Community first
We begin with lived experience, listen before designing and build with—not only for—community members.
About Tech4RIM
Built from lived experience. Designed for shared opportunity.
Tech4RIM is a Seattle-based community initiative working at the intersection of technology, public health, education and immigrant justice.
Our story
The idea started with lived experience.
Founder Afrikaan Sahra understands personally how access to information, education and opportunity can depend on whether technology is available, understandable and designed for the people using it.
Afrikaan studied computer science and business at Seattle University and later pursued graduate study in public health at the University of Washington. Tech4Refugees & Immigrants began in 2021 to connect technology, community advocacy and the knowledge refugees and immigrants already hold.
The public name Tech4RIM—Tech for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants—now explicitly includes all three communities. The mission remains grounded in a simple principle: communities should help shape the tools and systems that affect their lives.
How we work
Our commitments
These principles guide program design, partnerships, data collection and public storytelling.
Useful over flashy
Technology matters when it solves a real problem, works on everyday devices and is understandable.
Language is access
Multilingual communication and plain language are essential parts of equitable design.
Dignity & consent
People control whether and how their information, image and story are shared.
Leadership
Afrikaan Sahra, Founder
Afrikaan brings together lived refugee experience, community organizing, computer science and public health. Her work centers digital equity, culturally responsive communication and practical pathways for young people and newcomer communities.
Leadership
Board members
Tech4RIM’s board brings experience in social work, health navigation, technology, refugee advocacy, finance and youth entrepreneurship.
Board member
Bahja Idow
Bahja is a social worker and University of Washington alumna. Her work supports refugee and immigrant mothers, with a focus on maternal and women’s health.
Board member
Zakariya Osman
Zakariya has worked with refugees and immigrants in the health sector, helping community members navigate healthcare systems. He studied civil engineering, supply chain management and health statistics in India.
Board member
Hawa Abdiaziz
Hawa works across global refugee media, politics and public affairs. A technologist, she led programming in a refugee camp in Kenya and now works in refugee higher education and advocacy in Canada. She studied politics and international relations in Türkiye.
Board member
Abdallah Haji
Abdallah is a finance and accounting professional who supports refugees, immigrants and migrants with bookkeeping and helps small businesses strengthen their financial practices. He has also started entrepreneurship programs for refugee youth in Kenya and the United States. He is CPA-certified and studied business at Central Washington University.
The next chapter
Help shape an organization built to last.
Tech4RIM is strengthening its programs, partnerships, volunteer network and impact systems. We are looking for collaborators who value accountable, community-led growth.
Connect with Tech4RIM