya Dostzadah is a native Afghan raised in Iran and India, before immigrating to Canada with her family. She relocated to the USA in 2012. She is the Founder and Director of Training of Branch Global, a training and
consulting firm that delivers intercultural solutions, diversity and inclusion training, and migrant services. In 2013, she founded Global FC, a non profit organization focused on youth development and family empowerment among the refugee community in Kansas City, specifically using soccer as a vehicle to achieve the organization vision. Previously, she served in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico for three years with International Medical Assistance, a medical missions organization. She served with Hope for Ishmael (USA, Jericho) and also The Crescent Project (USA) as regional director and assisting in the development and launch of their Women’s Program.

Mrs. Dostzadah is a Cultural Diversity Professional (CDP), active public speaker, intercultural trainer, researcher and training curriculum developer. With a background in refugee resettlement, direct ministry, and cross-cultural training, Mariya assists multiple organizations in faith-based initiatives. She also provides in-depth, professional training and testimony on how to bridge barriers between differing religions, cultures and lifestyles, weaving her story to add powerful real life insight to her teachings.

Her ongoing efforts in the local Kansas City area serves to empower and develop refugee communities, including the launch of her Refugee Soccer program in 2013. A holistic approach to youth and family development, the program has impacted over 150 refugee youth to date, representing over 18 nations. Her areas of expertise include: youth and sports development, diaspora community, insight into Muslim identity and worldview issues, relationship enhancement and how to effectively build bridges with Muslim populations.

As the only Afghan representative, she participated in the 2016 historic Lausanne Movement gathering in Jakarta, Indonesia. She is an alumni Next Generation Leader for the Center for Global Missions. She is a regular lecturer in Latin America for Perspectives: On the World Christian Movement. She also serves as a board member with CCA (Concerned Christians for Afghanistan). She has been featured in magazine publications or newspaper articles in the US, Canada, Mexico, Panama and most recently, Germany. She studied at the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada in Political Science and International Relations. She is fluent in English, Dari and Farsi.